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Living
Lies
by Natalie Walters brings to life the characters with an emotionally
charged story. With thrilling suspense, threads of romance,
and important messages about removing the stigma of mental
health and depression, this book seems to have it all, including
an action-packed crime mystery.
“At
the time I was thinking of the story, our daughter was suffering
from depression, suicidal thoughts, and cutting. We never
thought we would have to experience something like this in
our lives. Writing this book became therapy for me. I pulled
and drew upon from what was happening to our family and hopefully
made it authentic to the story. Regarding the heroine’s
father, I based him on the mixed feedback we got from friends
and family. Through her father, I wanted to show how it is
a struggle for a lot of people to deal with depression. They
need to learn they need patience instead of narrow mindedness.
I had him transition as he recognizes that it is a treatable
disease.”
The
crime revolves around murder, drugs, art, and dealing with
mental health issues. Lane Walton, a widower at the age of
twenty-eight, journeys back to her hometown in hopes of a
new start for herself and her young son, Noah. The small Southern
town of Walton, Georgia, would seem like the place to begin
again. She is hopeful she can overcome her depression and
to find acceptance. But life gets in the way, which happens
after Lane discovers a dead woman. Needing to work with Walton's
newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind
the murder, Lane hopes that saving the life of another is
worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.
Struggling with depression, she wishes the illness will not
define her. Although depression affects countless people,
there is also a stigma surrounding it, in which many people
suffer in silence. Her family's lack of understanding isolates
her further, making it harder for her to overcome the feeling
that she is flawed. It's a battle that often occurs daily
and can be triggered unexpectedly. This is why she can connect
with a Viet Nam veteran, Miguel Roa, who is also suffering,
but from PTSD. Also very potent is how readers share their
journey and experiences and are reminded how unfairly Viet
Nam veterans were treated when they returned.
“What I want readers to get out of the books is an entertaining
story with a good mystery. I want to remind those who might
be suffering from depression or anxiety that they are not
alone. They are seen and have a purpose, a reason to fight
and live. My daughter did not want to tell anyone because
she did not want to be a burden. But no one should have to
struggle by themselves. Everyone has to be open, honest, and
compassionate. The reality is that many of us do not have
perfect lives. I hope this story stays with readers long after
they finished the book.”
This story has no shortage of action intertwined with messages
about PTSD and depression. Readers will understand the harsh
realities of life in this nail-biting crime novel.
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