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The Book of Lies
In the archetypal homicide, Cain, a farmer, kills his brother Abel, a shepherd. The earliest account, in the fourth chapter of Genesis, lacks one telling What weapon did Cain use? Two thousand years later, another murder occurs, this time in a small New York store. Shopkeeper Mitchell Siegel dies in a hail of bullets, but, like Cain's primordial weapon, the gun has never been recovered. Of course, the violent death of a single Lithuanian immigrant has scarcely any imprint on bustling New York, but it does have a major effect on one young man, Mitchell's teenage son, Jerry. Perhaps in an effort to exorcise that piercing event, Jerry Siegel created a bulletproof man, who became the world's most famous Superman. In The Book of Lies, novelist/poet Brad Meltzer interlaces the story of Cain and the story behind Superman and brings them kicking and screaming into our own time.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 2, 2008
874 people are currently reading
7100 people want to read
About the author
Brad Meltzer
321 books7,209 followersBrad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and eleven other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, about a secret plot to kill JFK before he was sworn in – and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos and inspired the PBS KIDS TV show, Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. His newest kids books are We are the Beatles, We are the Beatles, and I am Simone Biles. His newest inspirational book is Make Magic, based on his viral commencement address.
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award.
He is also the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, and is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag that the firefighters raised at Ground Zero, making national news on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. Meltzer unveiled the flag at the 9/11 Museum in New York, where it is now on display. See the video here. The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on their list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.
He also recently delivered the commencement address at the University of Michigan, in front of 70,000 people, including his graduating son. Entitled Make Magic and called “one of the best commencement addresses of all time,” it’s been shared millions of times across social media. Do yourself a favor, watch it here and buy the book here.
For sure, it’s tough to find anyone being so successful in so many different mediums of the popular culture. But why does Brad thrive in all these different professions? His belief that ordinary people change the world. It is that core belief that runs through every one of his projects.
His newest thriller, The Lightning Rod, brings back characters Nola and Zig in a setting that will blow your mind (you won't believe where the government let Brad go). For now, we'll say this: What's the one secret no one knows about you? It's about to come out. Nearly 2,000 five-star reviews. Raves by everyone from the Wall Street Journal, to James Patterson, to Brad's mother-in-law. Plus that twist at the end! And yes, the new Zig & Nola thriller is coming soon!
His newest non-fiction book, The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy -- and Why It Failed, which he wrote with Josh Mensch, is a true story about a secret assassination plot to kill JFK at the start of his Presidency and, if successful, would’ve changed history.
His illustrated children’s books I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln, which he does with artist Chris Eliopoulos, were written for his own children, to give them better heroes to look up to. Try them. You won’t believe how inspired you and your family will be. Some of our favorites in the series are I am Mister Rogers and I am Dolly Parton.
His other non-fiction books, Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, are collections of heroes – from Jim Henson to Sally Ride — that he’s been working on since the day his kids were born and is on sale now, as well as History Decoded: The 10 Greatest Conspiracies of All Time.
He’s also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby.
Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. The Tenth Justice was his first published work and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Dead Even followed a year later and also hit the New York Times bestseller list, as have all thirteen of his novels. The First Counsel came next, which was about a White House lawyer dating the President’s daughter, then The Millionaires, which was about two brothers who
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,373 reviews
December 12, 2014
Two and half stars.
I hate Nazis. I hate them on principle and I hate them when they’re used by a lazy writer as a convenient threat. (If I were a GIF guy, I would have inserted Harrison Ford/Indiana Jones saying, “I hate Nazis” right about here). Combine Nazis with the occult, as Meltzer does here, and you have the crappy TV fare that runs frequently on what my wife calls the “Hitler” channel. As in:
Wife: “Are you watching the Hitler channel again?
Me: “This is a documentary on Pearl Harbor”
Wife: “Still. The Hitler channel. Please put the baseball game on. Now!”*
So we have, Nazis, the occult, ancient artifacts, Superman’s creator, an estranged father and son, Cleveland, an ex-minister, a gun that shoots hemlock, alligators, plot points that go nowhere, red herrings that don’t go where you would expect, orphans, Cleveland, federal agents, Thules, some biblical stuff, and more strained coincidences than you can shake a stick at. And Cleveland.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind coincidences. Charles Dickens, one of my favorite authors, repeatedly used this literary device as his stock-in-trade. At times, the coincidences unveil like your random, violent, mediocre television procedural: NCIS, Criminal Minds, BJ and the Bear.
For those readers looking for something approximating Meltzer’s comic book work, I would suggest looking elsewhere. This isn’t a bad book, it was a relatively quick read, entertaining in spots and his tribute to Jerry Siegel’s legacy as Superman’s creator was laudable.
A character in this book talked about the concept of living one’s life backwards, ala Benjamin Button. Extending this idea to reading books, no matter how crappy the book, you’ll always be happy and excited when encountering a book, because by living your life in reverse it will always be before you started reading it, when your experience was full of hope and anticipation.
*To be accurate, she didn’t say “Please”.
I hate Nazis. I hate them on principle and I hate them when they’re used by a lazy writer as a convenient threat. (If I were a GIF guy, I would have inserted Harrison Ford/Indiana Jones saying, “I hate Nazis” right about here). Combine Nazis with the occult, as Meltzer does here, and you have the crappy TV fare that runs frequently on what my wife calls the “Hitler” channel. As in:
Wife: “Are you watching the Hitler channel again?
