Title:	Far From True
	Author:	Linwood Barclay
	Published:	2016, NAL
	No. of Pages:	480
	Cover Price:	$27.00 Hardcover $13.99 Kindle

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Far From True is the second installment in the Promise Falls Trilogy by bestselling author Linwood Barclay. The Constellation Drive In Theater is open for one last night; it is crowded, and someone bombs the screen, resulting in several injuries and four deaths. As the police investigate and identify the bodies, they find that a prominent writer and his wife were two of the victims. As the story unfolds, there are other murders, an attempted kidnapping, fires and vandalism that point to someone who is trying to get revenge on the town. In addition, there is a politician who is trying to use the tragedies for personal gain and to get elected.

While this novel is quite good on its own, it is much more enjoyable when the first installment of the trilogy, Broken Promises is read prior, so that the characters can be introduced, as well as the town and the tragic events happening before the screen collapse. As it is, it is not clear who the actual protagonist is, and there are several issues that aren’t totally understandable. It seems that all of the characters have suffered prior tragedies, and the ongoing problems make the novel a bit of a downer. However, there is palpable suspense throughout, readers have no idea who the murderers are, and there are surprises at every turn. Like in many small towns, there is a high level of corruption in government and politics, which also adds to the intrigue of the story.

The story is well-written, but it isn’t a fast read. Nor is it a light read. There is a fair amount of violence, sexual innuendo, and profanity. While some of the issues are resolved at the end, the reader will find that there are several problems that are left hanging, making it necessary to read the third installment as soon as it is released.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying an advanced review copy of this novel.

This book may be purchased at Amazon:
Far From True: A Promise Falls Novel (Promise Falls Trilogy), Hardcover
Far From True: A Promise Falls Novel (Promise Falls Trilogy), Kindle