This is a beautifully written book, albeit the storyline is somewhat of a cliche. The story has the very real struggles of Romy caring for her husband following a severe stroke, and Romy being compelled to do so, even though their marriage had separated before the event occurred. The dark secret arising from 15 years ago, and the pursuit of truth that ultimately caused their marriage to vortex apart, yet comes back again to haunt in a way that is in equal parts totally unbelievable and yet plausible given the proximity of the key players. The outcome, rather tame. Michael tells his sons, one of whom is disgusted. Romy gets on with her life. So a bit of an anticlimax. But overall, a good read.

Anyone who has read a Hilary Boyd book will know what to expect. A comfortable read with some interesting characters a good plot and a story with an ending. Sit down and enjoy. I did!

The storyline is a good one, but the book sadly didn't live up to my expectations. The characters seemed unrealistic, and I felt that the book was trying too hard to tackle a subject which is very much "of the moment". I found it a bit of a struggle to read to the end.

Romy has a very contented life. She lives in Chelsea, a nice part of London with her husband a successful barrister. She has two grown-up sons and is the perfect wife hosting dinner parties at which her husband can shine. They own a small cottage in a village to which they can escape. One day she receives a letter that blows her life apart and she leaves Michael her husband and retreats to the cottage and in due course she settles in and makes friends with her neighbours. Three years on she meets an eligible man called Finch and they slowly form a tentative relationship which surprises them both.

All is not as well as it should be and when Michael suffers a stroke Romy is compelled to assist in his recuperation in London which she resents – as does Finch. Then ‘the lie’ that was left to fester blossoms and corrupts everything.

For a little while I couldn’t understand how much the lie affected Romy; equally I couldn’t understand why she did nothing about it for so long. So the author has set up a particular dilemma which is cleverly constructed and really well-written. As for the characters? I just don’t know. Do I like Romy and Finch – sort of. Clearly do not like Michael. What about the sons – well Leo was a diamond whilst his brother off on the other side of the world was OK. The million dollar question – would I recommend you to read it? Hmm! It’s OK, not compelling, but well worth finishing – so the answer must be yes, but hesitantly.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.

Romy has it all: a loving husband, wonderful sons, a beautiful home and another pied a terre by the sea.
. But then a letter arrives that makes her re-think everything she thinks she knows.
Boyd is a skilful storyteller and the reader’s emotions conflict as the truth gradually unfolds.
It’s hard to review this novel without plot-spoilers. There are many twists and turns throughout the novel.
The themes include disability, caring, historic abuse and the role of truth in long-term relationships.
Suffice to say that if you like an engrossing, light read that keeps you turning the pages for hours on end, this one is for you.

I found The Lie a little deceiving.
It looks like a thriller and sounds like a thriller but is clearly a romance story with some minor darkness thrown in.

I enjoyed the 48% of the story that I read but I read and review thrillers so I can’t continue.

My apologies to the publisher and author.

An enjoyable thriller that covers some very uncomfortable subjects. The characters were well developed and the story flows well.

Another brilliant read by Hilary Boyd...one of my favourite authors. Haven't out it down since starting it...and have to say am disappointed now that I've finished it. As usual well drawn believable characters. I loved Romy, and Finch....and struggled with her husband Michael. An excellent tale, a dwindling marriage, a new start ,a medical emergency and something in the past that affects all their lives..Twista and turns and a coming to terms with events for everyone involved. I loved it, and am already looking forward to the next book by Hilary Boyd.

Many thanks to Penguin and the great Hilary Boyd for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. The Lie was another simply amazing emotional read focused around the wife of a barrister. Romy's life is turned upside down when her husband is accused of sexual assault. The accusation slowly eats away at her marriage until she feels there is nothing left. What should she do when faced with the burden of responsibility when her husband falls ill. Will he admit his failing of the past and in a cruel twist of fate will Romy miss out on her second chance of happiness because of her husbands crime all those years ago. A brilliant page Turner. Boyd does not disappoint.

Really enjoyed this excellent thriller with well developed characters and a fascinating storyline that make this a must read. Highly recommended.