Me: “This is a documentary on Pearl Harbor”
Wife: “Still. The Hitler channel. Please put the baseball game on. Now!”*
So we have, Nazis, the occult, ancient artifacts, Superman’s creator, an estranged father and son, Cleveland, an ex-minister, a gun that shoots hemlock, alligators, plot points that go nowhere, red herrings that don’t go where you would expect, orphans, Cleveland, federal agents, Thules, some biblical stuff, and more strained coincidences than you can shake a stick at. And Cleveland.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind coincidences. Charles Dickens, one of my favorite authors, repeatedly used this literary device as his stock-in-trade. At times, the coincidences unveil like your random, violent, mediocre television procedural: NCIS, Criminal Minds, BJ and the Bear.
For those readers looking for something approximating Meltzer’s comic book work, I would suggest looking elsewhere. This isn’t a bad book, it was a relatively quick read, entertaining in spots and his tribute to Jerry Siegel’s legacy as Superman’s creator was laudable.
A character in this book talked about the concept of living one’s life backwards, ala Benjamin Button. Extending this idea to reading books, no matter how crappy the book, you’ll always be happy and excited when encountering a book, because by living your life in reverse it will always be before you started reading it, when your experience was full of hope and anticipation.
*To be accurate, she didn’t say “Please”.
December 16, 2018
Maniacal sect of villains working around the clock to get in motion obscure biblical plots stretching through the centuris. Eww.
Q:
“Roosevelt, I’m trying hard to not be paranoid. I really am. But now my long-lost father just happens to be bleeding in the one park that just happens to be on the homeless route of his long abandoned son, who just happens to’ve worked at the one place that just happens to be holding on to the one package that he just happens to be trying to pick up? Forget the designer shoes—that’s a helluva lotta happenstance, with an extra-large order of coincidence.” (c)
Q:
Life is filled with trapdoors. (c)
Q:
You need to understand something Cal-in this world, we're not humans having a divine experience. We're divine beings having a human experience. (c)
Q:
We all live best in our imaginations. (c)
Q:
Tell your story.
That's the secret of immortality. The one true way to live forever. (c)
Q:
The problem is, the last time I stood around and did nothing, I lost my mom. I could’ve helped . . . could’ve run forward . . . But I didn’t. (c)
Q:
Tonight’s bullet wound was nothing. The sharpest pains in life come from our own swords. (c)
Q:
Q:
“Roosevelt, I’m trying hard to not be paranoid. I really am. But now my long-lost father just happens to be bleeding in the one park that just happens to be on the homeless route of his long abandoned son, who just happens to’ve worked at the one place that just happens to be holding on to the one package that he just happens to be trying to pick up? Forget the designer shoes—that’s a helluva lotta happenstance, with an extra-large order of coincidence.” (c)
Q:
Life is filled with trapdoors. (c)
Q:
You need to understand something Cal-in this world, we're not humans having a divine experience. We're divine beings having a human experience. (c)
Q:
We all live best in our imaginations. (c)
Q:
Tell your story.
That's the secret of immortality. The one true way to live forever. (c)
Q:
The problem is, the last time I stood around and did nothing, I lost my mom. I could’ve helped . . . could’ve run forward . . . But I didn’t. (c)
Q:
Tonight’s bullet wound was nothing. The sharpest pains in life come from our own swords. (c)
Q:
October 8, 2008
Give Brad Metlzer props for his ambition. Some writers would be content to merely create a conspiracy laden story about the first murder in history, that of Abel by his brother Cain. Others would be intrigued to explore the alleged murder of Mitchell Seigel and how that lead to the creation of the most-recognized superhero in the world, Superman.
"The Book of Lies" focues on the mysteries surrounding both deaths and the impact they have on the life of our hero, Cal Harper. Years ago, Cal's mother was killed in a fight with his father. Dad went to jail and Cal was orphaned, losing all contact with his father until one fateful night. While out on a round for the homeless shelter he works at, Cal finds his father, shot and bleeding. Cal takes him to the hospital and before long is caught up in a vast conspiracy involving the original creators of Superman and the question of just what exactly was "the mark of Cain."
Meltzer keeps the pace of "The Book of Lies" fast enough that despite some absurd and crazy plot twists, that it's easy to go with the flow and not say, "Oh come on now." This is the book-equivalent of a pop-corn movie--just sit back and enjoy the fun and don't overthink it. (I know..that's hard for me, but I did it). If you do that, you'll probably enjoy this a great deal. I did and while it may not be the best book I've ever read and stick with me years from now, I had a lot of fun reading it. Meltzer has a great writing style that is fun and the momentum of the story kept the plot moving.
About the only detail that really took me out of the book was the revelation of who is behind the plot. But it wasn't enough to ruin this one for me.
"The Book of Lies" focues on the mysteries surrounding both deaths and the impact they have on the life of our hero, Cal Harper. Years ago, Cal's mother was killed in a fight with his father. Dad went to jail and Cal was orphaned, losing all contact with his father until one fateful night. While out on a round for the homeless shelter he works at, Cal finds his father, shot and bleeding. Cal takes him to the hospital and before long is caught up in a vast conspiracy involving the original creators of Superman and the question of just what exactly was "the mark of Cain."
Meltzer keeps the pace of "The Book of Lies" fast enough that despite some absurd and crazy plot twists, that it's easy to go with the flow and not say, "Oh come on now." This is the book-equivalent of a pop-corn movie--just sit back and enjoy the fun and don't overthink it. (I know..that's hard for me, but I did it). If you do that, you'll probably enjoy this a great deal. I did and while it may not be the best book I've ever read and stick with me years from now, I had a lot of fun reading it. Meltzer has a great writing style that is fun and the momentum of the story kept the plot moving.
About the only detail that really took me out of the book was the revelation of who is behind the plot. But it wasn't enough to ruin this one for me.
