What an incredible ride! Strap in, brace yourself and remember to breathe. The nerve shredding twists and turns will leave your stomach in knots. I am still reeling at this unexpected thriller.

Detective Rowan Velky gets called to the scene of a gruesome murder. The murder scene is in a upper crust part of town where these things do not happen. They are perplexed as the scene is clean of any forensic evidence. Whoever killed this woman knew how to cover up their crime. Meanwhile Rowan's personal life is in shreds. She is living with her husband, Shepherd. She is fairly positive that he is having an affair. He lost his job some time ago, and refuses to get another one. She feels she is in a loveless marriage. Both Rowan and Shepherd had a difficult childhood growing up in the system. You will learn more about their past throughout the book as each chapter is told from a character's point of view. Some are in the present day and some are in the past. This buildup just makes the story even more compelling and intriguing.

Someone is lying, everyone is lying, and secrets seem to be the norm in this story. As new characters are introduced, the plot thickens, literally. I cannot stress enough how fantastic this book is. Amanda McKinney has a quality to her writing that brings her characters to life. The characters in this book will live on in your head long after you close the book.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was a fast paced psychological thriller mixed with a police procedural that kept me wanting to find out more. After reading the prologue, I was sucked in and just needed to get to the bottom of what happened to have Rowan in such a position! I liked Rowan as a character, though there were definitely multiple times throughout the book I was questioning and didn’t understand her actions. I enjoyed the multiple points of view and storylines that may appear unrelated until the twists hit! The bits of mixed media dispersed throughout the book would grab my attention everytime. The text message conversations and interview transcripts were a great addition to the storyline. I found that the information gained from these added to the story by quickly letting the reader immerse themselves before switching back to our narrator POV.
Not everything I read added up in my brain right away, but I was so satisfied with how the story ended and how all of the loose ends were tied up for the reader- again, the introduction of some mixed media came in extra handy! This was the first book I’ve read by Amanda McKinney, but it won’t be my last. I enjoyed her overall writing style and ability to create such a twisted and enjoyable plot. Short chapters are my favorite, and this book checked the box for that.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The plot premise has potential but due to the choppy, repetitive writing its fails to deliver. The details were excessive and many were unnecessary as well as lacking research.
I would not recommend - but also wouldn’t discourage others from reading it.

4.5/5 (rounded up)
This was such a twisted, and gripping story. I was hooked from the very beginning. I enjoyed the multiple POVs as it gave the story more depth, and intrigue. I figured out the killer, but there were still so many twists I didn’t see coming, so that’s why it got 4.5 not 5 stars. There weren’t any slow spots, or parts I thought should be removed. I only wish there was a longer conclusion, as it felt a bit rushed. Highly recommend

Thank you to Amanda McKinney, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Beneath the surface of every marriage there are secrets. This one is deadly.
My husband is lying. The minute he came home with alcohol on his breath and unable to look me in the eyes I knew it.
We used to be in love – the intense ‘I can’t be without you for a second’ kind. Where it hurts deep to be apart.
But now, we’re the couple that keep secrets from each other.
We hide the truth.
He thought I wouldn’t find out. I’m a detective – it’s literally my job to uncover clues and solve mysteries.
I know what he did.
And now I’m sitting here, in a police interview, being asked the question ‘did you kill her?’ to which I utter one life-shattering word: ‘yes.’

The details of this book immediately drew me in and I knew I had to read it. This was my first novel by this author and overall I liked her writing style, as I usually do when there are multiple POVs, and the chapters were short, which I also really enjoy. There were parts that I found to be slow paced and there are a lot of characters to keep up with, but the characters are well developed and the relationships are interconnected within the story…but that's all I can say without giving anything away. This book had everything I love in a thriller: jealousy, lies, secrets, tension, twists and turns, along with a bit of murder! I loved the use of multiple narrators and flashbacks, to create an image in my mind of the bigger picture, and it had me guessing the entire way through. I was able to piece together a few pieces of the puzzle, but ultimately my detective skills were no match for McKinney, as there were still many moments where I was shocked. I also enjoy a book that ties up all the loose ends at the conclusion of the story (unless they are planning for a sequel) and this book made it all make sense. Overall I found it to be a very enjoyable thriller and I am looking forward to reading more books from this author. Everyone check it out when it releases on March 29, 2024.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book and completely drawn in by the prologue. This psychological thriller combined with domestic drama and police procedural was fast paced and really kept me guessing. McKinney wrote a compelling story that had relatable characters and some amazing twists that I didn’t see coming.

The book is told from two points of view. Rowan, a detective who is trying to solve a vicious homicide, and Amber, a therapist. While reading the first third of the book, I couldn’t figure out how the two perspectives would interact but then McKinney started to weave their stories together slowly putting the puzzle pieces together. The big twist completely shocked me and I loved how the twists just kept on coming.

