"The First Lie" is a paranormal mystery story. Selkie Moon leaves her emotionally abusive husband in Australia and relocates to Hawaii. She has a chance to leave the past behind and start a whole new life.

In Hawaii, she moves in with Wanda, who has a tutu (grandmother) that was a kahuna (wise person, sorcerer). Wanda brings Tutu's mirror to the flat, where Selkie sees a mysterious woman, which frightens her. This sets the tone to unravel the mystery of the strange woman.

"I'm falling off a cliff towards the rocks and the sea, when these words ring in my ears.

Someone is trying to kill you."

Right there. At the beginning. It grabbed my attention and I couldn't put this book down. The story is about mystery and self-discovery with some mythological elements thrown in. I thought that most of the characters were well fleshed out and helped move the protagonist on her journey.

The story is well-told with strong dialogue that helps progress it. And sometimes, she peppers her prose with some really beautifully descriptive images. Here's a couple of my favorites:

"Concealed lights illuminate fading frescoes and crumbling pillars. Vines crawl through niches, and faux mosaics lie unfinished at my feet."

"Around and around the room I go, pounding the vinyl with my bare feet . . . "

And like I said – peppered; this isn't purple prose.

I don't normally read paranormal, but every once in a while I'll try something new if it's mixed in with what I already like – mystery and show more legends/mythology, in this case. I'm glad that I gave it a try and plan to read the next book in the series. show less