Genuine Fraud - E. Lockhart

Genuine Fraud is a YA mystery and thriller by E.Lockhart. This twisting and suspenseful novel tells the story of two friends trying to deceive each other. It is a deep tangle of events which I found quite difficult to untie. A complex story filled with master of disguise, action heroes and high school dropouts creates a clever, but confusing plot line.

Julia West Williams is a liar, a fraud and a criminal.
Imogen Sokoloff is a runaway, a rich daughter and the perfect friend.
Jules drinks up Imogen's attention.
Imogen is unaware of Jules' dark past.
They become the best of friends until their relationship takes the darkest of turns.

Genuine Fraud was told in chronological order, but backwards. This created some unpredictable plot twists and suspense with more layers being added to the mystery. The only problem with this sequencing of events was the added confusion since I did not understand that time was going backwards until about halfway through the novel! The main character created an interesting personality since she was depicted as both a protagonist and an antagonist which breaks typical protagonist stereotypes. There was so much happening in the novel that if I wasn't paying enough attention, I missed details which came up later in the story. This is entirely my fault, but it did take away from my reading experience. Overall, E. Lockhart is a genius, her novel having mind blowing complexity, a unique plot line and unpredictable twists and turns.

If you, like me, love a good mystery, are craving some plot twists or an unforgettable thriller, Genuine Fraud is a "must read" novel. You will not be disappointed. 

Thank you for reading my review.

~Inkpot Blogger