The Art of Deception by Louise Mangos

Art college dropout Lucie arrives in a Swiss ski resort looking for work – but instead finds Mathieu.

Handsome, charismatic and from a good family, Matt seems like the perfect man. But as Lucie soon discovers, he has a dark side – one that will drive their relationship to a dramatic conclusion, and tear the life she has built for herself and their son apart.

Left fighting for her freedom in a foreign prison, and starting to lose her grip on reality, Lucie must summon all of her strength to uncover the truth and be reunited with her son before it’s too late.

The clock is ticking…but who can she trust?

The Big Thrill caught up to author Louise Mangos for a quick discussion about her latest thriller, THE ART OF DECEPTION:

Was there anything new you discovered, or that surprised you, as you wrote this book?

Sometimes writing is a cathartic therapy for things that have happened to the author in the past. (I’ll let the reader decide which bits!)

What authors or books have influenced your career as a writer, and why?

Patricia Highsmith for her sublime portraits of flawed characters, Louise Doughty for her suspense and sense of an almost vigilante justice, Gillian Flynn for her innovative and unexpected plots.

What’s the one question you wish someone would ask you about this book, or your work in general?

How do you write novels in such a realistic setting?

Because I’m lucky enough to live in them.

What attracts you to this book’s genre?

I write the kind of book I like to read.

Which took shape first: plot, character, or setting?

Setting

*****

Louise writes novels, short stories and flash fiction, which have won prizes, placed on shortlists, and have been read out on BBC radio. Her debut psychological thriller Strangers on a Bridge was published by HQDigital (Harper Collins) in July 2018 and THE ART OF DECEPTION will be published in June 2019. You can connect with Louise on Facebook and Twitter (@LouiseMangos), or visit her website where there are links to more of her short fiction. Louise lives in Switzerland with her Kiwi husband and two sons.