WOW what a book !! This is exactly the kind of book I absolutely love, a psychological thriller with a dark undertone running all the way through that keeps you turning the pages! I would of loved to have just sat and read this from cover to cover but of course life doesn't allow that, when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it and that's a sure sign that you are reading a brilliant book. This is my first K.L. Slater novel but I will definately be rectifying that.

I thought this book was fantastic! It was written from the perspectives of Judi, the mother and Amber, the prospective Daughter in law. As you read you quickly come to your own conclusions of who is right and wrong. You have two women fighting fit the best interest of Ben, a widower, and his two sons.
Is Amber manipulative? Or is Judi too controlling?
I highly recommend you find out and will definately be reading books by this author in the future.

Judi is in charge of her son’s family. You see Ben has two sons who he is raising alone after the death of his wife. So now, as a good mother-in-law, Judi steps in to take care of Ben and his sons. She does his cleaning, picks up the kids from school and feeds the boys. It is what she has been doing for the past two years until Amber came along. Amber is Ben’s new girlfriend who comes in and decides that she now wants to take care of Ben and his boys. Basically, she wants to do what Judi has been doing and more.

There is a tug of war between the two women as Judi tries to hold onto to her role in her son’s life and Amber tries to find her place in Ben's life. However, amidst this, there is also a web of lies surrounding the two women. The story is narrated mainly through Judi and Amber’s perspectives. It becomes apparent that Amber has some sinister motives. On the other hand, Judi’s narration spirals out of control as she tries to reign in her family. At some point I started wondering just how many liars were in the story. There was so much deception and scheming going on.

Liar by K. L Slater is a fast-paced psychological thriller. I think it is my favorite one of the three books that I have read by the author(although I really liked Blink). The suspense is maintained throughout the story. I couldn’t figure out what Amber was hiding. What were her motives? On the other hand, I was curious about Judi. How far would she go to protect her family? At some point her actions were frustrating and I was worried about her. I just didn’t know how it would all end.

One thing that I couldn’t have predicted was the ending. It was simply brilliant. I thought that I knew what was going on but I was surprised in the end. The final twist was shocking and I loved it. The book ends perfectly. I got to the last page eager to see what would happen next. I mean, what would the characters do after what had happened? However, the author decided to let us, the readers, figure that one out. The ending fits well with the story. If you like psychological thrillers then you need to read this one. It was one hell of an addictive read.

Blink was brilliant. Such a twisted and unexpected story where K.L. Slater kept us all on tenterhooks until the end wondering just what was going on. Could she possibly manage to do the same again. Of course she flipping well could. Liar is a superb psychological come domestic noir kind of a novel which totally had me gripped and intrigued from the off with a truly shocking and unexpected opening. But then there are so many layers to this book, so many hidden truths, that I was kept guessing from first page to last and I loved it.

There are two main characters that we follow in this book: Judi, whose story dominates the book and who we hear from in the first person and her new Daughter-in-law in waiting, Amber, whose story is told in third person. Using these two different narrative perspectives makes it easy to follow the action, but is also an effective way to manipulate the readers point of view, which K.L. Slater does with now practiced ease throughout. We are also treated to a few chapters told from minor characters perspectives which add a different dimension again to our understanding of what is going on and only serve to make the reader question even more if they can actually tell the truth from the fiction.

Judi is a very interesting character to read and to travel the book with. Traumatised by an incident very early on in life, she is heavily invested in the life of her widowed Son and her two grandchildren, almost to the point of obsession. So when Amber comes onto the scene, is it jealousy or real mother's instinct that makes Judi feel so put out and ill at ease with her. As reader/voyeur, we can see the truth about who Amber really is and whether or not she is actually the threat Judi perceives her to be, but is there still something more there than meets the eye. Amber is not someone who it is easy to warm to and she feels very much like the cuckoo in Judi's nest from the very start. The K.L. Slater excels in making these uneasy moments flow through the narrative and the angst and animosity between the two women oozes from every page.

If there was one person I wanted to throttle it was most probably Judi's son Ben. Yes he was hurting after the loss of his wife and seemingly intent on caring for his boys above all else but show him a beautiful smile and some attention and he became oblivious to anything else around him, at least in the eyes of his family. Definitely in need of a wake up call, one which he is bound to get but to a very great cost. I'd also have a few choice words for Judi's husband but then that's another story.

