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Reviewed by Robert A. Groves for Readers' Favorite
Iris Sailor, a former competitive figure skater, is reluctantly drawn to the waters of Northern California in The Lemon Twist by Élan Les Vies. The catalyst is a postcard Iris receives bearing a cryptic one-word message: “HELP.” There is also a scratch-and-sniff sticker that is more than it appears. The clues lead Iris to Nova Bay, the last place her sister, Sam, was known to have been before she disappeared. Beneath a dammed cove on the edge of the shore, she discovers a hidden ghost town. There are several buildings, among them the remains of the Roderick Center for Rare Viruses and Diseases. As Iris continues to investigate, she discovers quite the scheme. Sam and her partner Sierra helped people in trouble fake their deaths, escape their pasts, and start new lives. There are secrets to figure out. But before Iris can take the time to figure out what happened to her sister and the mystery of Nova Bay, she has some work to do. She has to face her own trauma, addiction, and incomplete memories. Will she be able to leave the past behind and move forward?
Élan Les Vies’ The Lemon Twist is a masterclass in atmospheric suspense. He blends California nostalgia with a haunting mystery full of surprises. His writing will send chills up your arms just like the waters of Nova Bay. I felt all of Iris’ tangled emotions. While she is flawed, she is also a determined, strong woman. The narrative and dialogue are sharp and authentic. The author’s choice to forego traditional flashbacks was interesting. His unique approach to layering present-day reality with questionable memories was impressive. It is also an edgy story. I rooted for Iris’ wins and felt fear for her losses. I was unexpectedly caught off guard by how Sam’s fate made me feel. She could have easily become an unlikable character. Instead, I understood the purpose of her decisions. It is the characters’ flaws and redemption that make this tale so interesting. If you like deep psychological thrillers, then this book must be your next read. Get ready to be surprised, moved, and hooked. I highly recommend it.
