I could not have completed this book without the friends and neighbors who never failed to ask me how things were progressing and who were unfailingly patient in listening to me tell this story again. And again. Ginger Garrett, Maureen Lang, and Anne Mateer, author friends and fellow travelers on this writing journey—all cheered and commiserated as they reminded me that I was not alone. Or going crazy.
Crucial to this process were the readers who kept asking when my next book was coming out. And if I was ever planning to write more contemporaries. At long last, I can tell you that I am!
And finally, and forever, my family must be thanked. My husband, Tony, answered my questions about everything having to do with technology, computers, the federal budget, and government contracts. And my own sweet girl patiently put up with me during the weeks when I wasn’t quite tuned in to all that was going on around me because I was listening to the voices in my head.
About the Author
Photo by Tim Coburn
Siri Mitchell is the author of fourteen novels. She has also written two novels under the pseudonym of Iris Anthony. She graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and has worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri is a big fan of the semicolon but thinks the Oxford comma is irritatingly redundant.
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SiriMitchell.com
Facebook: SiriMitchell
Twitter: @SiriMitchell
Advance Praise for State of Lies
“In State of Lies, Siri Mitchell has penned a page turner that I literally couldn’t put down. I confess I kept reading when I should’ve been writing my own novel. My heart breaks with Georgia Brennan as she suffers blow after blow when a past she didn’t even know she had catches up with her. Readers will applaud her resilience and determination to solve the mystery and save the lives of the people she loves—even when the face of the boogeyman turns out to be someone she never expected. Don’t miss this thrilling ride!”
—Kelly Irvin, bestselling author of Tell Her No Lies and Over the Line
“In State of Lies, Siri Mitchell has created a story that will suck you in and not let go. With twists and turns, international intrigue, and danger galore, this book reads like a psychological thriller mixed with healthy doses of suspense. It’s also wonderfully written with an attention to detail that had me seeing my former haunts in Arlington, Virginia.”
—Cara Putman, author of the Hidden Justice series
“Stunning . . . this story is sure to impress.”
—Publishers Weekly on Ruins of Lace
“A fascinating story not only about lace, but about obsession, corruption, and self-worth. The ending is tantalizingly ambiguous.”
—Historical Novel Society on Ruins of Lace
“A well-paced and interwoven story . . . Anthony [Siri Mitchell] creates a narrative that subtly educates, poses stimulating questions and entertains.”
—Kirkus on The Miracle Thief
“Fast-paced and engrossing . . . The book’s wealth of historic detail will transport you back in time, and Anthony’s plucky heroines will have you alternately biting your nails over their plights and cheering over their triumphs. Hope, faith, courage, inspiration, love—this book has it all. Highly recommended!”
—Sherry Jones, author of The Sharp Hook of Love, on The Miracle Thief
“Christy-nominated Mitchell’s latest flawlessly crafted novel is a quietly powerful tale of love, faith, and hope set in Puritan New England. With its brilliantly formed characters and vividly detailed setting, this tale combines the best elements of inspirational and historical fiction into a richly emotional, unforgettable story.”
—Booklist on Love’s Pursuit
“Christy Award winner Mitchell makes a successful historical debut, immersing readers in the rich historical detail of Queen Elizabeth’s court.”
—RT Book Reviews on A Constant Heart
“A skillful mix of tense family drama, historical romance, and memorable characters that will stay with readers.”
—Library Journal on A Heart Most Worthy
“A well-written, enthralling historical novel, The Messenger will not disappoint.”
—Portland Book Review
Other Books by Siri Mitchell
Kissing Adrien
Chateau of Echoes
Something Beyond the Sky
The Cubicle Next Door
Moon over Tokyo
A Constant Heart
Love’s Pursuit
She Walks in Beauty
A Heart Most Worthy
The Messenger
The Ruins of Lace
Unrivaled
Love Comes Calling
The Miracle Thief
Like a Flower in Bloom
Flirtation Walk
Copyright
State of Lies
© 2019 by Siri Mitchell
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.
Interior design by Lori Lynch
Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please email [email protected].
Publisher’s Note: This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Mitchell, Siri L., 1969- author.
Title: State of lies / Siri Mitchell.
Description: Nashville, Tennessee : Thomas Nelson, [2019]
Identifiers: LCCN 2019007287 | ISBN 9780785228615 (paperback)
Subjects: LCSH: Murder--Investigation--Fiction. | Man-woman relationships--Fiction. | GSAFD: Mystery fiction. | Suspense fiction.
Classification: LCC PS3613.I866 S73 2019 | DDC 813/.6--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2019007287
Printed in the United States of America
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