Big Lies In A Small Town by Diane Chamberlain set a high standard for mystery novels written in 2020. Revolving around a decrepit and insane mural, this novel weaves the past into the present through the mural showing how big lies in a small town can still be discovered decades later.

Morgan in 2018 and Anna in 1940 are the two protagonists you follow in Big Lies In A Small Town and it is because of them, this novel is worth your time. They are great characters, this is a fully developed story with intrigue, and it provides a satisfying ending.

Simply put, this is a good novel. One you won't be able to put down until the last page is read.

The plot is nicely paced. Morgan has been commissioned to refurbish a 1940's mural painted by Anna Dale; her parole is contingent on completing the projecting by August 5th otherwise she will be sent back to prison. It is Morgan's job to bring the piece to life and shine a light on the past of Edenton, North Carolina.

Then the mural is uncovered and brings with it questions Morgan does not know how to answer. You are taken on a journey through restoring the mural in 2018 and its creation in 1940. Art restoration is literally watching paint dry and this plot is the opposite of that - it is a captivating plot that makes you excited about paint drying.

Thumbs up. Morgan is a solid protagonist. Anna is a solid protagonist. Lisa, Mama Nellie, Oliver, Jesse - all of the characters fit perfectly into Big Lies In A Small Town and are written to create depth to the story whilst pushing it forward.

You will value the relationships between these characters as they are genuine and fun to read. They will suck you into this story.

The ending is the weakest part of Big Lies In A Small Town. I think the ending is more fast-paced than the rest of the story and has the potential to pull you out of the slow-burn enjoyment this novel provides bu as the ending's change in pace is so minute that overall, it won't destroy everything else you have just read and enjoyed. Big Lies In A Small Town will leave you content and happy you read this novel.

Whilst reading Big Lies In A Small Town, I never had the opportunity to sit and read it from cover to cover. I was bogged down with other work-related things and every moment I was away from this novel, I was eager to get back. I could not stop thinking about the secrets hidden in the mural.

The mural was cathartic for both characters and literally tied them together by blood. Coincidental? I think not! Red in the mural was a symbolism for the blood that went into it for both Morgan and Anna. Through painting, they found release and though neither are able to forget the past, the mural provided them the opportunity for it to no longer control them. They both lived through life-altering circumstances and through the Edenton mural found a sense of ease. Not peace and I liked that. I liked that Big Lies In A Small Town didn't gloss over the horrors Morgan and Anna received and caused but instead demonstrated how people have the opportunity to find some type of absolution. It was a sense of understanding and acceptance of their future with this pain.

I enjoyed Anna's story more than Morgan's and though the ending was a bit slapdash for me with the sudden revelation of grandparents, babies, and such - overall, Big Lies In A Small Town was a joy to read.

This novel had been waiting on my shelf for months and I am so glad I waited to return it to the library. A great read and a novel I recommend. I also can't wait to hear what others think about the mural.