Long Way Down
Let me start by saying this thriller is hard to put down. The author, Lisa Kusel, gives us a twisted tale of lies, deceit and dark secrets. In fact, it’s hard to find a character that isn’t hiding something from their past or present.
Deni Rydell lives with her alcoholic dad. She’s busting her butt waitressing at the local diner. Life’s been a struggle for the two of them. But when she re-connects with Cal Cooper, Jr., a former high school classmate, she realizes things are about to change – and for the better.
Cal is poised to someday take over the family empire – old money keeps growing with each new generation. Cal still lives with his parents in the mansion on their estate. Even though he’s a grown man, his parents control his every move. But he doesn’t mind – after all, he knows they are getting up in years and one day this will all be “his” – he can wait it out.
Cal and Deni are seriously head over heels in love. When Cal’s parents meet Deni, they are less than thrilled – but the wedding plans still proceed.
At the same time, Grant, Cal’s older brother returns home from rehab – and he’s not alone. He’s brought his new girlfriend Erika (also from rehab) with him. The parents are even less impressed with Erika. They want her permanently “gone” from Grant’s life.
When the parents interfere and put the hammer down on both Cal and Grant, things get really ugly. Threats are made, tensions flare.
As the story progresses, the parents go off on a business trip and wind up “missing” and a decaying body of a local woman is discovered.
From the very beginning you can smell the hidden dysfunction of a treacherously rich and cruel
hierarchy. No one is to be trusted. Everyone has hidden agendas. And even if you “think” you’ve figured it out – don’t bet on it!
The author, Lisa Kusel, gives us a twisty thrill ride guaranteed to keep you turning page after page until you hit an ending that will make you blink twice. For the Coopers and everyone sucked into their orbit, it really is a Long Way Down!
A copy of this book and cover photo were provided by Crooked Lane Publishing.