In thrillers, sometimes it’s hard to connect with the characters but Rowan was such a relatable character. As a detective, she was strong and confident but as a wife we saw her insecurities. I liked reading about her struggles both past and present and found her to be a fully fleshed out character.

This was my first book by McKinney but it certainly won’t be my last. The short chapters and pacing worked so well and once I started I didn’t want to put this book down. Thank you Thriller Book Lovers Promotions and Storm Publishing for a digital review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book almost felt like an episode of Law and Order: SVU. It’s a twisty mystery that will make you think you’ve figured it out only to realize you haven’t! Once you pick it up, you won’t want to put it down!

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4 ⭐️
A MARRIAGE OF LIES
🤍𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: thriller
📖 273 pages
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝗷𝗶𝘀: 🕵🏼‍♀️🚔💀🩸😮📓🔪😵🐶
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 3/6/2024

🩵𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲🩵

Thank you @thrillerbookpromotions @amandamckinneyauthor for the #gifted digital copy!

Wow, what a rollercoaster! From start to finish, A MARRIAGE OF LIES had me on the edge of my seat. The intricate web of connections between the two MC’s, Rowan & Amber, kept me guessing until the very end. Every character felt like a potential suspect, adding layers of suspense & intrigue to the story.

The dual POV, past chapters, text messages, & mysterious depositions were brilliantly woven together, keeping the pace fast & the plot gripping. I couldn't put it down, eagerly trying to connect the dots & uncover the truth. With its twisty narrative & relentless suspense, this is a must read! It’s super bingeable & delivered an unforgettable ride!

⚠️ mental health, child abuse, self harm, eating disorder, infidelity

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
◽️ who dun it
◽️ dual POV
◽️ not knowing who to trust

𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁: Suspicion grows when my husband returns reeking of alcohol, avoiding eye contact, triggering a realization of his deceit. Once deeply in love, now we're a couple harboring secrets. Despite his assumption of secrecy, as a detective, uncovering truth is inherent to my profession. I unearth his misdeeds & find myself in a harrowing police interrogation, where I confess to the chilling question: "Did you kill her?" With one word, my life is forever altered: "Yes."

I received a complementary copy of this book. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

This was a quick, easy page turner and I liked the different POV of the characters. Although The twist was pretty easy to figure out , the ending was still satisfying.

I would recommend this book to others!

I think I started off liking this book more than I did when it ended… I loved our main character of Rowan Velky and her backstory, but some of the other characters not so much. I also found this story to be quite predictable, which is okay- but it took away from the shock value that I was expecting.

In this story we have Rowan Velky who is an unhappily married homicide detective at the Blackbird Cove Police Department. Rowan’s husband, Shepherd hasn’t worked in months and her aunt who is currently battling dementia is living with them. Rowan is stressed out and overworked.

We also have alternating chapters of Amber in this story. Amber is Rowan’s therapist. Amber is yet another unhappy married woman. Not only is Amber unhappily married, but she just learned that her young son has some cognitive issues as well.

While we are learning about the lives of Rowan and Amber, there are three murders that take place in the town. Rowan is on the case to find out who and if there is a serial killer involved. All these women have distinct markings on them, so it appears that they must all be related somehow. But who will get to the bottom of these murders? And why were these women killed in the first place?

This was a fast-paced book that I did enjoy, I just didn’t love it. I did however, love the short chapters and Rowan’s character. Moving forward, I would love to read more about Rowan Velky and hope that there might be a sequel to this book!
(3.5 stars- rounded up)

Many thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author for an ARC of this book which I had the pleasure of reading. Publication date: March 29, 2024.
Genre~ General Fiction (Adult), Mystery & Thrillers

This is the first time I read a book by this author and it won’t be the last!
I started this one yesterday evening and finished it at dawn, it was such a page turner that I didn’t want to put it down!

This story was told from multiple POV and a couple flashbacks as well. It flows smoothly with great and easy to read writing style that comes with short chapters which get me hooked into the story very early in the beginning.

There’s a lot of red herrings thrown throughout the story, it was quite difficult to figure out the culprit. I wasn’t so sure until the end, so the big reveal is quite surprising.
While I really like the plot twist, the story ended slightly too rushed. Instead of showing, it’s more of telling the readers of what happened after.

Overall, this book is a gripping fast-paced psychological thriller with unexpected plot twist that really surprise me!
I’m looking forward to read more books by this author in the future!

Special thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for giving me an e-ARC and to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: suicide attempt, murder, child abuse, addiction, brief mention of cancer and child death

Banjo! Amanda McKinney you had me hooked within the first three sentences of chapter 1, as I am owned by a Banjo myself.

“He thought I wouldn’t find out. I’m a detective – it’s literally my job to uncover clues and solve mysteries.

I know what he did”

I wasn’t sure what to expect aside from marital issues and secrets but this book is so much more. The prologue piqued my interest and I couldn’t put it down. There are so many twists and every time I thought I had it figured out it would keep me guessing.

