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Liar's Bench

Written by: Kim Michele Richardson
Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie
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Publisher's Summary

In the best-selling tradition of The Secret Life of Bees, Liar's Bench is an atmospheric, compulsively listenable tale full of heart and history, set in 1970s Kentucky and exploring civil rights and family secrets.

In 1972 on Mudas Summers's 17th birthday, her beloved mama Ella is found hanging from the rafters of their home. Most people in Peckinpaw, Kentucky, assume that Ella's no-good husband did the deed. Others think Ella grew tired of his abuse and did it herself. Muddy is determined to find out for sure either way, especially once she finds strange papers hidden among her mama's possessions.

But Peckinpaw keeps its secrets buried deep. Muddy's almost-more-than-friend Bobby Marshall knows that better than most. Though he passes for white, one of his ancestors was Frannie Crow, a slave hanged a century ago on nearby Hark Hill Plantation. Adorning the town square is a seat built from Frannie's gallows; a tribute, a relic - and a caution - it's known as Liar's Bench. The answers Muddy seeks soon lead back to Hark Hill, to hatred and corruption that have echoed through the years, and to lies she must be brave enough to confront at last.

Kim Michele Richardson's lush, beautifully written debut is set against a southern backdrop passing uneasily from bigotry and brutality to hope. With its compelling mystery and complex yet relatable heroine, Liar's Bench is a story of first love, raw courage, and truths that won't be denied.

©2015 Kim Michele Richardson (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
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What listeners say about Liar's Bench

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Great story

This is a great story with amazing ending. My only thought was it seemed like the author was trying to write the next To Kill a Mockingbird which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

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Good to the last drop.

This wonderful book was made even better by the stunning narration of a very talented actress.
My first read by this author, but certainly not my last!

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Page turner

Wonderful story . This is the third book I read from this author and I love her writings plus great narrative, just had to finish in record time 🫶will get the other books next that I have been missing till now …

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Amazing story!

the narrator's voice is one of the best I've ever listened to! I felt teleported to the time and place...I couldn't get enough. The author's eloquent descriptive writing was beautiful. 2 nd book I've listened to by this author. I'm heading over to find more from her now!

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a marriage made in heaven, writer and narrator

The audible listener will be 100% impressed with the incredible detail of the writer and all of her Southern touches. I am from the South and her expressions and the lifestyle she creates is so authentic. Also the narrator has a beautiful Southern accent and again reminds me of the South. This is an incredible story that really engages you. It's one of the best overall presentations I have listened to in a long time!

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Great story

I enjoyed the character development and the narrator. Great little story that felt historical. Thanks.

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Good story - wonderful narrator

I quite enjoyed this book and all the more because of the narrator! It was a treat to listen to the narrator. Her Southern accent made the names of people, places and phrases so authentic.

The book immediately grabbed my attention with the shocking death of Ella and the mystery surrounding it. I was drawn into the mystery as her daughter, Mudas took it into her own hands to solve her mother’s death all the while navigating the grief and pain of losing her.

I loved how the story intertwined the history of the town and Liar’s Bench as Mudas navigated her journey for the truth.

I felt like the plot unraveled a bit when Bobby came on to the scene. The two escaped a very dangerous situation and then proceeded to nonchalantly hang out and fall in love in places that seemed to me it would be easy for the bad guys to find them in.

My curiosity about truth of Ella’s death kept me reading and I found the rest of the book suspenseful as the secrets surrounding Ella’s death were revealed.

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Excellent, must read!

This book pays homage to those that have needlessly suffered at the hands of cruelty.

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A must listen

The story was woven beautifully and combined with the narration I felt I was in that small town living the tale.

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Interesting contemporary Southern story

New author for me and I really enjoyed the story. The characters weren't developed as well as I'd have liked but fascinating era to write about. I look forward to more.

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