Caz Frear’s Debut Mystery Sweet Little Lies
Caz Frear’s Sweet Little Lies, featuring Cat Kinsella, a detective constable in Ireland, is a murder mystery, but it’s really about a father-daughter relationship. As a small child, Cat adored her father, Mike, but when she suspected that he was responsible for the disappearance, and possibly the murder, of a young woman, her love turned sour. And when she became a police officer, her job placed her and her father, who owned a pub but had ties to a local mobster, on opposing sides, threatening to sabotage not only their relationship, but also the stability of the entire Kinsella family.
The plot revolves around Maryann Doyle, an attractive young woman who, because of her alabaster complexion and raven locks, mesmerized the locals and even Cat. When Maryann vanishes with one of her treasured necklaces found in the trunk of Mike’s car, Cat assumes the worst. Fearful of what she might discover, Cat never confronts her father, instead allowing her suspicions to poison their relationship. Also suffering is Cat’s bond with her sister, Jacqui, who continues to support her father, unaware of Cat’s suspicions.
When Maryann reappears, this time calling herself Alice, Cat has to reexamine her earlier condemnation of Mike. But then Alice, aka Maryann, is found dead. Is Mike guilty? And is it time for Cat to confess her link to this case, particularly to Parnell, the police detective who is a mentor and friend? And if Mike didn’t kill Maryann, who did?
First time out, Frear has produced a compelling police procedural with a lineup of interesting characters whose personalities are fleshed out over the course of the story. Cat isn’t likable, at least not at first. Even when we learn why she suspects her father, the fact that she never managed to confront him, especially considering the close relationship they once enjoyed, makes her seem unreasonable and judgmental. But mystery lovers love flawed individuals and Cat is certainly that. Despite her shortcomings, we can’t help but root for her.
The story drags at times, but Frear manages to produce a dynamite ending that makes sense but is, nonetheless surprising. And the twists keep coming right up to the last page. A brilliant debut novel.
Sweet Little Lies
Caz Frear
Top photo credit: Rebecca Knowles Photography
