Customer Reviews

Little White Lies

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I really enjoyed this book. But the whole time I was waiting to find out how Pippa's lies would catch up with her. Then the end came and I didn't see any real consequences to her sin, nor to the lies the "blue chip" women told. I was waiting for Pippa's conversion, her realization that her "little white lies" were sinful but I didn't see that. At the end Gloria did something I would not have expected a Christian to do, it seemed out of character to her previous Christian witness.

The characters were not believable and the plot was transparent.
I didn't care for the main character. It seemed as if the authors wrote the book and, afterwards, went through and added what they believed were British sayings. It was clear from the beginning that the book was written by an American. I also think the character of the secretary was not at all believable. At the end of the book she turns into a completely different person. In short- I'm glad that I got this book from the library, and I probably will not read a sequal.

Although I think the basic premise of the story was good, I was really a bit disappointed by the transparency of the plot, as well as some of the plodding narrative. I did find that the intended spiritual message, was in fact present, albeit slightly unconvincing. Sorry, but I just wasn't *pulled in* at any point, to this story.

I've heard that Pippa Hunnechurch may appear again in a future novel by Ron and Janet Benrey. As an avid mystery reader, and especially of those with a British flair, I'd be willing to give this character another try. So hopefully, Pippa's second time out will be a much smoother and enjoyable read.

Pippa Hunnechurch, Maryland headhunter, is a delightful addition to the pantheon of amateur female sleuths. I enjoyed every minute of this "mystery with a message" and applaud the Benrey's ability to weave a Christian message (telling even the littlest lie can have grave consequences)into the traditional mystery without being preachy. Can't wait for Pippa's next adventure.

The book was poorly written. There was too much emphasis on tiny characteristics of the characters and not enough focus on Christianity. It is supposed to be a story about finding God, and if it is, then I missed that point. The characters have no depth and it is hard to get into, for the plot is too dumb. I don't like to use childish language, but I can find no other to describe my disappointment. There was no suspence to the plot, with a very predictable ending. Please, save your money, borrow it from the library.

In "Little White Lies", Janet and Ron Benrey have created a totally likable heroine, Pippa Hunnechurch. This British import, a hard-working, savvy headhunter, finds herself, while struggling to save her agency, suddenly caught in the middle of murder. With the help of her one-of-a-kind secretary, Gloria, Pippa sorts through the tangle of little while lies to find the truth. The end is both exciting and satisfying, and I, for one, hope Pippa returns soon with further adventures.

Little White Lies by Ron and Janet Benrey is an example of why the Christian marketplace deserves a second look by people who think it's dull, preachy and inferior to secular writing. Little White Lies refutes that notion in spades. The book has it all -- witty, sophisticated characterizations; a plot I couldn't stop reading; an engaging voice to introduce a protagonist I hope to see again and again in sequels. Loved it! Recommend it highly.

Carolyn Curtis

Born in England, Pippa Hunnechurch now lives in the United States and has for over two years since her spouse and child died in a senseless car accident. Pippa plans to become a permanent resident of Ryde, Maryland after falling in love with her adopted new homeland.

Pippa, who runs a headhunting agency, meets popular peer Marsha Morgan during a Chamber of Commerce meeting. They immediately hit it off so when Pippa needs an applicant fast for a client, she turns to Marsha for help. Marsha offers the perfect candidate and the two women split the fee. However, before they can divide their earnings, Marsha dies in a drowning accident that Pippa believes is a disguised homicide connected to the deceased's business. With the help of Marsha's secretary, Pippa tries to solve which of the four likely suspects killed her new friend.

LITTLE WHITE LIES is an entertaining mystery that fans of cozies and amateur sleuth tales will enjoy. Readerss of inspirational stories will adore the novel too as Ron and Janet Benrey show how embracing God's love can make the difference in one's life without preaching their message. In fact, the writing team adroitly interweaves their feelings into a well thought out who-done-it populated by four viable suspects and a determined headhunting "sleuth".

Harriet Klausner