HE TRUTH OF THE MATTER is Andrew Klavan's third book in the young adult Homelanders series. This book is released by a Christian publisher. Klavan also writes books for adults that, while they contain moral and Christian values, are full of bad language and adult situations. With that disclaimer out of the way, I have to say THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER is the best in the series.
In book one, high schooler Charlie West woke up to find him self strapped to a table. He had no memory of the last year and a half. He escaped from his captors and spent the rest of the novel trying to find out what had happened to him. He discovers he'd been arrested for the murder of his best friend Alex Hauser. He'd been convicted and sent to prison. He escaped and joined a group called the Homelanders, an Islamic terrorist group based in the USA .
In book two, Charlie makes contact with some of his old buddies, plus girlfriend Beth. His friends all still believe in him, but Charlie can't stay with them. The cops are after him for escaping prison and the Homelanders want him dead for betraying their cause.
Book three opens with Charlie looking for a man called Waterman, a man who could supposedly tell Charlie what in the world is going on. Once Charlie finds Waterman, the action picks up. Charlie never knows who to trust and the Homelanders are always on his tail.
I liked this book because, through flashbacks, we learn along with Charlie what exactly happened. He remembers what really happened to friend Alex. He relives what it was like to fall in love with Beth. He discovers how he became involved with the Homelanders. Some might complain of too much backstory or rehashing the past. But, I think Klavan does it in a way that makes in interesting and fun.
There's only one more book in this unabashedly pro-American series. These books are easy to read and teenagers, and their parents, should enjoy it.
One other note: I received this book through Amazon Vine and it had the first 27 pages missing. I was able to find the beginning online.