A Thin Film Of Lies — C.S. Lakin

Los Angeles homicide detective Fran Anders gets called to investigate a hit-and-run, but when incriminating photographs arrive at the precinct, it sure looks like murder . . .

Fran's latest case throws her into the lives of Mike and Alisa Jepson, a couple whose marriage is disintegrating fast.

When leads coming in that point at Mike Jepson, local businessman, as guilty of murder, Fran watches the damage wrought on this couple, yet is unable to ignore the evidence.

Fran is a dedicated, no-frills cop who takes her job seriously but with a wry sense of humor. She suffers from the unbearable heat, from unrelenting allergies, but does not suffer fools. As much as she wants to please her superiors, she knows her true boss is -- God -- and she answers first and foremost to his leading, which sometimes takes her beyond the call of duty, often to the ire of those around her. A middle-aged, divorced single parent with two teens, Fran hopes someday to find a great man and remarry, but she's not holding her breath. Right now, she just wants to be a good cop and mother and use her faith to help those she encounters in her line of work learn there's someone “up there” who truly cares for them.

The Jepson case seems cut-and-dried, and though her workload is heavy, she manages to keep her plates spinning. However, When Mike ends up arrested and in jail, and Fran's teenage son is accused of hacking into the school's computer to alter grades, Fran's faith in God, in her adequacy as a mother and a cop, and in herself is put to the test.

Mike's wife, Alisa, had long ago turned her back on God. But when her life cracks and shatters, she is set adrift. She wants to believe Mike is innocent, but how can she?

Mike, panicky and desperate to prove his innocence and find his nemesis, hires a PI who uncovers clues as to who is setting Mike up, but Alisa becomes caught in a dangerous trap before Mike can protect her.

Although Fran reaches out to Alisa during her crisis of faith, she is unable to stop events from barreling toward a crash. Yet, despite the tragedies to follow, Fran sees how God has used the Jepsons' trials and pain to bring Alisa back into His arms, with hope that Mike might follow suit.

This faith-based crime story explores the pain and unhappiness that comes from being alienated from God, but also shows how much God cares and wants his lost to come home.

Here are what readers say about A Thin Film of Lies:

"Lakin knows how to cook up a tasty story, laden fat with calories of deceit, betrayal, and unexpected twists. In the end, the author gives us something even more valuable than a great read: hope." -- Harry Kraus, bestselling author of A Heartbeat Away.

"From start to finish A Thin Film of Lies had me turning pages long after the sun went down. It's truly a rare gem -- a mystery/crime novel with a Christian theme entwined. This 'whodunit' is the total package: murder, suspense, accusations, betrayal and ultimately redemption. Just when you think you have it figured out and think you know who it is, you don't!"

"With each turn of the page, I read as she unveiled her story and the pieces fell together. The final product was so beautifully written. The ending was very unexpected and yet perfect! If you enjoy mysteries, or crime scene detective shows this book is definitely for you!"

"Let me be clear. If you pick up this book you will not simply peruse. Your life will be in a paused state until you reach the last page. It's just that good."

"A great plot, really excellent character development and a good pace. I was apprehensive because it's about someone being framed for murder. I usually don't read those types of books because I get so frustrated! But she did a good job of building the suspense then moving on to the accused hiring a private detective who helps break the case. And the ending? Absolutely genius!"