I reviewed the Prequel Laying Ghosts, in the Selkie Moon Series by Virginia King, and when the author saw it, she offered me a review copy of The First Lie. I love the cover, the location, Hawaii, and any kind of water…person, so there was no doubt in mind I had to continue on with the series. I was not disappointed.

Living in a difficult situation in Sydney she heard the call of Hawaii.

Selkie heard a voice, “Someone is trying to kill you.”

And so we begin. Is it real or a figment of her imagination? Is it Pele, warning her? Is she psychic? She’s seen the woman twice. Who is she? What does she want?

With the name Selkie Moon, I felt things would happen differently and The First Lie did not play out like I thought. It seemed a slow pace, but I think that is on me, not Virginia King…or Selkie herself. It takes time for her to work through her issues, her psychological introspection, growing and developing as a character to come into her own, becoming more mature, poised, and confident.

We have Hawaiian mysticism, and I love Hawaii, so this was that little bit extra that I look for in a good book. And, a friend, Wanda, who believes in all of it. Who doesn’t like to learn about the country they are visiting? I sure do. Years ago, Hawaii was #2 on my bucket list. I was so fortunate I was able to cross that off, though I would love to visit it again.

Selkie Moon almost drowned as a child and has a fear of water. The ocean calls to her, but she turns her back on it. Makes me wonder what is to come, if she won’t even get near it, let alone step into it.

Looking back, I appreciate the slow build and details of her life even more, walking in her footsteps and looking through her eyes. My anticipation for the next book, The Second Path, grew after reading the first chapter. I wasn’t going to read it, but seeing the next book is already out, I know there is no wait. And I do want to know what comes next…very much.

At first it felt hard to rate this, bouncing between a 3 and a 4, while reading. After writing this review and seeing the notes I made, I had to go with a 4.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The First Lie by Virginia King.

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"The First Lie" is a paranormal mystery story. Selkie Moon leaves her emotionally abusive husband in Australia and relocates to Hawaii. She has a chance to leave the past behind and start a whole new life.

In Hawaii, she moves in with Wanda, who has a tutu (grandmother) that was a kahuna (wise person, sorcerer). Wanda brings Tutu's mirror to the flat, where Selkie sees a mysterious woman, which frightens her. This sets the tone to unravel the mystery of the strange woman.

"I'm falling off a cliff towards the rocks and the sea, when these words ring in my ears.

Someone is trying to kill you."

Right there. At the beginning. It grabbed my attention and I couldn't put this book down. The story is about mystery and self-discovery with some mythological elements thrown in. I thought that most of the characters were well fleshed out and helped move the protagonist on her journey.

The story is well-told with strong dialogue that helps progress it. And sometimes, she peppers her prose with some really beautifully descriptive images. Here's a couple of my favorites:

"Concealed lights illuminate fading frescoes and crumbling pillars. Vines crawl through niches, and faux mosaics lie unfinished at my feet."

"Around and around the room I go, pounding the vinyl with my bare feet . . . "

And like I said – peppered; this isn't purple prose.

I don't normally read paranormal, but every once in a while I'll try something new if it's mixed in with what I already like – mystery and legends/mythology, in this case. I'm glad that I gave it a try and plan to read the next book in the series. ( )

This is her first series and I love it! Well written and real spooky!

Given for an honest review. ( )