The Camera Never Lies

This stimulating fantastical tale from Rawlings (The Baggage Handler) tackles the internal battles that can come with honest introspection. Daniel Whiteley’s success as a marriage counselor relies heavily on a reputation built on his bestselling book, No Secrets. There is one glaring problem, though: Daniel’s own life is filled with secrets. His wife doesn’t trust him; his 12-year-old daughter refuses to open up, and her rebellious behavior confuses him; and his editor is threatening to pull his contract if he doesn’t produce a second book. When Daniel’s grandfather dies, he leaves Daniel a letter expressing his concern for him, as well as an old camera. Daniel quickly has the film developed and is shocked when he sees the prints of old photos, revealing scenes of his wife crying, gripping a pill bottle at their daughter’s birthday party. Daniel continues to use the camera, and the images reveal the uncomfortable realities of his life that are obscured behind his veneer of happiness. In his fervor to keep his secrets hidden, he doesn’t realize his efforts are making his relationships unravel even quicker. While religious themes are never overt, this Twilight Zone–style story will challenge readers to rethink the meaning of truth by digging into the repercussions of dishonesty. Agent: Steve Laube, Steve Laube Agency. (Dec.)