Douglas Alan's debut Circle of Lies is a spellbinding thriller that weaves together themes of friendship, loyalty, unexplained murders and deep-rooted conspiracies-mesmerizing readers at every turn. From the very first page, the book unfolds at a furious pace, while maintaining the logical progression of the plot-a key to any thriller or suspense novel. While there are countless elements of the book that are praiseworthy, it is Douglas Alan's character development that is particularly intriguing.
John Delaney, the protagonist, has proven himself in the courtroom countless times; however, he is placed in a moral dilemma when his childhood friend, Ted Jordan, asks Delaney to defend him-in what appears to be an open-and-shut case with all the evidence stacked against Jordan. Though he wants to believe in his friend's innocence, he cannot discount the sheer amount of credible evidence: "The cops found his fingerprints at the murdered man's home. And they traced money stolen from his law firm to his bank account." Weighing loyalty above all else, Delaney begins an in-depth investigation, with more murder, the involvement of an international pharmaceutical company, government officials trying to ward Delaney away from the case, and the disappearance of Ted Jordan.
It should be duly noted that Circle of Lies is not the typical murder mystery/law thriller; it is much more. Douglas Alan's thirty years of experience are evident in the presentation of the court scenes, and the inclusion of the pharmaceutical element brings an added dimension. The drug company, Tissinger Corporation, is attempting to cover up suicides-from the FDA-that are caused by their prescribed medication.
When Ted Jordan stumbles upon this information, he is framed for the murder of his law-firm partner, Sanford Hamilton and accused of embezzling $500,000. Just when Delaney is onto the pharmaceutical company, another body is discovered at Jordan's apartment, and Ted is nowhere to be found. Will Delaney, who-isn't entirely convinced of Ted's innocence-lay it all on the line to uncover the truth?
Circle of Lies presents real-life contemporary issues that face today's society. In fact, the FDA recently announced a probe into several pharmaceuticals that sell anti-depressants believed to cause suicidal thoughts.
Ultimately, Douglas Alan portrays the court of law in an authentic light. While the legal system is not flawless, it is up to lawyers like Alan to set things straight. A memorable passage from this book reads, "It's reassuring to know that however slowly the wheels of justice turn, eventually things are put right." Circle of Lies, fittingly titled, will keep readers thoroughly engaged until the gratifying end.
Woven together with captivating conspiracies, murder, conniving international pharmaceuticals, and a protagonist pinned between loyalty and the easy way out, Circle of Lies is a page-turning, must-read crime novel that will soon be seen on the big screen.