The Lies of Bryn van Doren by R.C. Martin is a skillfully woven tapestry of deceit, secrets, and the quest for truth, set against a richly painted backdrop that oscillates between the buzzing streets of a contemporary city and the quiet, ominous whispers of a small, secluded village. Through its intricate plot and compelling character development, the novel captures the essence of a psychological thriller while also delving deeply into the more introspective terrains of guilt, redemption, and the human capacity for both goodness and malevolence.

At its core, the story follows the disillusioned and somewhat jaded protagonist, Anna Leighton, whose life is permanently altered following the disappearance of her best friend, Bryn van Doren. Known for her charismatic yet enigmatic nature, Bryn is an enthralling character who leaves behind a labyrinth of lies following her mysterious vanishing. What starts as a mission to find Bryn slowly metamorphoses into a quest for unmasking the truths hidden beneath years of close friendship and buried secrets within their shared past.

R.C. Martin’s narrative prowess shines as he deftly unveils layer after layer of deception. Each chapter peels away pieces of Bryn's facade, revealing complex motivations and a deeper darkness than Anna ever anticipated. Here, Martin exercises a fine balance between tension and pacing, delivering shocks and revelations strategically spaced to keep the reader perpetually on edge. It is a testament to his storytelling that the reader, much like Anna, fluctuates between sympathy and horror, empathy and disbelief.

The setting of the novel plays a pivotal role, almost emerging as a character unto itself. Split between the bustling, indifferent rhythm of the city and the chilling stillness of the remote village of Eldridge Hollow, the environments mirror the dualistic nature of Bryn's own personality and, indeed, the human psyche. The small village, with its close-knit community and generations of hidden histories, provides a perfect canvas for many of the novel’s central themes of legacy and the burden of history. The atmospheric detailing is immersive, pulling the reader into the fog-laden fields of Eldridge Hollow just as deftly as the shadow-draped alleys of the city.

Character development is stellar in The Lies of Bryn van Doren. Anna is portrayed with a deep psychological complexity, struggling with her own identity in the wake of Bryn’s disappearance. Her evolution from a passive to an active protagonist, driven by a need to uncover the truth, regardless of the cost to her own wellbeing, is both credible and emotionally engaging. Secondary characters are equally well-drawn, contributing significantly to the plot and thematic depth of the book. From the enigmatic, seemingly omniscient Mrs. Kettering in Eldridge Hollow to the stalwart, morally torn Detective Carroway, each character adds a layer of intrigue and understanding to the unfolding drama.

Another notable aspect of Martin’s narrative is his handling of the themes of truth and perception. Through Anna’s journey, the novel ponders whether knowing the truth is always preferable to the comfort of illusion, and whether any individual can completely escape their past or redefine themselves outside of their history. As secrets are uncovered and realities faced, characters are forced to reckon with their own inner demons and the lies they tell themselves.

Stylistically, Martin’s prose is crisp and evocative, with a knack for crafting memorable, biting dialogue that rings true to each character’s voice. While the text is adorned with metaphorical language, the author maintains a sharp, clean delivery, ensuring that the narrative drive is not bogged down by its own literary aspirations. This harmonious blend of poetic description and tight, purposeful storytelling propels the novel forward and enriches the reader’s experience.

However, no work is without its critiques. Some readers might find the complexity of the book’s plot somewhat daunting, and the multitude of twists, while invigorating, occasionally border on overwhelming. Moreover, the resolution, though satisfyingly resolved, might come across as rushed in the wake of the novel’s meticulously slow build. Yet, these are minor flaws in what is otherwise a masterfully crafted piece.

In summary, The Lies of Bryn van Doren by R.C. Martin is a captivating thriller that marries the intrigue of a mystery novel with the depth of a psychological drama. It not only provides the twists and turns expected of its genre but also offers a profound commentary on the nature of truth and deception. Fans of thrillers looking for a story that plumbs the depths of the human condition will find this book a rewarding read, rich with emotion, suspense, and philosophical inquiry.