Title: Understory
Author: Lisa J. Lickel
Genre: Suspense, Thriller
Book Blurb:
When nobody loves you, you have nothing to lose.
Lily Masters is not getting involved with any fake job scheme covering a sex trafficking operation supposedly cooked up by her stepbrother, prison guard Art Townsend. Hoping to get help at a friend’s place deep in the woods of northern Wisconsin before a blizzard, Lily loses her way. At first, she doesn’t realize how fortunate she is to be found by Cam Taylor, a poetry-spouting former lit professor. Cam has his own reasons to hide while writing a biography of his Civil Rights activist grandparents and accidentally stirs up a cold case murder involving a potential Supreme Court judge. When trouble follows, either of them is the likely target.
Beneath every story is layer upon layer of trust and lies. Who can they believe when things go from surreal to devastating?
My Review:
There are books written with a specific purpose and those that are more general. I couldn't put my finger on what the purpose was with this book. It was hard for the first part of the book to find anyone I could feel sympathy for. Only after much more did I get to feel I cared about Cam and Lily.
The obstacles that they faced (and seemingly continue to face) were many and varied. Both hampered by deep pasts, current threats internal and external struggles that would destroy most. I was pleased greatly with their relationship.
The problem of human trafficking is very accurately portrayed and should horrify every person in North America as it is everywhere around us.
This story would be a top streamed option on Netflix. The author has created a multi leveled story that would play superbly with the audiences who live and die by their streaming services.
Personally, I was extremely dissatisfied with the conclusion of the book and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Very well written, a hard to put down page turner that is addictive to a reader.
My Rating: 4 stars
Giveaway:
I'm one of the authors participating in N. N. Light’s Book Heaven’s March Pot ‘O Gold Giveaway:
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Author Biography:
Lisa Lickel is a writer and editor who lives with her husband in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. A complete list of her novels: mysteries, award-winning romance and children’s books, and contemporary fiction can be found on her website. She writes newspaper features, short stories, magazine articles and radio theater. An avid book reviewer and blogger, freelance editor, and writing mentor, she loves to encourage new authors. She has two grown and married sons. Find more at http://www.lisalickel.com/
Social Media Links:
Website http://www.lisalickel.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/lisajlickel
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/lisalickel/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/lisalickel
Reviewed by: Mr. N