September 4, 2008
Oh man, I wanted so very much to like this book. Honestly, it's in a no man's land between 2 stars (It was OK) and 3 (I liked it). I liked parts. I love/adore the concept. But the execution does NOT match the level of expectation I have.
It's not that Meltzer is a bad writer. The closest and easiest (also laziest) comparison that you could make to this book would be Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons - take something ingrained in the public consciousness and give it an elaborate back story. And this one is stupendous: connecting the creation of Superman to the story of Cain and Abel. Overall though, Meltzer is a better writer, just stylistically. (Although someone please explain to me why chapters that are 1.5-2 pages long are considered ok in the world of thrillers, because seriously, I do not understand.)
The characters and the plotting can't live up to this epic idea though. The twists and turns of who The Prophet (a mole leaking info to the bad guys) are ok... but the problem is, I was just convinced that Meltzer was convinced that his readers were stupid and had to really SPELL IT OUT, instead of thinking that perhaps it was a red herring.
I just imagine this idea in the hands of Chabon or Gaiman, and weep a little for what might have been.
[Oh, and I listed Joss Whedon as who recommended it to me, because had he not been in the trailer, I would not have read it.:]
It's not that Meltzer is a bad writer. The closest and easiest (also laziest) comparison that you could make to this book would be Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons - take something ingrained in the public consciousness and give it an elaborate back story. And this one is stupendous: connecting the creation of Superman to the story of Cain and Abel. Overall though, Meltzer is a better writer, just stylistically. (Although someone please explain to me why chapters that are 1.5-2 pages long are considered ok in the world of thrillers, because seriously, I do not understand.)
The characters and the plotting can't live up to this epic idea though. The twists and turns of who The Prophet (a mole leaking info to the bad guys) are ok... but the problem is, I was just convinced that Meltzer was convinced that his readers were stupid and had to really SPELL IT OUT, instead of thinking that perhaps it was a red herring.
I just imagine this idea in the hands of Chabon or Gaiman, and weep a little for what might have been.
[Oh, and I listed Joss Whedon as who recommended it to me, because had he not been in the trailer, I would not have read it.:]
December 26, 2018
This is the first novel I've read by Mr. Meltzer. It wasn't really an auspicious beginning.
The novel here revolves around a supposed conspiracy that ties together the murder of Able by his brother Cain and the murder of Jerry Siegel's (the creator of Superman) father.
The problem here is something I've said about other books and something i plan to say about the book I picked up just after this one. There's just too much book for the story it tells. We are involved here with a series (apparently) of father/son stories and the emotional angst that goes with it. Tie in a convoluted conspiracy theory a homicidal maniac and about a ton of cliches...mix well add reams superfluous dialogue and you have the book.
Oh also complete with a dash of weak climax/ending....and THEN you have the book.
So, not terrible. I got tired of it. This was aggravated by the fact that he used one of the cliches I find particularly annoying. This is the character who is "so sure of everything" they NEVER listen. We also get the character "who made one big mistake that ruined his life and NO ONE will let him live it down".
Does anyone remember an old TV series from the 1960s called Branded? The story of a cavalry officer accused of cowardice at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The plot of each episode revolved around him running into someone who'd lost a husband, a child, a cousin or someone in the battle (I think possibly a horse he met lost a foal there to, and had it in for him???). One was left with the feeling that there had to have been thousands of men killed if everybody had a relative or loved one there...and they're all obsessed with not letting Jason McCord (our hero) get on with his life.
Same here. This guy will NEVER be allowed to live down his mistake...EVER.
Oh well. Like I said I don't hate the book, but I did find it slow. The conspiracy was an interesting idea with some nice turns in it's "uncovering" but it was smothered in a lumbering story filled with emotional overindulgence and the same ground being covered multiple times. Not great.
Some like this one more than me of course as is always the case. As always with "borderline reads" I suggest that if have a doubt you try it yourself. As for me, I have one other Meltzer book on hold at the library. I may get it, not sure yet. If I do my hoe is I like it better.
The novel here revolves around a supposed conspiracy that ties together the murder of Able by his brother Cain and the murder of Jerry Siegel's (the creator of Superman) father.
The problem here is something I've said about other books and something i plan to say about the book I picked up just after this one. There's just too much book for the story it tells. We are involved here with a series (apparently) of father/son stories and the emotional angst that goes with it. Tie in a convoluted conspiracy theory a homicidal maniac and about a ton of cliches...mix well add reams superfluous dialogue and you have the book.
Oh also complete with a dash of weak climax/ending....and THEN you have the book.
So, not terrible. I got tired of it. This was aggravated by the fact that he used one of the cliches I find particularly annoying. This is the character who is "so sure of everything" they NEVER listen. We also get the character "who made one big mistake that ruined his life and NO ONE will let him live it down".
Does anyone remember an old TV series from the 1960s called Branded? The story of a cavalry officer accused of cowardice at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The plot of each episode revolved around him running into someone who'd lost a husband, a child, a cousin or someone in the battle (I think possibly a horse he met lost a foal there to, and had it in for him???). One was left with the feeling that there had to have been thousands of men killed if everybody had a relative or loved one there...and they're all obsessed with not letting Jason McCord (our hero) get on with his life.
Same here. This guy will NEVER be allowed to live down his mistake...EVER.
Oh well. Like I said I don't hate the book, but I did find it slow. The conspiracy was an interesting idea with some nice turns in it's "uncovering" but it was smothered in a lumbering story filled with emotional overindulgence and the same ground being covered multiple times. Not great.
Some like this one more than me of course as is always the case. As always with "borderline reads" I suggest that if have a doubt you try it yourself. As for me, I have one other Meltzer book on hold at the library. I may get it, not sure yet. If I do my hoe is I like it better.