I won't say much more about the plot because, as in all good psychological thrillers, this is a book you need to read for yourself and to say too much more would risk ruining the read for you. What I will say is that this book will have you questioning your own judgement and have your thoughts and suspicions wavering between so many characters. Just when you think you know what is happening, something happens to completely throw you for a loop and you start back at square one trying to piece the puzzle together. The opening is killer, but, man... When you read the ending... well you'll get it when you read it.

Another top notch thriller which had me hooked and turning the pages well into the wee small hours. Well done Ms Slater. You've pulled it out of the bag once again. Absolutely brilliant. Loved it.

Well this author has done it again, shes written unputdownable psychological thriller that has kept me on tender hooks all the way through and although I got a whiff of dirty misdemeanours, some were never confirmed by the author leaving [me] the reader totally in awe and captivated long after I read the last page.

Judi was a likeable person. I admired how close her grown son Ben was to her, and of course, she helped him look after his two sons after his wife died. Cleaned house, did the washing and ironing and fed them.

Ben meets Amber. Its never easy for us Mums when children fall in love and meet someone. But Ben had been married and Judi got along with her previous daughter-in-law so seeing that she wants her son to be happy then she would befriend Amber. But the author lead us down another route which I didn't expect or see coming.

Then there is her husband.
Then there are Ambers secrets and past.
Judi's other son had died but we don't know how. But Judi's grief is very much at the forfront within these pages.

Judi is also going through the menopause and gets hot flushes. I know first hand how that can affect a woman, sleepless nights, mood swings, forgetfulness and sometimes being just darnright unreasonable. So most times she just came across as a middle aged woman who adored her son, grandkids and just resented having to take a back seat now that Amber was on the scene.

Is that the reason why Judi dislikes Ben's new girlfriend?
Maybe her grief has got her to the point of focusing on Ben and her grandsons, after all, apart from her job, who else needs her.

There are rapid movements within this tale that will get your stomach twisted in knots, you won't know if you are coming or going.

I took one evening to get to 90% and finished it off the following morning whilst eating my breakfast, this was definitely a book I personally couldn't put down.

I loved this authors previous psychological thrillers, her last one BLINK had me on the edge of my seat.

I shout yeahhhhhhh when I see she has another book, so I'm sure to do the same on her next published book.

I was chatting to my husband about this book this morning, eventhough I have started another book this one will stay with you.

THANK YOU bookoutour and NET GALLEY for my copy

Perfect wife. Perfect stepmother. Perfect stranger.

Judi is a lovely Mum who looks out for her son Ben. He is a bereaved single Dad with two adorable boys. Judi does their washing, pops around to clean his house and takes care of her grandsons after school. She is hugely involved in their lives with the very best of intentions as any Mum would be in the same circumstances.

Then Ben meets Amber, seemingly a perfect match for him. Something about her just doesn’t quite add up. Call it mother’s instinct…but Judi sees through Amber’s sweetness to a much darker core. How can she protect Ben & her grandsons when everyone else thinks she’s overreacting and simply feeling “pushed out” and jealous of the new woman in their lives?

As a reader it’s really frustrating that no-one seems to take Judi’s fears seriously – you want to shake them and make them listen, especially after one of the boys is left alone. Surely that’s enough to raise suspicions of anyone? C’mon! What’s a Judi got to do to be HEARD by the men in her life?! It is fascinating to see the interaction between the two women, the point scoring and power play. Also really interesting to explore the seldom-heard older woman versus the know-it-all younger female who bedazzles the male characters.

This book is fast-paced and exciting with an unexpected conclusion. With hindsight, the clues were very much there but I missed them! A modern lesson to always listen to your Mum, her instincts are rarely mistaken…four cwtches. It’s out later this week, you can pre-order your copy here. (Link)

I have enjoyed the author's previous books and couldn't wait to see if this one lived up to her writing in the others. I can honestly say I was not disappointed. Once again she takes the reader on a journey where nothing is as it seems. She takes us into the lives of her characters until we become invested in them. She wants us to form our own ideas as to what is going on and who is actually telling the truth, then at the last moment she turns everything on its head and shocks us.

The story is a good one, a new woman comes into the lives of a man and his sons. She worms her way into the family and starts to change things, much to the disgust of his mother who has literally looked after them all for the past few years. I honestly thought I had everything figured out but yet again I was proven very wrong.

