Lauren Ling Brown

Set among the culture of the secret eating societies of Princeton University, Naomi, graduate of that Ivy League school, sacrificed a lot of herself to enable her younger sister, Maya, to also attend. Visiting the University for Maya’s graduation, Naomi is shocked when her sister is found drowned on campus. Did her death have anything to do with actions taken or not taken when Naomi was a part of those private clubs?

Written from two POVs with three timelines, this debut, multilayered novel touches on dark academia, the corruption of money, power and privilege, young people trying to find their place in the world while dealing with the social aspects of the multiracial experience. The suspense and twists are there yet slow to develop. Usually I find different POVs and timelines easy to follow; with this book, I needed to often remind myself who was speaking when starting new chapters.

This is a worthy first novel and I look forward to future works by this author.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHouse #Ballantine #Bantam for the DRC.… (meer)

Review of Uncorrected eBook File

Maya Banks returns to Princeton University for her ten-year reunion expecting to see her sister, Naomi, graduate. But that is not to be . . . Naomi’s body has been found in the lake . . . a tragic accident.

As Maya tries to make sense of Naomi’s death, she finds herself returning to the exclusive social society, the Sterling Club. Eager to belong somewhere, Maya had joined this eating club when she was a student at the university; however, she’d warned Naomi not to join any of the social clubs.

Nevertheless, Naomi, like her sister, joined the Sterling Club.

Was Naomi’s death really an accident? If not, who was responsible? And why?

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Told from dual points of view . . . sisters Maya and Naomi . . . and moving between present and past [to provide the necessary backstory], this twisty tale of college secret societies is both intriguing and terrifying. The tension is palpable, the suspense continually building.

Well-defined characters, a strong sense of place, and a compelling mystery all work together to keep the reader involved in the telling of the tale. Unexpected revelations and discoveries keep readers guessing right up to the surprising denouement most readers will not see coming.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine/Bantam and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#SocietyofLies #NetGalley… (meer)