English author Amy Lloyd returns with her second novel, One More Lie, a page-turning thriller about a young woman recently released from prison. Known only by her government-bestowed name, “Charlotte,” she struggles with her new identity, as well as life on the outside. A parallel narrative occurs in the past, following the path that led her and her friend Sean to murder a grade school classmate.

Charlotte and Sean share the narrative, and the book opens with Charlotte’s description of her first step forward in a long time—a job working retail. Though she manages the semblance of a normal life, she feels empty inside, drawn relentlessly back to the moment of her crime. Despite years of therapy and Sean’s importuning, she can’t remember the act itself. She finds herself missing the structure and regimen of prison and the maternal ministrations of her therapist there, Dr. Isherwood.

Sean appears to be the more obvious criminal. Taught computer science while incarcerated, he chooses to use his newfound skills to sell drugs. He tracks down and haunts Charlotte at every opportunity. There is never any question of whether or not the two of them are guilty, but rather of how much responsibility each bears for the crime.

The balance between the narratives, as well as the balance between past and present is well done. The reader never feels that one story or the other falls short. The writing is quick and engaging, and although Charlotte’s world can be dark and sordid, the major mysteries are satisfyingly resolved. Her story isn’t at an end, but now that she can see her past clearly, she may be able to envision a future.