July 19, 2014
Having never read Brad Meltzer before, the dust jacket art and title intrigued me enough to try it out. Now having read it, said "Huh?", then looked at other reviewers' comments - I might try another Meltzer, but will have to rest before the attempt. He can definitely tell a story, but this one didn't always make much sense. I can suspend belief for stretches, but at some point my fantasy meter gets pegged and I must return to an earth-bound reality.
April 10, 2012
This New York Times Bestseller offers a compelling premise--a close tie between the creation of Superman and Cain's murder of his brother Abel--that in the end suffered due to a predictable ending and strained tension.[return][return]In modern day Fort Lauderdale, Cal Harper is forced to confront his past when he finds his estranged father bleeding out in a park. The former ICE agent is curious that his father holds a shipping manifest, and seems all too tight-lipped about the past decade of his life since leaving prison. When a sinister man named Ellis arrives and manipulates the father and son like chess pieces, it's all they can do to survive--and run. To Cleveland. Because Superman's creator is somehow connected to his father's shooting and this man named Ellis, and the race is on to find the Book of Lies.[return][return]I will say one big thing in favor of this book: it's a fast read. The chapters are short, and the action pushes along quickly. Much of the tension feels contrived because of a lack of information. The viewpoint switches between characters, including the villainous Ellis, and yet everyone seems to learn the same information at the exact same times. Convenient for the story, and grating on the intellect. None of the characters feels fully realized, not even Cal with his first-person narrative. The behind-the-scenes villain is frustratingly obvious from the very beginning.[return][return]I admit, I had higher expectations for this book. Rather silly of me, I know. It does raise some interesting questions about the murder of Mitchell Siegel in 1932, and how that likely inspired his son to create a bullet-proof superhero. I enjoyed that background information when the genuine facts came into play. But how everything pieces together? Meh. This one will be traded in as soon as possible.
October 1, 2008
Joss Whedon led me astry when he was in a commercial for this. Juvenile plot with two dimensional characters that somehow seem to bust conspiracies with the power of Google and Wkipaedia. The characters just run into answers without showing any skill in acquiring them. I didn't hate this book but I didn't enjoy it either. It does leave me wondering why its popular though.
August 26, 2012
This book was absolutely fantasic. The pages just flew by. I read it in a day and a half because I had such a hard time putting it down. I kept telling myself that I'd only read one more chapter and that'd be it.....ha! That sure didn't work!
The book was smart, fast-paced, and every chapter left me wanting more; I just had to find out what happened and what it all meant.
I think his Decoded show is fasinating, and this book was no diffenrent.
If you haven't read this book, I suggest you give it a try; I don't think you'll be disappointed.
The book was smart, fast-paced, and every chapter left me wanting more; I just had to find out what happened and what it all meant.
I think his Decoded show is fasinating, and this book was no diffenrent.
If you haven't read this book, I suggest you give it a try; I don't think you'll be disappointed.
October 21, 2008
I chose to read this book because of Meltzer's research into the events behind the creation of Superman. This research would have made a very interesting nonfiction book, but the author chose to surround it with a thriller.
I've determined that I really hate thrillers, because they seem to be universally terrible, and not written for people like me. Somebody can come along and write a thriller about everything I love in the world, and I will refuse to read it. I have a closet stuffed with better options.
I've determined that I really hate thrillers, because they seem to be universally terrible, and not written for people like me. Somebody can come along and write a thriller about everything I love in the world, and I will refuse to read it. I have a closet stuffed with better options.
August 29, 2018
If you liked The Da Vinci Code, you might like this. It is built on the same premise--chasing an artifact, an evil group also wanting it, some ludicrous mystical/Biblical connection, and our protagonist in dire danger. There is, I’m sorry to say, a rather predictable twist at the end that I saw coming from about Chapter Two. In fact, the only interesting thing about this book for me was the background story about Jerry Siegel, the inventor of Superman, and the bits and pieces of that which were interesting and true.
This is not my kind of book. It was given to me quite a while ago by someone who loved it. I knew it wasn’t my taste but sort of felt compelled to take it. I can now say two things in truth: 1) I have read it and 2)I will just say no to the next book that I have no interest in but have foisted upon me by a well-meaning friend.
This is not my kind of book. It was given to me quite a while ago by someone who loved it. I knew it wasn’t my taste but sort of felt compelled to take it. I can now say two things in truth: 1) I have read it and 2)I will just say no to the next book that I have no interest in but have foisted upon me by a well-meaning friend.
April 13, 2017
Sadly I'm on a streak of library audio books that suck. This one had a normal enough start and then got into something that didn't follow and wandered all over looking for a plot.
May 8, 2020
The Book of Lies connects the biblical story of Cain and Abel with the creation of Superman Comics.
Not as intriguing as I hoped, given the premise.
I bought this book during the Borders Bookstore Liquidation Sale of 2011 and finally got around to reading The Book of Lies in 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Favorite Passages:
During our first year as agents, Timothy and I ripped open a suspicious crate and found two hundred snakes with their anuses sewed shut, their stomachs filled with diamonds they'd been forced to swallow. There's no end to what people will try to hide.
_______
"Life is a monster, Calvin. Especially when it doesn't turn out the way you hoped. But that doesn't mean you can hide from it."
_______
"The ship is called the Statendam. It leaves from Rottterdam," Thick Glasses explained.
_______
"Only way to find is to seek."
_______
"Go Google M*A*S*H. It'll make you smarter."
_______
"Comic books aren't just a ragbag of words and pictures. The Superman story exists in every culture on this planet. We all need our heroes. And our villains. . . There's nothing wrong with wanting someone to save us - or admitting we can't do it all ourselves."
