Little Black Lies by Sandra Block

As a Buffalonian and a physician, I felt immediately drawn to this book by fellow local

physician Sandra Block. It came highly recommended by friends who not only knew the

author personally but raved about the story itself. Knowing I’m an avid reader, I gladly

picked it up—and I’m so glad I did.

The main character, Zoe, is a psychiatry resident navigating her own internal battles

while treating patients with complex psychological issues. The intertwining of Zoe’s

personal trauma with her professional life made for an emotionally layered and

engaging read.

One of the best parts? The setting. Sandra Block doesn’t just mention Buffalo—she

brings it to life. From nods to local coffee shops to reverent mentions of Buffalo wings,

the sense of place is warm and familiar. If you're from Western New York, you’ll love

teasing out the references.

The mystery itself unfolds at a solid pace, with the author doing a great job of slowly

dropping clues and maintaining suspense. The ending gave me a true “I didn’t see that

coming” moment, which is always a win in my book. My only critique? The ending felt a

bit rushed, and I found myself wishing for a glimpse into Zoe’s future—maybe a setup

for a sequel or just a touch more resolution.

I read this on vacation, curled up on the back porch during warm summer evenings, and

it was perfect for that kind of laid-back setting. Although it’s a mystery, it’s not the kind

that will keep you up all night with the lights on—but it will keep you turning pages.

Overall, I really enjoyed Little Black Lies and would highly recommend it—especially for

a book club. If you're from the Buffalo area, all the better. There’s something special

about reading a gripping story set in your own backyard.