CNN - Review: 'Genuine Lies'

In this era, when many of the so-called Hollywood novels wear a thin veneer of fiction, "inquiring minds want to know!" But Nora Roberts probably won't reveal that secret, although she certainly uncovers many in "Genuine Lies".

I've always liked Roberts' books, so I began this one with high expectations. I was not disappointed. It's got murder, sinister characters, intrigue, many secrets, a twist or two, sex and love. What more do you need?

It's not a formulaic romance/suspense novel -- I've never found Roberts a formula writer. On the other hand, "Genuine Lies" is not a literary masterpiece. But, then again, Roberts has never pretended to be a master of literature.

The plot is simple: Eve Benedict, the Hollywood star, is authoring a biography. As soon as the news gets out, the you-know-what hits the fan. From heartfelt pleas to outright threats, it seems everyone has an opinion or request about her work. demand concerning the book. What no one really knows is WHY Eve wants it written. She is the one with the most devastating secret of all; Eve really has the most to lose.

She presses on.

Her biographer -- Julia Summers -- is easy to like, She is a single mother, raising a young son, and is, of course, attractive. However Julia is just a trifle histrionic for my taste.

Paul Winthrop, Eve's stepson, is handsome and tall and manly. He's a man's man. And he's ready, willing and able to play the knight in shining armor to Julia's damsel in distress. Since Julia, as the biographer, gets the most threats because of Eve's impending book, Paul has many opportunities to prove his heroic capabilities.

This is a great book to read on a plane -- it makes you forget that you have no leg room ... or that your seat does not tilt back ... or even that you're landing half an hour late. Once you pick it up, you can't put it down.

Rima J. Janulevicius has worked as a writer and copy editor at CNN, and as a translator for the Lithuanian Olympic basketball team.