_______
". . . most people don't really want to know their parents. They just want to know themselves."
"That doesn't make me feel better."
"It will when you think about it," she promises. "I'm a mother. We're not wrong."
From AUTHOR'S NOTE:
. . . in a place like America, which was founded on our own legends and myths, I believe it's vital that we know where those myths come from, even if it means admitting our own vulnerabilities. That's how we truly honor our heroes.
For me, Superman's greatest contribution has never been the superhero part: it's the Clark Kent part - the idea that any of us, in all our ordinariness, can change the world.
Not as intriguing as I hoped, given the premise.
I bought this book during the Borders Bookstore Liquidation Sale of 2011 and finally got around to reading The Book of Lies in 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Favorite Passages:
During our first year as agents, Timothy and I ripped open a suspicious crate and found two hundred snakes with their anuses sewed shut, their stomachs filled with diamonds they'd been forced to swallow. There's no end to what people will try to hide.
_______
"Life is a monster, Calvin. Especially when it doesn't turn out the way you hoped. But that doesn't mean you can hide from it."
_______
"The ship is called the Statendam. It leaves from Rottterdam," Thick Glasses explained.
_______
"Only way to find is to seek."
_______
"Go Google M*A*S*H. It'll make you smarter."
_______
"Comic books aren't just a ragbag of words and pictures. The Superman story exists in every culture on this planet. We all need our heroes. And our villains. . . There's nothing wrong with wanting someone to save us - or admitting we can't do it all ourselves."
_______
". . . most people don't really want to know their parents. They just want to know themselves."
"That doesn't make me feel better."
"It will when you think about it," she promises. "I'm a mother. We're not wrong."
From AUTHOR'S NOTE:
. . . in a place like America, which was founded on our own legends and myths, I believe it's vital that we know where those myths come from, even if it means admitting our own vulnerabilities. That's how we truly honor our heroes.
For me, Superman's greatest contribution has never been the superhero part: it's the Clark Kent part - the idea that any of us, in all our ordinariness, can change the world.
September 29, 2008
In Chapter Four of the Bible, Cain kills Abel. It is the world's most famous murder. But the Bible is silent about one key detail: the weapon Cain used to kill his brother. That weapon is still lost to history. In 1932, Mitchell Siegel was killed by three gunshots to his chest. While mourning, his son dreamed of a bulletproof man and created the world's greatest hero: Superman. And like Cain's murder weapon, the gun used in this unsolved murder has never been found. Until now.
Today in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Cal Harper comes face-to-face with his family's greatest secret: his long-lost father, who's been shot with a gun that traces back to Mitchell Siegel's 1932 murder. But before Cal can ask a single question, he and his father are attacked by a ruthless killer tattooed with the ancient markings of Cain. And so begins the chase for the world's first murder weapon.
What does Cain, history's greatest villain, have to do with Superman, the world's greatest hero? And what do two murders, committed thousands of years apart, have in common?
This is the mystery at the heart of Brad Meltzer's riveting and utterly intriguing new thriller.
REVIEW:
According to the fourth chapter of Genesis, Cain and Abel ,the first children born of Adam and Eve began the whirlwind treasure hunting roller coaster ride of ,"The Book of Lies."
When Cain chose to kill his brother, Abel he committed the sin of murder and so it was unleashed to the world. An all forgiving God , decided Cain would live out his life roaming the earth, but gave him forgiveness with a mark that protected him from the same fate of his brother. The mystery continued with the search for the weapon that Cain used to kill Abel with?
Was the murder weapon a horn of an animal, a rock or even a jaw bone.The mystery of the murder weapon unfolds...
In 1932, Jerry Mitchell created the most worshipped hero, the immortal, bullet proof man, "Superman", after the brutal murder of his father, Mitchell Siegel. A murder that has still to be solved. Was he shot ? Or did he die of a heart attack? His family is still conflicting the verdict.
This is where these two murders collide... The search for this answer is the root of the suspense of Brad Meltzer's new thriller, " The Book of Lies."
In the middle of the search is Cal Harper. A good samaritan, a hero for the homeless and ex-ICE agent in Florida.
On one fateful night Cal and his partner Roosevelt, a defrocked Methodist pastor, stumble over a homeless man who was shot and bleeding in a park. Cal, surprisingly discovered it was a man he had not seen for nineteen years, his own father, Lloyd Harper.
The last time Cal saw his father was through the eyes of a scared 9 year old who had just witnessed the murder of his mother by the hand's of his father. The moment when Cal became an orphan.
In the rush to the hospital, he searches his father's possessions, where he finds a shipment receipt, one of many he had seen before as a Customs agent. Unbenounced to him, Cal is not the only on after the shipment...With this the whirlwind of search, betrayal and murder unfold in this page turning plot, for the search of the "Book of Lies."
Meltzer brilliantly showcases a story of the relationship and trials between a father and son with the murders of the biblical son, Abel and the homicide of the father of the creator of "Superman," Mitchell Siegel. The shipment Cal discovers is the key to uniting the mysteries of these crimes.."
The thrilling suspense collides with the first truth in the Book of Lies: "In the chosen families, the son was always far more dangerous than the father."
With the search of the most historical truth, other suspects are always pulling the strings and never too far behind waiting to steal the treasure as soon as Cal and his father find it.
Meltzer has done a phenomenal job adding intriguing characters. He sums it all up in his foreword stating that,
"Every writer has a story they've been waiting their whole life to tell. This is mine. The book is fiction, but it is based on fact. Most important, ‘The Book of Lies' isn't just a thriller about hero and villain. It's a story about us — the idea that all of us, in all our ordinariness, can change the world. The best stories are the ones we believe in. This is one I hope will challenge your beliefs."
