Broken Frontier

When he was just a child, Cal Harper witnessed his father accidentally kill his mother during a fateful argument. Now years later, Lloyd Harper is back in his son’s life and once again turning it upside down. The shady cargo on his father’s truck sends the pair on an unexpected search for an artifact called the Book of Lies, purported to be the weapon that Cain used to kill Abel. But what does this have to do with the murder of Mitchell Siegel (father of Superman creator Jerry Siegel), whose name keeps appearing during their search? And can the Harpers save themselves when pursued by both a religious zealot and a federal agent who blames them for her partner’s death?

Brad Meltzer’s new novel, The Book of Lies, is an unusual animal. A blending of fact and fiction, Meltzer’s story manages to connect biblical legend, historical events, and the real life unsolved murder of Mitchell Siegel. The result is a fast-paced, frequently puzzling, but ultimately moving tale of fathers and sons, broken dreams, and the stories we leave behind. It seems a questionable decision to make a real person’s death a plot point in a fictional conspiracy thriller and Meltzer’s choice may seem in poor taste to some. The presence of several members of the Siegel clan on the acknowledgments page would seem to indicate that Mitchell’s surviving family is okay with this fictionalized account however. Without further info about the decision process behind the development of this book, one can only truly judge it on its merits as a story. In this, The Book of Lies acquits itself fairly well.

As in previous works, Meltzer’s comic book upbringing shows its influence and not just in the obvious ways. The chapters are kept short and fast moving, frequently ending with a cliffhanger or an unexpected twist. The language and pacing of comic books is in Meltzer’s blood and this keeps the reader avidly turning the pages to piece the puzzle together. The incorporation of visual images with the text—a mysterious tattoo, cryptic clues hidden in unpublished Superman panels—also add an extra level of involvement for the reader. For the first time however, Meltzer can go further than borrowing the imagery or pacing of comics. In The Book of Lies he indulges his inner geek, pontificating on the Siegel legacy, "attic copies" of Action Comics #1, the inspiration for Lois Lane and Lex Luthor, and other clues woven into the plot. The result will be a treat for comics fans and an eye-opening look behind the scenes for the uninitiated.

Meltzer also proves once again to have a talent for characterization. The characters and their respective emotional scars are well presented and sympathetic throughout. Cal’s bitterness mixed with Lloyd’s world-weary pain and their ally Serena’s somewhat flaky New Age Zen lead to a number of interesting conflicts, both dramatic and humorous. Ellis, the zealous ex-cop and believer of the Cain lore, is an appropriately chilling villain yet one that retains a human side through a devotion to his dog. Agent Naomi Molina stands out as the breakout character with her snarky, confrontational speech pattern, unique approach to motherhood, and relentless single-minded pursuit of the heroes.

Certain elements of The Book of Lies may seem familiar to readers. Its search for biblical secrets and race against time to clear the lead characters’ names may put some in mind of The Da Vinci Code. This could be good or bad depending on one’s take on that pop cultural phenomenon. Additionally, there are echoes of Meltzer’s previous novel, The Book of Fate—similar title, a Florida setting, a dangerous religious nut, an ex-federal employee with a tortured past and useful government connections, etc. "Write what you know" seems to be a mantra that Meltzer has taken to heart. A great deal of familiar territory is covered which may engender a sense of déjà vu at times.

The book’s central concept makes it distinct from these other works however. Linking one of popular culture’s greatest heroes with one of literature’s greatest villains is something never before attempted. As odd as it may sound, Meltzer’s intricately plotted fictional history does hold together and the writer prompts us to reconsider motivations in both the Superman legend and the classic story of Cain. Themes of redemption, legacy, atonement, and the bond between parent and child are explored in very powerful ways.

Basing such a novel off an actual unsolved murder is a risky move but it is one that seems to pay off. Whether any of The Book of Lies is factual, its themes reveal an element of truth.

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The Book of Lies was released Sept. 2, 2008 from Grand Central Publishing.