Overview
An ingenious novel of suspense about sisterhood, innocence, murderous games, and how far we’ll go to protect the ones we love. In a tight-knit town in the 1980s, a child-killer is on the loose. And Topaz’s parents are on edge. At ten years old, Topaz is so vulnerable. “Who is the Liar” by Laura Lee Bahr follows 10-year-old Topaz while a serial killer is loose in her town, preying upon children. But don’t worry; she’s safe, as her older sister Ruby reveals that she has the killer tied up in one of their unused rooms in their home, “the cold space room.”
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Genre | Contemporary Horror/Psychological Thriller |
| Setting | Early 1980s small town America, a faith-focused community |
| Perspective | Told from the point of view of the youngest of four daughters |
| Core Conflict | A child serial killer terrorizes the community while two sisters navigate dark family secrets |
| Main Theme | The loss of innocence and moral ambiguity in protective relationships |
| Tone | Disturbing, tense, and deeply uncomfortable |
Book Structure
The novel employs a tight, suspenseful structure that builds tension through:
- Variable Chapter Lengths: Varying the chapter lengths with some of them no longer than a couple of pages
- Child’s Perspective: Captures beautifully the fear and limited scope that would characterize a young person’s understanding
- Atmospheric Horror Elements: Full of horror tropes – having all those shadows and faces appearing in windows, the broken jars, the secret places and the satanic panic
- Fast-Paced Narrative: Blended with a thrilling pace
About the Author
Laura Lee Bahr has 19 books on Goodreads with 13054 ratings. Laura Lee Bahr’s most popular book is Who Is the Liar. Bahr is an established author in the horror and thriller genres, with previous works including “Haunt.” Her writing is characterized by its psychological complexity and ability to explore dark themes through compelling character studies.
Why This Book Resonates
“Who Is the Liar” strikes a chord with readers because it:
- Explores Universal Fears: Taps into primal fears about child safety and family protection
- Examines Moral Complexity: Questions the boundaries between protection and harm, right and wrong
- Captures Historical Anxiety: Rumored stains of the Satanic Panic swirl about whispered exchanges, hushed and huddled
- Delivers Genuine Shock: This book genuinely shocked me – a rare accomplishment in contemporary horror
- Offers Psychological Depth: Goes beyond surface scares to examine family dynamics and childhood trauma
Ideal Audience
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy:
- Psychological Horror Enthusiasts seeking complex, character-driven narratives
- Literary Thriller Fans who appreciate nuanced explorations of family dynamics
- Readers of Gillian Flynn or Tana French who enjoy morally ambiguous protagonists
- Horror Fans looking for contemporary works that blend classic tropes with fresh perspectives
- Those Interested in 1980s Setting and the cultural anxieties of that era
Memorable Quote
“Disturbing, tense, and deeply uncomfortable, Laura Lee Bahr’s Who Is the Liar is a vicious, harrowing examination of family, deception, and the inevitable loss of innocence. I inhaled this novel in one feverish sitting and was left breathless by the very end.” – Eric LaRocca, author of “Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke”
Central Themes
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Loss of Innocence | The inevitable loss of innocence as Topaz confronts horrific realities |
| Family Loyalty vs. Morality | The tension between protecting loved ones and doing what’s right |
| Deception and Truth | A vicious, harrowing examination of family, deception |
| Childhood Vulnerability | The precarious nature of safety in a world filled with threats |
| Sisterhood | The story of two sisters: the older, Ruby, who takes justice into her own hands, and the younger, Topaz, who is forced to make the hardest choice of her life |
| Community Fear | A faith-focused community is dangled over the precipice of terror by a rash of abducted and missing children |
Additional Analysis
Atmospheric Elements
The novel masterfully creates an atmosphere of dread through its 1980s setting, incorporating elements of the Satanic Panic that gripped many American communities during this period. The small-town setting amplifies the sense of claustrophobia and paranoia.
Narrative Technique
By filtering the story through young Topaz’s perspective, Bahr creates a unique tension between what the reader suspects and what the child narrator understands, building suspense through dramatic irony.
Horror Traditions
Full of horror tropes – having all those shadows and faces appearing in windows, the broken jars, the secret places and the satanic panic, the novel both embraces and subverts classic horror elements.
FAQ
Q: Is this book suitable for sensitive readers? A: No, this book contains disturbing content involving child endangerment and violence. It’s intended for mature audiences who can handle intense psychological horror.
Q: How does this compare to other contemporary horror novels? A: Laura Lee Bahr’s Who Is the Liar is eerie, horrifying, and utterly original, standing out for its psychological complexity and moral ambiguity.
Q: Is it part of a series? A: No, this appears to be a standalone novel.
Q: What age group is this appropriate for? A: This is adult horror fiction, not suitable for young readers due to its mature themes and disturbing content.
Final Thoughts
“Who Is the Liar” is a masterfully crafted psychological horror novel that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable questions about family, protection, and moral ambiguity. This one’s difficult to put down according to Publishers Weekly, and the critical acclaim suggests Bahr has created something truly special in the contemporary horror landscape.
The novel succeeds not just as a thriller, but as a profound exploration of how far we’ll go to protect those we love, and what happens when that protection becomes something darker. It’s a book that will linger with readers long after the final page, forcing them to question their own moral certainties.
For those who appreciate horror that goes beyond cheap scares to examine the darkness within human relationships, “Who Is the Liar” is an essential read that pushes the boundaries of the genre while delivering genuine emotional impact.