This book is definitely a thumbs up! It will touch your heart, make your pressure rise and draw you closer to the search of historical mysteries. All in a swift story where heroes like "Superman" are born and ordinary men like, Cal find their inner heroes, the one is all of us...
Maddie
Book of Lies
By Brad Meltzer
Grand Central, $25.99
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2009
For The Book of Lies, Brad Meltzer creates a clever story idea when he weaves the creation of the Superman comic with finding the weapon that killed Abel. Yes, that Abel…from Genesis. Calvin Harper is a former (read: not-so-honorably discharged) ICE agent who has taken on the job of driving around picking up drunk and disorderly/homeless clients for a local shelter where he also befriends and helps troubled youth. He’s the good guy. On the other side of the plot is Ellis (Edward Belasco) with what he thinks is a God-given right to have/take/steal/kill for the artifact that Cal Harper is sort of stumbling into finding. And Cal’s stumbling into finding this artifact because his long-lost father has stumbled back into his life with a bang.
Meltzer’s style switches from first person when Cal’s narrating to third person POV when we’re seeing events through anyone else’s eyes. This might throw some readers at first, but it offers an intriguing way to keep a few secrets from the reader. Once you get the hang of the switching POV (which is truly easy to do with Meltzer’s professional hand), the pages start flying by. Meltzer throws in a twist after a surprise after a sinister foreshadowing after another twist…it’s a fast-paced race to unravel lies and find answers that lead the good guys to the treasure before the bad guys can get there. I found myself disappointed in the characters themselves. I should have adored Cal, but I just couldn’t do it. Despite his compassion for the clients he “saves,” he doesn’t have the right compassion for his father. When he “steals” his dad’s lady friend, who I don’t have a lot of patience with anyway, I get a sour taste in my mouth. Of course, his dad is not exactly a saint, either. Even the detective chasing Cal to solve her partner’s murder from early in the novel (one of those twists that propels the plot into fast forward) doesn’t feel real or sympathetic to me. Luckily, Meltzer feels like such an incredible writer and can paint such vivid, recognizable scenes in The Book of Lies that I didn’t need to fall head over heels for any of the characters to enjoy the story and tear through the pages to see how the story was going to end.
I highly recommend The Book of Lies for thriller/mystery and action-adventure readers. It’s a great story with a fulfilling ending.
From Fantasy Author Sandy Lender
Meltzer’s style switches from first person when Cal’s narrating to third person POV when we’re seeing events through anyone else’s eyes. This might throw some readers at first, but it offers an intriguing way to keep a few secrets from the reader. Once you get the hang of the switching POV (which is truly easy to do with Meltzer’s professional hand), the pages start flying by. Meltzer throws in a twist after a surprise after a sinister foreshadowing after another twist…it’s a fast-paced race to unravel lies and find answers that lead the good guys to the treasure before the bad guys can get there. I found myself disappointed in the characters themselves. I should have adored Cal, but I just couldn’t do it. Despite his compassion for the clients he “saves,” he doesn’t have the right compassion for his father. When he “steals” his dad’s lady friend, who I don’t have a lot of patience with anyway, I get a sour taste in my mouth. Of course, his dad is not exactly a saint, either. Even the detective chasing Cal to solve her partner’s murder from early in the novel (one of those twists that propels the plot into fast forward) doesn’t feel real or sympathetic to me. Luckily, Meltzer feels like such an incredible writer and can paint such vivid, recognizable scenes in The Book of Lies that I didn’t need to fall head over heels for any of the characters to enjoy the story and tear through the pages to see how the story was going to end.
I highly recommend The Book of Lies for thriller/mystery and action-adventure readers. It’s a great story with a fulfilling ending.
From Fantasy Author Sandy Lender
August 23, 2011
Yet another quasi-religious, action-adventure conspiracy book. I'm a sucker for these things. But unlike a lot of others I've read this one is a little different.
Firstly there were no exotic locations. No tramping around cathedrals and crypts. No catacombs or canals. All the action was limited to Florida and Ohio with one brief flashback to Sweden.
Secondly there was no history lessons, only a little bit of Bible lore. This was both good and bad. Good in that it was a nice break from the ones I normally read, bad in that I like those history lessons :P
The action was good and I liked the villain (both seen and unseen) but would have preferred to see a bit more. The link with Jerry Siegel and the creation of Superman was great.
For me the biggest letdown was the ending. It was just too quick and too... nice. Just needed a bit more too it.
In all though it was a good book and I would like to read more from the author.
Firstly there were no exotic locations. No tramping around cathedrals and crypts. No catacombs or canals. All the action was limited to Florida and Ohio with one brief flashback to Sweden.
Secondly there was no history lessons, only a little bit of Bible lore. This was both good and bad. Good in that it was a nice break from the ones I normally read, bad in that I like those history lessons :P
The action was good and I liked the villain (both seen and unseen) but would have preferred to see a bit more. The link with Jerry Siegel and the creation of Superman was great.
For me the biggest letdown was the ending. It was just too quick and too... nice. Just needed a bit more too it.
In all though it was a good book and I would like to read more from the author.
June 13, 2016
Meltzer is always good for a book about Washington secrets. It was fine, I still had a book hangover from End of Watch.
March 26, 2017
i like brad meltzer. i read so many action books by different author. but i like brad. his writing is easy to follow and reminds me a bit of dan brown.
i dont understand serena though. i think her character is useless in this book. is she there because she acts as a glue between cal and his dad? 8 am sure it could be more emotional for cal if serena is not there.
but i enjoy the book.
i dont understand serena though. i think her character is useless in this book. is she there because she acts as a glue between cal and his dad? 8 am sure it could be more emotional for cal if serena is not there.
but i enjoy the book.
