Book Review: Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain
There’s something irresistibly enchanting about stories that blend mystery with a touch of the supernatural, especially when they’re set in a richly atmospheric locale. Dark and Shallow Lies caught my attention with its vivid portrayal of La Cachette, Louisiana—a town shrouded in secrets and filled with characters who walk that delicate line between normalcy and the uncanny. When I learned that debut author Ginny Myers Sain had crafted this tale, I knew I had to dive in.
From the very first page, I was captivated by the haunting presence of the bayou and its mysteries. Seventeen-year-old Grey returns for what should be her typical summer, yet the shadow of her best friend Elora’s disappearance looms large over everything. As Grey navigates her familiar surroundings, it becomes clear that the town thrives on its own brand of eerie magic—every resident boasts some form of psychic ability, but these talents only deepen the web of secrets Grey’s determined to unravel.
Sain’s writing shines through the atmospheric prose, evoking the sweltering humidity of Louisiana summers and the murky waters where all sorts of dark whispers linger. I found myself lost in scenes that were both beautiful and chilling, reminiscent of classic Southern Gothic literature. The pacing, however, fluctuated; at times, I hungered for action during stretches of quieter moments, yet these lulls were often punctuated by intriguing reflections or vivid dreams that Grey experiences—each hinting at the truth behind Elora’s fate.
The various relationships in the book—whether it’s Grey’s dynamic with her childhood crush, Hart, or her growing connection with the mysterious newcomer, Zale—added layers to the narrative. I appreciated how Grey’s journey wasn’t solely about solving a mystery but also about her own coming-of-age experience, navigating love and loss amid the chaos of her beloved town.
One of the standout elements was the incorporation of short, eerie snippets at the beginning of each chapter. These offered glimpses into Grey’s dreams and foretold what was to come, heightening the suspense and enriching my reading experience. As one character poignantly states, “Knowing is hard, but it’s a thing you can survive. The not knowing will kill you in the end.” This sentiment resonated deeply with me, encapsulating the core struggle of Grey’s quest for answers.
The culmination of Dark and Shallow Lies is exhilarating and fraught with tension, leading to revelations that took me entirely by surprise. The depth of the mystery and the intricate character backstories woven into La Cachette’s fabric truly elevated the story to another level.
This book is perfect for readers who love atmospheric mysteries filled with gothic elements and compelling characters. Fans of authors like Karen McManus and Natasha Preston will find much to enjoy here, especially with the added layer of psychic intrigue. For me, it was a mesmerizing blend of unsettling secrets and tender moments, making it a reading experience I won’t soon forget.
In the end, Dark and Shallow Lies not only captivated my imagination but also left me pondering the weight of secrets—both those we keep and those we unearth. Ginny Myers Sain has surely marked her place among the authors I’ll keep an eye on in the future!
You can find Dark and Shallow Lies here >>
