Nicci French has published twenty-one bestselling books, but The Lying Room is the first standalone novel in 10 years. I've never read Nicci French before, but I was aware it's a pseudonym for married couple Nicci Gerrard and Sean French. Curious about how this writing partnership works, The Lying Room was the perfect non-committal entry point.
Neve Connolly is our protagonist and after finding someone she knows murdered she decides not to call the police. (I was already shrieking at her to PICK UP THE PHONE, knowing this wasn't going to go well). Naturally this decision kicks off a train of events that gathers speed as it rolls on.
Neve is a busy working mum with plenty of friends and way too much on her plate. Her friends are always at her house and her work from home husband is a slouch. In fact, I really disliked Fletcher and was keen to give him a kick in the pants.
It's fair to say Neve got on my nerves too at times, but I have to remember characters aren't always going to behave the way I would.
DCI Hitching was a character with a small role but definitely the stand out for me. I didn't fall for the red herring which was a relief and the identity of the killer came as a mild surprise.
The Lying Room is about (you guessed it) lies, work, family, marriage, infidelity, jealousy and long term friendship dynamics. This was an easy to read slow burn domestic noir 'whodunnit' and the writing between the duo was seamless.
Carpe Librum!
