Truly Madly Guilty

Moriarty's latest book is an absolute gem. A well-written, page-turner with extremely well-developed characters, who have complicated lives and complex flaws and motivations. The story centers around an impromptu, ordinary backyard barbecue, where six friends/neighbors gather with their kids. The reader is deceptively lulled into believing that this is yet another tale of bickering, young friends gossiping and
bemoaning the sad state of their marriages, but the book isn't that at all. Instead, I was mesmerized my Moriarty's ability to weave together such a layered, multi-faceted story, and then deftly and expertly keep it aloft. Some reviewers have said this book meanders, but I disagree. The fast, luminous prose wraps around the reader, as one is taken from the present to the past and back again in an easy, fluid motion. Nothing lags, drags or falters. The reader senses that something major will occur, and when it does, all the subtle, build-up culminates into a shattering and surprising crescendo, like the music and the relentless rain that are the backdrop for the story. Moriarty writes with considerable skill and flawless pacing. She has a deep affection for her characters, as they stumble and struggle though friendship, love and forgiveness. This is a warm, redemptive book with a big heart and much insight. As an aside, I loved Ruby and Whisk! Of the three Moriarty books I've read, this is my favorite thus far. A great, worthwhile read.