This was my first Amanda McKinney book and it won’t be my last!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was awesome in every way. The first time I read a book by this author and she was outstanding. I never expected the book to be like this and it was so much different and better than I anticipated.

This book definitely kept me guessing and I couldn’t put it down as it’s so good. I will be looking out for more books by this author

The finest twisty thriller that had me hooked from the beginning.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

A MARRIAGE OF LIES had a fantastic premise and great cover—I requested it right away on NetGalley! The prologue set the stage for a compelling story that promised to be marked by an intriguing mystery and twists we would not see coming--fingers crossed. This is always my hope when I first pick up a new psychological thriller. Well, I can say without reservations of any kind that Amanda McKinney delivered in a very big way!! I enjoyed this book way more than I thought I would, with its unique plot, realistic dialogue, superb character development, and shockingly devious twists that will make you rethink everything you believed going into this story. And to enjoy A MARRIAGE OF LIES to its fullest extent, the less you know about it, the more you’ll love it.

We are introduced to Detective Rowan Velky, our protagonist, who is a truly fantastic character—strong, intelligent, resilient, and devoted to a fault. And if I’m honest, anyone who loves her dog as much as Rowan loves her Banjo, I love, too!! The way Amanda wrote Rowan was brilliant, as well as how she wrote the other characters in this poignant story. Poignant because threaded intricately throughout this novel are serious topics that deserve to have our most fervent attention, one of those being Alzheimer’s and its devastating impact. (I won’t list any others here for fear it may give something away.) But I do want to say that one of my favorite characters was Rowan’s Aunt Jenny, suffering from Alzheimer’s, whose love for her niece is so incredibly endearing. And then there’s former Marine, Detective Kellan Palmer, Rowan’s partner, someone we all need in our lives—a source of strength, optimism, and compassion when life becomes just too hard.

There is a large cast of characters, some more likable than others, some downright despicable, but each developed fully. The dialogue was fantastic, too, never stilted and so engaging. The multiple POVs were handled incredibly well, and with its short chapters, the pace of the book ran at lightning speed. I could not turn the pages fast enough. Had it not been for life’s mundane chores and needing to eat, I would have finished this book in one sitting!! I can’t wait to read my next book by this author!!

I want to thank NetGalley, Amanda McKinney, and Storm Publishing for gifting me the ARC of A MARRIAGE OF LIES! It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!

4.5 stars rounded up!

Rowan and Shephard have an odd marriage. They are really only together because they saved each other in their broken childhood.
Amber and Mark also have an odd marriage and have a child on the spectrum.
Rowan’s therapist is Amber who she thinks she can confide in. But can she?!
All of a sudden three women are found dead basically back to back but no trail of the killer is left behind. Not until Amber has something to confess. But is her confession to the police, what really happened?!
This book lacked suspense to me until the very end. It took me weeks to finish it which had me discouraged. Overall is was a good easy read. I did enjoy the writing style of this author since it was my first.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm publishing for the opportunity to read this.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book by Amanada McKinney and she slayed it!! Wow!! A Marriage of Lies is twisty and left me spinning emotionally, and the ending was so good! I love it when a book continuously keeps me guessing. You will want to clear out your whole day to read this one!

This book took me for a wild ride. This is my first book by this author and her writing is so captivating. There wasn’t a boring moment in this book. I was constantly trying to figure out what the heck was going on.

She makes so many different people look guilty. The prologue kind of gives you an idea of how it ends, but that plot twist was perfection!

I had such a fun time with this book and look forward to reading more by this author!

If you like a thriller with a lot of twists, bad marriages, lots of drama, and some cheating, this might just be the perfect book for you!

Beyond thankful to NetGalley and storm publishing for the early access to reading this book!

Betrayal has consequences in this twisty, psychological thriller. I tend to rate thrillers pretty harshly, but this one was really good. There are several suspects and I kept changing my mind about who was the real killer right until the end. I went into this thinking it would be "just a detective" book, but its much better an exceeded my expectations. The author does a great job of feeding you parts of the story to keep this book thrilling and intriguing with no lull in the middle. Wonderfully told and gripping.

This was my first book by Amanda McKinney but definitely won't be my last. I'm glad to have found a new-to-me author with a backlog of books that I can binge read.

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Amanda McKinney for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A MARRIAGE OF LIES is definitely a book I can recommend. I was drawn into the story immediately. I always enjoy a good psychological thriller and this one had it all. I liked the fast pace and the well thought out characters. I was intrigued the most by Rowan. There were so many secrets about her that I just had to know. I wasn't sure how all the pieces would come together and I was shocked to say the least. If you are looking for a quick, entertaining read, this is a great one to add to your list.

Many thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my gifted ARC.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to the publication date.

Do you want a thriller where you are able to guess the next event but you are proved wrong? Then this book is for you. You don't expect a few twists, you see some yet you don't think it makes sense. Then you read through the whole thing and everything clicks into place. Highly recommend!