Heaven’s a Lie

Joette Harper, the protagonist of this taut, mean thriller from Stroby (Some Die Nameless), has suffered a series of unfair blows, all before her 40th birthday. The death of a husband she genuinely loved, her mother’s debilitating stroke and skyrocketing medical bills, and the loss of her job as a bank teller are just the beginning. Currently, she ekes out a living as manager at a seedy New Jersey motel. So when Joette witnesses a fiery car crash and discovers a bag stuffed with nearly $300,000 inside the vehicle, who could blame her for taking the money, especially since she first dragged the dying victim from the flames and did her best to save his life? A ruthless drug dealer, however, does have a problem with her decision and sets out to retrieve the cash. Joette rapidly learns that there are no heroes in her universe, including herself, and discovers the best education in being a ruthless criminal is being hunted by one. The action builds to a nail-biting conclusion. Stroby will win new fans with this gripping tale of one determined woman’s battle against the odds. Agent: Robin Rue, Writers House. (Apr.)