Things seem to be going according to plan for Roy, the antihero of The Good Liar by Nicholas Searle.
Roy has his sights set on stealing the savings of an independent widow. He establishes an online relationship with Betty. And, before long, he moves in to her house. Soon, though, it’s apparent he is far from the ideal housemate. For one thing, his personal hygiene leaves a lot to be desired. Betty has her work cut out to keep up with the cleaning.
Betty’s grandson, Stephen, doesn’t like Roy much. It’s easy to understand his concern. There are lots of warning signs suggesting Roy isn’t all he pretends to be. But despite the warnings, Betty seems determined to maintain the relationship.
From Roy’s perspective, things progress according to plan. But when Nicholas Searle lifts the lid on the past, we begin to suspect Roy is in for a surprise. To reveal more would be to disclose the plot. Suffice to say The Good Liar is Searle’s first novel and looks likely to attract attention when it comes out later this month.
[Disclosure: An ARC of The Good Liar by Nicholas Searle, was provided by the publisher.]