Last month I had the pleasure of interviewing Elizabeth Lieknes, author of The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns. And I have to say, this is one of my favourite reads so far this year.
Lucy's life was perfectly fine - until at eleven years old, when she lost any future normality by writing a letter 'to whom it may concern' as her sister lay in a coma after a road accident. Willing to do anything to get her sister back, Lucy had unknowingly signed up for a real deadly job - and when He decided to write back, Lucy found that her future life as facilitator to Hell was set.
Despite being the one to do the Devil's dirty work and bring the evil to the Hell's portal (which, inevitably, is Lucy's basement), there are some perks: Lucy can eat whatever she likes without gaining a pound, she can have the long legs and great looks that she's always wanted. With each birthday comes one wish, and all she has to do to get whatever she wants is ask...
However, 29-year-old Lucy is starting to find her role a little bit of a chore. Bringing bad guys to their fiery ends can be rewarding in its own way, but due to her job and...well, overpowering boss, Lucy is unable to have a stable relationship or see her family. Hiding away from her parents and sister, Lucy lives alone, beautiful yet lonely.
The sister that Lucy tried so hard to save is still alive, corresponding only in letters. But what good was the bargain if she can't see her precious family? And when Lucy meets professor Luke, she finally decides that she wants out of her pact, even if it does mean losing out on the cosmetic benefits. Lucy assumes that she's bound for life to her job, but when a person who she's known for the majority of her life lets her in on a little loophole, Lucy realises that there is a way out, after all...and all she needs is a replacement.
The Sinful Life of Lucy Burns was an unputdownable read. Who can resist the tale of a girl who's responsible for the portal into Hell? But despite Lucy's job, she has a sensitive side, conveying the innocence that she handed over when her deal was made. Her sister's life...for a lifetime of work. Finding a replacement is a task Lucy might just be able to handle, and she'll waste no time in trying...
Elizabeth Leiknes is clearly a talented author with an excellent writing style showing serious plot dashed with plenty of humour. I'm already looking forward to her next offering!
Rating: 5/5
For more information about Elizabeth, check out her website.
