THE PERFECT LIE by Jo Spain

 Quite a compelling thriller, with a ripper first few pages which sets in motion a roller coaster of a ride as our lead lady tries to figure it all out. Erin is married to Danny, a detective in the local police department. They have been married for just on a year, happy as, life is going very well. Then Danny is dead - in the first few pages. What the...? His detective partner Ben is of no help and it seems Danny was being investigated for some unexplained matters. Erin, in her extreme grief is left completely on her own to try and figure out what on earth has been going on, and more importantly who her husband really was, what, if anything, was he hiding, and how come she didn't see any of this. 

Parallel to this line of story, is one that took place a few years prior at a residential house attached to Harvard University. A young woman student is attacked, her life destroyed by the attack and the aftermath as she seeks help. 

Then there is third story line concerning Erin, who some 18 months after Danny's death, is on trial for the murder of her husband. Huh? Yes, it is a little puzzling. During the previous 18 months, Erin has found some new friends who have taken her under their wing, helping her in her quest to find out what was going on with Danny, and then her defence team after her arrest. 

It is quite a trip this thriller. Clever in its make up, plot development, and with so many balls to keep juggling, it all holds itself together quite well. I liked Erin, I liked her lawyer Carla. I found Danny a bit of an enigma - we only see him from Erin's point of view and I guess if you are madly in love with someone it is easy to overlook any flaws, and possibly difficult things going on their lives. Nevertheless, I did think this was a good read, with some great twists.