June 29, 2023
Comment Caïn a-t-il tué son frère Abel? Que c’est-il passé ensuite?
Qui a tué le père du créateur de Superman? Pourquoi?
L’auteur de ce roman entrelace ces deux évènements dans une enquête mélangeant le vrai et le faux, le réaliste et l’invraisemblable. Une lecture d’été « correcte ».
Qui a tué le père du créateur de Superman? Pourquoi?
L’auteur de ce roman entrelace ces deux évènements dans une enquête mélangeant le vrai et le faux, le réaliste et l’invraisemblable. Une lecture d’été « correcte ».
March 9, 2013
Brad Meltzer's The Book of Lies is a unique and quick read (I could not put it down). The illustrations are wonderful and add a fun dimension to the reading experience. I must admit that it is also the first book of Meltzer's I have ever read, and I would like some suggestions from some of his readers as to what I should read next.
The Book of Lies tells the story of history's most notorious murder: the murder of Abel by his brother, Cain. The Bible story depicted in Genesis Chapter 4 gives motive for the murder, but it leaves out one very important detail: the murder weapon. Fast forward a few thousand years to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1932, Mitchell Siegel was shot during a robbery. During the aftermath of the murder, young Jerry Siegel invents the world's best known superhero: Superman! Superman is bulletproof, and, as Meltzer points out in the book, Jerry Siegel never once mentioned his father's murder in interviews. So you may be asking yourself: what do these two murders have in common? The answer: The Book of Lies. The Book of Lies is a history book God asked Adam to write because he knew that the great flood was imminent. What if this book was a true birthright, a blessing bestowed rather than a curse imposed on Cain?
In present day South Florida, Calvin Harper must relive a childhood tragedy as he finds his long-lost father shot in a park. As father and son search for The Book of Lies, they become stalked by Ellis, a ruthless zealot who has the Mark of Cain tattoo on his hand. The mystery leads the characters to Jerry Siegel's Cleveland, Ohio childhood home where he invented Superman. The story is fascinating from start to finish, and I loved the "secret" revealed at the end of the book. I think it would be difficult for any parent not to be touched by it.
I must admit that right now I am a bit frustrated because according to the book jacket, Brad Meltzer's website has all kinds of fun stuff on it, like a companion soundtrack to The Book of Lies. He also states in his Author's Note that he has some other information to complement the book found only on his website. So why am I frustrated? Because his website is currently unavailable! I have been able to look at some of the features, like the video about how some writers (like one of my favorites, Neil Gaiman) and ordinary citizens are working together to restore Jerry Siegel's childhood home. But I want to read about the secret Aryan society, the Thule Society (mentioned in the book), and read about Ellis's dog Benoni as well as read Ellis's diary. Maybe the website will be available later during the holidays, because I would really like to hear the soundtrack and play with the other features. From what I saw of it, it looks like tons of fun.
Although I grew-up a Marvel girl rather than a DC girl, I highly recommend The Book of Lies.
The Book of Lies tells the story of history's most notorious murder: the murder of Abel by his brother, Cain. The Bible story depicted in Genesis Chapter 4 gives motive for the murder, but it leaves out one very important detail: the murder weapon. Fast forward a few thousand years to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1932, Mitchell Siegel was shot during a robbery. During the aftermath of the murder, young Jerry Siegel invents the world's best known superhero: Superman! Superman is bulletproof, and, as Meltzer points out in the book, Jerry Siegel never once mentioned his father's murder in interviews. So you may be asking yourself: what do these two murders have in common? The answer: The Book of Lies. The Book of Lies is a history book God asked Adam to write because he knew that the great flood was imminent. What if this book was a true birthright, a blessing bestowed rather than a curse imposed on Cain?
In present day South Florida, Calvin Harper must relive a childhood tragedy as he finds his long-lost father shot in a park. As father and son search for The Book of Lies, they become stalked by Ellis, a ruthless zealot who has the Mark of Cain tattoo on his hand. The mystery leads the characters to Jerry Siegel's Cleveland, Ohio childhood home where he invented Superman. The story is fascinating from start to finish, and I loved the "secret" revealed at the end of the book. I think it would be difficult for any parent not to be touched by it.
I must admit that right now I am a bit frustrated because according to the book jacket, Brad Meltzer's website has all kinds of fun stuff on it, like a companion soundtrack to The Book of Lies. He also states in his Author's Note that he has some other information to complement the book found only on his website. So why am I frustrated? Because his website is currently unavailable! I have been able to look at some of the features, like the video about how some writers (like one of my favorites, Neil Gaiman) and ordinary citizens are working together to restore Jerry Siegel's childhood home. But I want to read about the secret Aryan society, the Thule Society (mentioned in the book), and read about Ellis's dog Benoni as well as read Ellis's diary. Maybe the website will be available later during the holidays, because I would really like to hear the soundtrack and play with the other features. From what I saw of it, it looks like tons of fun.
Although I grew-up a Marvel girl rather than a DC girl, I highly recommend The Book of Lies.
November 14, 2008
Not my favourite of Meltzer's books. Somewhat too predictable, and the ending wasn't all that fulfilling. I enjoyed what the Book of Lies/Truth turned out to be, but there were too many loose ends with the main characters.
In general, it felt too much like another off-the-shelf secret-society-gone-wrong quest-for-an-ancient-artifact novel than a good thriller/mystery. More specifically, there was nothing about the novel that made me cheer or fall in love with it. I didn't get attached to any of the characters. I didn't get attached to this idea of the first murder weapon being a book. There was just nothing that made me care, so I went through the entire book just waiting to see what happened next.
