4.25 rounded down to 4.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for an advanced copy of Hiding Lies in exchange for an honest review.

Hiding Lies is a story about Lydia, a forensic photographer, who becomes involved in a gruesome case involving a serial killer. First of all, I love that this is told from two POVs - Lydia's, and that of the serial killer. Lately I love dual POVs, especially when the storylines overlap and you get to see things play out from both sides. I also loved that this story wasn't what I expected AT ALL. It was much darker and controversial than I expected it to be, and not for the faint of heart based on the subject matter. Lydia is also not what I was expecting her to be either. She was a highly complex character, which stemmed from her childhood trauma in the foster system (and includes DV and SA at a young age). Based on that, she has an obsession with serial killers and death - to a level that honestly creeped me out a bit, and I appreciated the author took the liberties and went there - because not everyone makes it out and lives a perfect life following that sort of trauma. To me, it felt more realistic, and maybe honest (even if I can't relate to that way of thinking). There was also a bit of a romance subplot, which was totally unexpected for me too and I think it made the story a lot more interesting.

Hiding Lies was brutal, fast-paced, and unapologetic. I loved it, and this was a unique and refreshing take on a serial killer/vigilante (in some ways) trope. Definitely a fantastic debut novel from Stephanie Rose, and I look forward to reading more in the future!

This was a dark, gripping thriller that dives into the twisted world of crime, obsession, and human frailty. It’s the kind of book that grabs you by the throat from page one and doesn’t let go until the very end. Lydia, the main character, is a forensic photographer with a traumatic past and an unsettling secret—she’s not just documenting crime scenes; she’s fascinated by them. Her personal struggles and her eerie passion for studying gruesome cases add layers of complexity to an already chilling plot.

The story kicks off with the discovery of a brutally murdered couple at a campsite. The killer leaves behind staged crime scenes and cryptic messages that seem to resonate with Lydia on a deeply personal level. Enter Adam, a bookstore worker with his own dark history, and their connection adds a romantic undercurrent to the otherwise bleak narrative. As the body count rises, the tension escalates, and Lydia’s life becomes increasingly intertwined with the investigation—and the killer.

What sets this book apart is its bold exploration of the killer’s psyche. Told from multiple perspectives, including the murderer’s, the story delves into the motivations and methods behind the crimes, creating an unsettling intimacy with the villain. Stephanie Rose masterfully balances this darkness with engaging procedural elements and emotional depth, making the characters feel authentic and flawed.

Though packed with twists and turns, the book doesn’t shy away from heavy, triggering themes like abuse, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. And while the ending might not satisfy everyone, it’s undeniably impactful and thought-provoking. If you enjoy thrillers with morally gray characters, chilling crimes, and a hint of romance, this one is for you.

This a great creepy fall read! I enjoyed the camping and outdoor vibes and the serial killer was creepy!!

Well we were certainly advised in the beginning that this novel was macabre, and yet it turned out to be a murder mystery with a little bit of romance. as well.

The main character is a Forensic Photographer, Lydia who takes on more than her main job. A possible serial killer is at large?

With such a talent for horror I feel Ms Rose could link up with writers in the Dennis Wheatley genre involving black magic, the Devil and astral planes? What a combination!

As for this book ,I was never gripped and thought the ending could have been better.

Thanks to Net Galley and Mad Axe Media for the chance to read and review.

I really enjoyed this book.
It did a great job of hooking you in almost immediately and kept me reading wanting more with each chapter.
The only thing I had a bit of a hard time believing was that Adam could be such a brutal serial killer being grown up from his aunt and uncle lying to him that they were his parents, watching his uncle physically abuse his aunt,,,I feel like that’s not what breeds a serial killer, BUT-I’m here for the murder love story !

This book was so dang good and now I feel like I’m crazy because I loved it so much. It’s murder mystery but with a twist unlike any story I have ever read.

Posted on Goodreads:

4.25/5⭐️

My horror and dark romance loving heart really enjoyed this read.

Lydia Walker is a forensic photographer with a very traumatic past. As she’s hired on a very sensitive case and she’s photographing the scene of the murder, she realizes that she understands the murderer and d en agrees with him. This all bates the question if she should embrace her dark side.

Lydia is a very fleshed out character. I couldn’t help but sympathize with her. Her past is heartbreaking and she’s such a lonely and misunderstood person.

Adam is lonely, misunderstood and starving to be understood and accepted for who he is.

The dual POV worked nicely here. And I like delving into the psychology of disturbed individuals. And let’s face it there are several disturbed folks here.

Be mindful as there are some triggering subjects tackled here.

Thank you netgalley, mad axe media and Stephanie rose for the opportunity to read this arc.

