Three Perfect Liars

Following the fatal fire that reduces the Morris and Wood advertising agency’s showplace headquarters on Britain’s south coast to smoldering rubble, the Lymington police face a somewhat unusual problem—a glut of suspects—in this ingeniously plotted page-turner from Perks (Her One Mistake). Persons of interest include CEO Harry Wood’s disgruntled wife, prominent former barrister Janie; Harry’s protégée—as well as his rumored mistress—Laura Denning, incensed at returning from maternity leave to find that the temp she hired has filled her shoes all too well; and the no longer temporary Mia Anderson, who may just have a hidden agenda. But all the intramural turmoil serves as springboard for the far darker and twistier tale that emerges as the author gradually exposes these women’s secret ambitions, jealousies, and sorrows. Though it’s tougher to empathize with some of the leading ladies than it should be—new mother Laura becomes increasingly off-putting as she treats her supportive stay-at-home husband like a doormat—this puzzler takes enough turns to keep readers hooked until the final bombshell. Psychological thriller fans will look forward to more from Perks. Agent: Nelle Andrew, Peters, Fraser & Dunlop (U.K.). (June)