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Thriller Connects Superman And Abel - And That's The Truth!

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By K. SUE COLLINS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 7, 2008

"The Book of Lies," by Brad Meltzer (Grand Central Publishing, $26)

A mystery as old as time and the birth of the most iconic superhero in pop culture collide in this novel.

With a story rooted in facts, Brad Meltzer connects the murder of Abel from the Bible with the creation of Superman in this clever, "Da Vinci Code"-esque thriller.

The core of "The Book of Lies" entwines three father-and-son stories, from the murder of Abel and the father of Superman co-creator Jerry Siegel to the rocky relationship between the novel's sometime narrator, Cal Harper, and his father, Lloyd.

Cal and Lloyd follow the path to learn the connection between Abel and Siegel's murder, staying one step ahead of Ellis, a fanatical killer sporting the mark of Cain. It takes all of their resources to uncover the link between the identity of Cain's murder weapon and the unsolved homicide of Mitchell Siegel, which led to his son creating Superman.

A menage of truth and fiction propels what could have been run-of-the-mill suspense. Meltzer commands the reader's attention throughout the meaty center where layer upon layer is stripped away. "The Book of Lies" combines biblical history with the genesis of a superhero legend, not an easy feat to maintain, but one Meltzer manages to accomplish.

The attraction of "The Book of Lies" appeals to comic book fans who will not be disappointed among the wealth of Clark Kent/Superman origins.

Despite this, Meltzer succeeds in telling the story of father-and-son relationships riddled with consolations and regrets.

K. Sue Collins of Tampa is a crime novelist.

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