The Lies of Saints
Sigmund Brouwer
Tyndale, Sep 2003, $12.99, 293 pp.
ISBN: 084236594X

In Charleston, Nick Barnett grew up as an outsider in a wealthy family. His father died in Viet Nam while his mother gave birth to him long after nine months had passed since her husband left for Southeast Asia. When he was ten his mother deserted him. Years later he learned who his biological father was and inherited a fortune.

His friend, private investigator Kellie Mixson lies in a hospital recovering from a nasty car accident. A Chicago client subcontracted sleuthing work to her, but wants to end the deal since she is out of commission. However, Kellie says her partner Nick will find out what happened twenty-five years ago to Victoria Sebastian, who vanished along with her infant daughter. Nick, who just became Kellie's partner, finds a link to the "suicide" of first year Citadel student Anson Affron who killed himself several years ago.

THE LIES OF SAINTS is a strong investigative thriller that conspiracy buffs will fully appreciate. The story line employs three subplots that ultimately tie together through Nick's investigation into incidents that are a couple of decades old. His precocious two young wards enable the reader to see deep inside the core essence of Nick as much as his historical asides into his past does. The involvement of the kids keep the plot moving unlike Nick's muses that disrupt the flow. Of interest is the reason why Anson took his life as he refused to bow down to anyone showing the courage of his convictions in the Savior. Sigmund Brouwer provides a powerful tale that will send readers looking for previous appearances by Nick and company.

Harriet Klausner