Reader’s Corner: A new read from Liz Lazarus

This column previously reviewed a riveting novel by Liz Lazarus, in which the main character navigates the continued fear and the twists and turns of the legal system following a vicious attack. Now, the Atlanta-based author delivers her fourth novel, a psychological thriller in which a ruthless and treacherous boyfriend-turned-stalker embroils a daughter in a battle for guardianship of her elderly mother. 

“Dawn Before Darkness” is the story of Dawn Smith, a veterinarian tech living in rural South Carolina, who catches her boyfriend in a series of lies and abruptly ends the relationship. Rather than accepting the break-up, he begins stalking and harassing her, forcing Dawn to seek a restraining order. Undeterred, he launches a personal attack—suing for guardianship and conservatorship of Dawn’s mother. In court, he manipulates the truth using evidence he planted while the couple were still dating. Just when Dawn thinks things can’t get any worse, she is faced with an impossible choice: rekindle the relationship or lose her mother forever. 

In addition to suspense that makes it hard to put down, this novel will resonate with anyone who has ever had to enter the legal world of guardianships, estates, probate court and conservatorships while still trying to hold down a job, maintain good employer-employee relationships, and manage household responsibilities. It blends the workday world—in this case, veterinary medicine—with the risks of relationships and the all-too-common pitfalls of the legal system, using Lazarus’ own harrowing experience involving guardianship of her mother, combined with meticulous research. It felt deeply personal to this columnist, who is extremely grateful for reliable counsel during the elderly parent journey but has also watched extended family suffer great loss when they were not so fortunate, and for whom a book of this quality might have sent warning signals. 

“Liz Lazarus tells a compelling story that captures the reader’s attention throughout,” wrote one of many favorable reviewers. “As someone who knows the horrors of the probate system, I applaud Liz’s accurate depiction of how easily the elderly can be trapped and how helpless their family can feel as they fight to protect a loved one.” 

“Dawn Before Darkness” will launch through major online retailers this May, and pre-orders are currently available. Visit Liz’s website, https://lizlazarus.com/home, to reserve your copy.