The Good Liars by Anita Frank – Book review

I haven’t read a lot of historical fiction this year (a genre I enjoy), so I really liked immersing myself in the brooding world of post-war 1920s in The Good Liars by Anita Frank. This is a story of lies and deceit that centre around one family, the Stilwells. Once held in high esteem, their reputation is tarnished and the consequences of their actions are threatening to catch up with them.

Opening sentence: Her chest was tight as she walked to the village hall, though whether from a lingering effect of the influenza she had somehow survived or due to her current unease, she was unable to say.

Meet the Stilwells

Maurice is the owner of Darkacre Hall. He lives there with his wife, Ida, his younger brother Leonard and family friend, Victor. They need some help to run their home but are having trouble finding anyone due to the aforementioned fall in their fortunes. No-one trusts or likes them. Luckily, Sarah (not from the town) sees their job advert and comes to work for them as both housekeeper and carer for Leonard, as the war left him an amputee in a wheelchair.

The Stilwells situation isn’t helped as the police drop by to inform them that they’ve had a mysterious letter to say that a missing boy, Bobby Higgins, who had links to the property is through to be buried on the grounds of Darkacre…

Terrible storms are raging when Sergeant Verity calls by to discuss the case further. It’s so bad that the river surrounding Darkacre Hall swells and Sergeant Verity finds himself trapped at the property, he has no choice but to stay with the family for a few days, and see for himself exactly what’s been going on in Darkacre Hall…

‘I can’t help feeling judgement day is coming,’ Leonard says, staring into the flames.

A heavy, captivating atmosphere

I really liked the Gothic undertones running through The Good Liars – from the creepy happenings to how to house becomes more and more isolated. Post-war England was such a damaged time for so many people. The war was over but the pain and scars – physical and mental – of it were not healed. Anita Frank captures this perfectly and uses it to drive the pulsing atmosphere of uncertainty and play with perception.

It’s such a clever book title too. You soon see that it could be referring to literally everyone and that’s the beauty of it. The story keeps you guessing and comes to a very satisfying conclusion.

The Good Liars is my second read by Anita Frank – my first was The Lost Ones, a brilliant Gothic ghost story, highly recommend that too!

• Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC;
• Get your copy of The Good Liars here;
• Published by HQ 17th August 2023;
• 400 pages;
• My rating: