Lisa Unger has written some very good novels, and that’s why I am willing to check out any of her others that I haven’t read yet. Sometimes I’ve been disappointed in her, though, so I don’t begin her books expecting to be awed.

In the case of BEAUTIFUL LIES, Unger has written a good mystery. While it doesn’t awe me, it did keep me guessing throughout.

The mystery begins with Ridley’s act of heroism. This gets her picture in the paper, people recognize her, and secrets are revealed. What makes this book better than the usual plot-driven mystery are Unger’s psychological insights.

I also enjoyed her presentation. That is, not only does she write this novel in first person, but she truly speaks to the reader in a conversational manner.

BEAUTIFUL LIES isn’t up there with IN THE BLOOD, but it’s certainly better than some of her later novels that deal in the supernatural.