Once I knew what had actually gone on I realised that all of the clues were there, I just didn't know it while I was reading the story.

Another very clever story from the author, and one which surely cements her place in the list of top pysychological thriller authors. Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a copy.

Wow! Just Wow! This was absolutely insane, twisted, and completely mind-blowing… I loved it!
Liar by K.L. Slater is an outstanding psychological thriller that I just couldn’t put down - I was hooked right from the start! This book is about the deep and disturbing hatred between a controlling and proud mother/grandmother and the beautiful and conniving new girlfriend.

How far would you go to protect your family?

Ben is raising his 2 young boys by himself with the help of his loving and dedicated mother, Judi, after his wife passed away 2 years ago. But then one day he meets the beautiful and mysterious Amber and they start dating. That’s when things don’t go so well between Judi and Amber. Ben becomes torn between the 2 women in his life. He just doesn’t understand why Judi hates Amber so much, and Judi is devastated that Ben is allowing Amber to cut him and the boys out of her life.

Both of these women, Judi and Amber, are very unlikeable characters. Judi is extremely controlling and wants to keep Ben and the boys all to herself. Amber, on the other hand, wants to cut Judi out of Ben and the boy’s lives forever. Both will do anything to get what they want. Shocking secrets and lies could change everything for these women. Who is the liar? Will the ultimate decision lead to the most disastrous consequences? A big winner for me... Highly recommend!

*I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book.

Totally absorbing and addictive! I was glued to my kindle and was constantly questioning who the liar was and who could truly be in danger. The characters were so well developed and believable. I was completely blown away and not expecting the conclusion!

I absolutely loved this book. It was a real page turner. A classic tale of mums and the relationship with their sons. The rivalry between mother and sons girlfriend. I loved the story twist and the way we kept getting a little more each turn of the page. I liked the way the book was laid out looking from the characters perspectives with each chapter. I didn't figure out the end either. I think it was well written but as always I wonder how on earth did the writer come up with this stuff! I would recommend this to anybody who likes an easy read psychological thriller. This was not a hardcore thriller, but would be a great introduction to the genre.

What a great read! Two women, Judi- menopausal, loving Mom and Grandma and Amber- young, secretive. They don't trust or like each other and compete for Judi's son and grandsons attention. Judi has been looking after them for so long and in comes Amber and takes over. Right from the start you know there's something a little bit off about both of them. The author does a great job of keeping the reader guessing, leaving a few clues here and there to change your mind just when you think you have it all figured out. I love books like this, family drama and lots of suspense. The ending was completely unexpected for me, did not see it coming at all! Another great book by an author that is quickly becoming a go to author for me.

This is the first book I have read by this author. Each chapter
is told from the prospective of the individual characters. I was gripped from the start and couldn't put it down with an ending I wasn't expecting.

HOLY HELL!!!!

That was the first thought in my head (actually it was a little more colorful than that) when the story started to wind down.

Slater third book, Liar, is an intriguing tale of family, single parenting, dating when you have kids, dating when your mother is heavily involved in your life and suspicion. Is there a theme Slater didn’t hit? Maybe, but what she does use is written wisely and at a great pace you’d want in a novel with this level of suspense and paranoia.

At first my own biases were playing against me because I have a Mother-In-Law who throughout our decade of marriage still doesn’t believe I have any authority in my marriage or as a parent so reading about a mother this involved in her son’s life I immediately wanted to believe she was completely crazy and needed to back off.

Thankfully I was able to push through my own crappy experiences because Slater’s novel definitely deserved to be judged on its own merits. The novel starts off explosively with someone bloody and dying and someone else holding the knife.

Then you get to meet the characters. Suddenly the over bearing mother doesn’t seem so bad especially when the new girlfriend is straight out of Fatal Attraction. Slater just can’t help with throwing us off balance so nothing ever seems to be completely black and white.

Having the chapters seesaw between Judi the grandmother and Amber the girlfriend really provided an interesting experience especially when you get to see how they view each other and how they each experience the same situation differently. I felt as the reader it was almost as if each character was trying to sway us to their side; it was a mind trip.

It was definitely an interesting view of the mother-in-law versus daughter-in-law dynamic particularly when ‘mom’ only has one child to focus all her energy on; trust me – I live that dynamic and it’s NOT fun. After reading this I’m glad we already have legal papers drawn up assuring the continuity of care for our kids because this book has me FREAKED OUT!!