I really enjoyed this read, it was fast-paced and it kept me glued to the pages.
This one is a must if you enjoy crime shows as we get the POVs of the killer and the crime photographer working on his case, there's reports and really graphic descriptions so do go in with that in mind.
The only thing that I disliked was that IMO it ended a little too abruptly, A little more would've been perfect.

An Intense Exploration of Love and Morality in a Thrilling Narrative

This gripping thriller offers a captivating dual perspective, immersing readers in the complex lives of its characters. The story alternates between the mind of the killer and that of a crime scene photographer, creating a rich tapestry of suspense and emotion.

The juxtaposition of their worlds is masterfully executed. As the killer reveals the motives behind his actions, we gain insight into his psyche, making his character both chilling and strangely relatable. Meanwhile, the photographer’s backstory adds depth, showcasing her struggles and vulnerabilities, which serve to humanize her amidst the darkness.

Their romantic involvement adds a compelling layer to the narrative, exploring themes of love, redemption, and the fine line between right and wrong. The interplay of their histories creates a tension that is both thrilling and poignant.

Overall, this book is not just an exciting read but a thought-provoking examination of morality and human connection in the face of horror. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers.

Hiding
Lies masterfully blends elements of crime, past horrors, and dark romance into a compelling and atmospheric story. As the investigation unfolds, the real tension comes from the unsettling past and the dangerous allure of forbidden love. The characters are deeply flawed yet captivating, and the plot carries just enough twists to keep you hooked without overdoing it. If you enjoy stories with a subtle mix of mystery, creeping dread, and emotional intensity, this one won't disappoint.

This was an excellent read!! Kept me wondering what was going to happen next.

Lydia is a photographer for the police department for crime scenes, and she’s good at what she does. That being said, they start to get her more involved with the cases that she’s photographing. She had a very traumatic past, which in a way led her to what she does now, taking pictures. Lydia connects with Adam at the bookstore, and things start looking up for her, and her life seems to be getting better. Until pieces come together. You never really know someone….

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stephanie Rose for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Hiding Lies coming out October 29, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I love horror stories, so I was excited to check it out. It wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. I thought it was dark and I really enjoyed that. But I wasn’t a fan of the ending. I would check out other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys horror novels!

The premise of this book sounded so good, and I was let down tremendously 🫠 Lydia aggravated me the whole time; she was acting like a pick-me girl through her morbid curiosity. I think if we slowly got to know her trauma and background, it would’ve been better. The premise is essentially she likes true crime, has a career in it, & is completely desensitized. She lusts for a serial killer. It’s like a parody of a Criminal Minds episode.

TW: Animal cruelty, r*pe, abuse

There can be quite a bit of triggers for some in this book. But if you have minimal to no triggers, then I definitely recommend this book!

This short horror crime book has a subplot of romance that somehow kind of makes you root for them. It mixes both my love for horror and romance together 🖤

It is in dual POVS between Lydia, a crime scene photographer in Portland, and Adam, a person you just have to read more about. I don't want to spoil the book by saying too much.

This is the perfect short read for this upcoming Halloween week 🎃

Enjoyable. Liked that the story was told from both POV! I think the characters maybe talked too much about their feelings but other than that it was a great book. Will there be a sequel!? Thank you.

i’m not sure what it was about this book, but it just didn’t do it for me. i didn’t hate it but i also didn’t love it. the storyline kinda fell flat.

I was so excited for this one, the premise and story seemed highly intriguing. It was definitely a fast paced read with some dark and gruesome themes which I enjoyed. Just something felt off for me and was missing, I felt like the ending just left me underwhelmed and there was a lack of character development and regarding the romance. Still a fun and super fast paced read.

Lydia is a forensic photographer called in to document a mysterious string of kills occuring around the Portland area in autumn. I live in Portland and found the setting to be very on brand. Even when the names of areas and establishments were modified or left out, I had a clear vision the whole time of exactly where in Portland each scene was set at.

The story switches perspectives back and forth between Lydia and our killer, which I love. I found the resolution to be satisfying, where I could see there being the possibility of continuation but it does wrap up in a way that is a solid finish if it truly ends there. The only sort of criticism I might have is that I would have loved more opportunity for emotional development between the characters, and behind the reason the killer be killin'. I will say though that I prefer a book to be more concise and fast paced as I feel this is as opposed to dragging on with too many unnecessary details, so it is a very small critique. Overall I would say 4.5 stars ⭐

I realise very early on that this didn’t work for me and unfortunately become a DNF. Yes, it is dark, which I expected, but I also found the writing to be incredibly flat and lacklustre. I only dabble in thrillers and horror and prefer ones that veer a bit more literary, which this one isn’t. If youre looking for a twisted tale with simple prose and little emotional investering, perhaps this might work for you.

This was an absolutely incredible thriller. Seeing the parallels between Adam and Lydia was so fascinating! This was an eerie, gory book, and I loved it!