Meltzer worked too hard to interweave his story idea with existing Superman history too. I like Superman, although I'm not an avid reader of his comics or any others. But the digressions into history did not entertain me; they left me unfulfilled. Overall, I continued reading the book just because I wanted to finish it, and not because I was invested in the characters or the plot.
Worth reading? Sure. I liked it. It turned out okay. Worth reading twice? No. And if you have other Brad Meltzer books to read, read those ones first.
In general, it felt too much like another off-the-shelf secret-society-gone-wrong quest-for-an-ancient-artifact novel than a good thriller/mystery. More specifically, there was nothing about the novel that made me cheer or fall in love with it. I didn't get attached to any of the characters. I didn't get attached to this idea of the first murder weapon being a book. There was just nothing that made me care, so I went through the entire book just waiting to see what happened next.
Meltzer worked too hard to interweave his story idea with existing Superman history too. I like Superman, although I'm not an avid reader of his comics or any others. But the digressions into history did not entertain me; they left me unfulfilled. Overall, I continued reading the book just because I wanted to finish it, and not because I was invested in the characters or the plot.
Worth reading? Sure. I liked it. It turned out okay. Worth reading twice? No. And if you have other Brad Meltzer books to read, read those ones first.
March 28, 2018
Dan Brown's thrillers have taken us to destinations such as Rome, Paris, and Istanbul. This thriller by Brad Meltzer (published in 2008) takes us to--Cleveland, Ohio. In 1932, a murder occurred there--the murder of a man named Mitchell Siegel. It was an unsolved murder. Moreover, it led the murder victim's son Jerry to create a bulletproof man, a man he would call Superman. Many years later and a man in Florida named Cal Harper gets involved in the mystery. Stalking him is a professional killer tattooed with the ancient mark of Cain. What does the Bible's first murder story--the killing of Abel by his brother Cain--have to do with Superman? Meltzer has created a good thriller with an intriguing mystery--but, perhaps I'm feeling overly critical, as I rate this book ***. I just think that at 435 pages, it runs around 100 pages too long. I'm also disappointed by the ending. But I did appreciate the Author's Note which separates fact from fiction. I also appreciate it that Meltzer has been working to save the Siegel house in Cleveland.
September 11, 2008
This book was interesting. It attempts to draw a connection between the story of Cain and Abel and the murder of Mitchell Siegel (father of Jerry Siegel, creator of Superman). I realized about halfway through that little chapters bother me a lot, and this book is full of little chapters. It was then that I realized that there are two kinds of fiction: commercial (which this is), and literary. I prefer literary. It only took me a few hours to finish. It was a good book, kind of hard to follow at times, and kind of "I GET IT, I GET IT, QUIT HAMMERING ME OVER THE HEAD WITH THIS THEME" in places. It's a unique story idea, though, and it's overall pretty satisfying.
November 12, 2016
More confusing than exciting. I still don't understand why Cal went chasing around all over the place.
Unlikeable characters didn't help. Ellis wasn't a convincing villain, and Cal is whiny, over emotional and irritating.
Naomi at first showed intelligence and humor. She reminded me of Marge Gunderson in Fargo, one of my favourite film characters. She wasn't given anything to do though and ended up just running around and shouting. She shouted at everyone - the nurses trying to help her, the people she was chasing, her colleagues and her mother.
The idea was good, but the characters were dull, and the story was lifeless and didn't hold up.
Unlikeable characters didn't help. Ellis wasn't a convincing villain, and Cal is whiny, over emotional and irritating.
Naomi at first showed intelligence and humor. She reminded me of Marge Gunderson in Fargo, one of my favourite film characters. She wasn't given anything to do though and ended up just running around and shouting. She shouted at everyone - the nurses trying to help her, the people she was chasing, her colleagues and her mother.
The idea was good, but the characters were dull, and the story was lifeless and didn't hold up.
January 20, 2010
I didn't like this book at all.
October 8, 2016
This book was garbage
I could not recommend it
This book gets one star
I could not recommend it
This book gets one star
November 27, 2016
You know it's bad when I get so frustrated 50 or so pages in and slam the book shut. If it gets better, someone please enlighten me.
May 2, 2018
Not my favorite, but pretty interesting.
May 22, 2017
An interesting and gripping action/mystery that leads the reader along a chain of events to find an elusive artifact that may hold the key to immortality. A lot of interpersonal drama centered on a father & son with a troubled history.
Parts of the story feel out of touch with reality and what actions modern police would utilize in tracking down fugitives. Aside from this, the writing is gripping and the characters believable. The mystery and intrigue of the relic is built up and finally released at the end. The differing translations and viewpoints of a well known biblical story is compelling.
Overall, a good story and the finishing touches come in the author's final words about the inspiration and research for the book.
Language and violence put this book in the adult section, in my opinion.
Parts of the story feel out of touch with reality and what actions modern police would utilize in tracking down fugitives. Aside from this, the writing is gripping and the characters believable. The mystery and intrigue of the relic is built up and finally released at the end. The differing translations and viewpoints of a well known biblical story is compelling.
Overall, a good story and the finishing touches come in the author's final words about the inspiration and research for the book.
Language and violence put this book in the adult section, in my opinion.
December 31, 2019
In Chapter Four of the Bible, Cain kills Abel. It is the world's most famous murder. But the Bible is silent about one key detail: the weapon Cain used to kill his brother. That weapon is still lost to history.
Intrigued? I was! And this book was unputdownable. I was hooked from the first page itself. Never read Meltzer before and now I am on a hunt for the others. A great way to finish 2019.
Intrigued? I was! And this book was unputdownable. I was hooked from the first page itself. Never read Meltzer before and now I am on a hunt for the others. A great way to finish 2019.
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