Beautiful Creatures Theme of Lies and Deceit

Gatlin must be Southern for "great big honkin' ball of falsehood." All the major characters flat out lie at least once (usually more) throughout Beautiful Creatures, and all the townsfolk have at least one skeleton in their closet. (We haven't discovered a literal skeleton yet, but we wouldn't be surprised.) Sure, they all have their reasons, but it's usually not healthy to keep secrets—secrets weigh you down. Telling the truth is like giving a Slim-Fast to your soul. Maybe we should spike the Gatlin water with some.

1. Macon lies to Lena, telling her that her mother is dead. He says he is doing it to protect her. If you were in Macon's (impeccably shined) shoes, what would you do?
2. Does all the lying in the book lead to more harm than good? Why or why not?
3. Even the Mortal townsfolk of Gatlin have their secrets, many of which are exposed by Macon at the town meeting in 12.16, When the Saints go Marching In. Why do small towns have such a reputation for dirty secrets? How would things be different if Beautiful Creatures took place in a big city?