The Safest Lies by Megan Miranda (review)

After seventeen years as a virtual prisoner to her mother’s pathological fears, Kelsey Thomas is beginning to chafe at all the strict routines and constant lectures about dangers. When a near-fatal car accident brings unwanted press attention, though, Kelsey comes home to find her mother has vanished and suddenly faces the possibility that her mother’s fears weren’t irrational after all. Now, to save her mother’s life, she must conquer her own compulsive anxieties and uncover the secrets her mother has been desperately hiding—even as someone is definitely hunting Kelsey. This captivating nail-biter will get hearts pounding with well-wrought suspense and a sweetly romantic subplot. As with Miranda’s other novels, the pacing is key: a perfect mix of steadily building intensity and well-placed moments where readers can catch their breath. While the power and appeal may lie primarily in the plot, the novel doesn’t shrink from creating likable, relatable characters, and readers will appreciate Kelsey’s struggle to relate to the world outside the shadow cast by her mother’s worldview. The story’s resolution undermines the power of its premise somewhat, but not at the expense of the novel’s action or Kelsey’s growth. Resembling a Lifetime movie of the week (in the best way), it’s a good read-alike for novels like Laurie’s Death Date (BCCB 2/15) and a strong fit for readers who want fast-paced stories about girls learning to fight back.