Tobacco Sun by Lorna Hollifield

Holy Smokes! Tobacco Sun by Lorna Hollifield has got to be one of the best written books I have had the pleasure to read this year.  It was so good, when I finished reading I had to sit there and let it simmer for a bit. The story is told from three POVs, Sydra the younger sister and Hollywood Star, Jimmi-Lyn the scarred older sister, and Vanse the lifelong friend of both. As each reflects on events during their life, the author is able to slowly and painstakingly paint a picture of the results of these experiences.

Sydra left for Hollywood just before graduating from high school with no intention of ever returning. That is until her mother dies and she is drawn back to the last place she ever expected to see again. She is there less than two days and she has already seduced Vanse and killed her father.

Dr. Garris, the psychologist assigned to her case, is trying to get to the truth of why a Hollywood starlit would commit such a horrible crime. In his mind, two and two are not adding up and he is determined not to let this beautiful siren manipulate him. As he slowly unravels the mystery that is Sydra, shocking secrets will be revealed as well as the deep ties between these two sisters. In the end, even he is not prepared for the truth.

Tobacco Sun is a well written story with a plot and characters that are raw and abrasive and will get under your skin. In particular, I loved how the author set the reader up to experience each inescapable truth and these truths are revealed in the most exceptional detail. A picture could not have been clearer. It was like a slow torture to get to the secrets the characters were keeping; yet, when you think you know everything there is a new twist you did not see coming. It made for a roller coaster of a ride.

I highly recommend Tobacco Sun to readers who love thrillers and crime fiction. In my opinion, it is one of the best this year.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.