Truth-Stained Lies

Moonlighter, Book 1

By: Terri Blackstock

Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir

New York Times and USA TODAY best-selling suspense author Blackstock asks, When truth doesn’t make sense, will lies prevail?

Cathy Cramer is a former lawyer and investigative blogger who writes commentary on high-profile homicides. When she finds a threatening note warning her that she’s about to experience the same kind of judgment and speculation that she dishes out in her blog, Cathy writes it off as mischief...until her brother’s wife is murdered and all the “facts” point to him. The killer has staged the crime to make the truth too far-fetched to believe. Working to solve the murder and clear her brother’s name, Cathy and her two sisters, Holly and Juliet, moonlight as part-time private investigators. Juliet, a stay-at-home mom of two boys, and Holly, a scattered ne’er-do-well who drives a taxi, put aside their fear to hunt down the real killer.

Stakes rise when their brother’s grieving five-year-old son is kidnapped. As police focus on the wrong set of clues, the three sisters and their battered detective friend are the only hope for solving this bizarre crime, saving the child, and freeing their brother.

• Full-length suspense novel
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Part of the Moonlighters series
• Book One: Truth Stained Lies
• Book Two: Distortion
• Book Three: Twisted Innocence

©2013 Teri Blackstock (P)2013 Zondervan

Critic reviews

“Crisp prose, an engaging story, and brisk pacing make this thriller another home run for Blackstock.” (Library Journal, starred review)

Reader ruined the story.

I don't know if I can even finish the story. The story is interesting enough but the reader makes the characters sound like weak, whiners. Confusingly, these personality traits don't make for strong professionals, so go figure. Haven't given up on the writer just the reader.

story was good

did not care for the narrator at all. too much inflection and drama for me

Good clean book.

Loved it. Have enjoyed all of Terri's books I have read. Worth a listen.

Great book and Terri always seems to bring God and Jesus into her stories

As this story develops it appears that there was a killer on the streets. But as Joe and the sisters worked together and as each sister prayed their own prayers
Jesus answered all of their prayers.

Whining reader ruined the book

I wish I'd read more of the comments about whining before I ordered this book. The pleading, grating, wheedling whine is incessant. If I didn't already love Terri Blackstock I might never listen to another one of her books. Ms. de Cuir interprets every emotion as a whine - fear, questioning, prayer, demands. And everyone whines - children, sisters, police officers, doctors, nurses. I actually think I like the story just fine. It has a good balance of suspense and plot turns, but keeps Blackstock's emphasis on faith and the power of people changing and choosing well. I still have half an hour to go and I'm not sure I can stand another 30 minutes of high pitched whines. I can't believe someone editing didn't stop Ms. de Cuir and ask her to dredge up ANY other voice.

Great storyline.

I really enjoyed the storyline however, the narrator was way too dramatic and the pitiful voice is awful. She made the women sound very weak always breaking down over every little thing. Other than the drama queen voice I thought it was great and I'm anxious to read book two.

Another great Terri Blackstock book!

I love her writings! I'm always on the edge of my seat! So grateful to read something so good and not be full of filth! I wish they would make movies of her books, I would see everyone of them.

Hmmm the narrator

I enjoyed the storyline, Terri Blackstock is one of my favorite authors. The narrator was a bit boring. This will not stop me from reading Terri Blackstock’s next book.

Typical Blackstock

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Not really. There were a few exciting moments, but I had the mystery solved too early in the story. By the end it was just hurry up and finish.

Looking forward to Book 2!

What made the experience of listening to Truth-Stained Lies the most enjoyable?

The narrator's voice

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes

What about Gabrielle de Cuir’s performance did you like?

Yes -- easy to understand -- clear.

Who was the most memorable character of Truth-Stained Lies and why?

The youngest sister -- anxious to see what happens to her in the next book.