Judi is a devoted mother and grandmother. After the tragic death of her daughter-in-law, she steps up to help her son, Ben, with childcare and housework. However, when Ben meets Amber, he quickly falls under her spell and, much to Judi’s alarm, things move very quickly. Suspicious of Amber’s intentions, Judi worries about the rapid changes in their home life and the effect Amber’s presence is having on the children’s behaviour. The pair are spiteful to each other from the start and a hatred grows between them that slowly becomes more and more apparent to the entire family.

After loving Blink by K.L. Slater, I was excited to be approved by Bookouture on NetGalley for K.L. Slater’s third psychological thriller. Liar is all about what people will do in the name of ‘love’ and with the intention of protecting their families. It plays with the all-too-common tensions between mothers and the partners their children choose and demonstrates the lack of legal rights grandparents have in the UK to their grandchildren.

Liar kept me guessing until the end. While it had fewer twists and turns than Blink, I enjoyed how it was set around complicated family dynamics and two shady characters, both with traumatic pasts. It was also fantastic to see an author engaging with how women can be made to feel like they are fading into the background as they reach the menopause. All too often, they feel unable to talk about the changes – both physical and emotional – they are going through.

I appreciated the slightly open ending of Liar, making me wonder what the future holds for the family. The complex characters of Amber and Judi are still lingering in my mind, and I will definitely pick up K.L. Slater’s next thriller!

Tension between the two main characters is palpable. And although we are aware from the beginning that Amber has an ulterior motive, at times it was difficult not to sympathise with her having to deal with control freak Judy.

A fast paced thriller with short chapters, well created characters, and clever twists. It does what a psychological thriller is supposed to do. The more I read, the more I could not put it down.

Overall very enjoyable!

Liar started off with a bang...exactly how I like it!!! It is told in alternating POV, is fast paced and well written. My complements to K. L. Slater for holding my attention, keeping me in her grip until the very last page.

It is a story of the sometimes volatile relationship between a mother in law and daughter in law, with themes of control, possessiveness, lies and revenge.

The prologue begins with a riveting murder, and we are left wondering throughout as to which woman met her untimely end and how that came to be.

Amber, as we soon discover from the outset, is up to no good, plotting her way into Judy's son's life, with an ulterior motive that we are kept in the dark about.

Judy is a devoted, doting mother and grandmother, who lives to spoil her family and to feel needed by them. She will not give that up easily at the threat of Amber attempting to interfere with the control Judy has over her boys.

As the tension between the two women grows, I was eager to discover how this dysfunctional family drama would turn out.

The end was brilliant, I didn't see that coming at all! Well done to the author for coming up with such a twisted and very original twist!

This would have been a 5 star rating, but:

Unfortunately, as the reader is told from the outset that Amber has a hidden agenda, we are not given the opportunity to give Amber the benefit of the doubt. I feel the suspense aspect was watered down somewhat due to this too early revelation;

I also feel the side story of Fiona was probably unnecessary;

I did feel the ending came on a bit too suddenly, we are left wondering if the murderer got away with her transgressions or not.

These small gripes take nothing away from this being a book you will be unable to put down until you've read the very last word.

If you enjoy a book that will keep you engaged with a shocking end to look forward to, you'll want to get your hands on this book.

It was my pleasure to provide an honest review of an advanced copy of this book. My thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity.

A well deserved 5 stars, one of the best books of this year so far. Kept me gripped throughout, absolutely brilliant read!

This is a tense, gripping thriller from the very first word. Overbearing Mother and Grandmother Judi does everything for her single son Ben and his 2 sons after the death and wife and mother. When Ben meets Amber, something is not right she has a hidden agenda. She takes over the boys and quickly moves in. Judi takes an instant dislike to her and thinks she wants to take the boys away from her.

This is a real page turner. It was so tense at times I held my breath to see what was coming next. K. L Slater is good at this and to keep you guessing. The characters was well developed and I sure like her other books this is going to be a hit.

liar is the second book by k l slater that i've read and whilst it is a bit slower paced to begin with than Blink her previous book it is equally as good.

the storyline revolves around judi and amber and their mother in law/daughter in law relationship. they both hate each other near enough on sight but why and who wins the battle is for the reader to find out. the plot slowly unfolds and reveals the dislike the pair have for each other and the lengths they will go to to get one up on each other.

i really enjoyed this book and wish to thank Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.