Member Reviews

Sloane is in the habit of telling lies - small once usually white lies, but they do add up.

And once Sloane inveigles her way into the home of her new employers as a nanny, she quickly discovers that her lies aren't the only thing that don't add up to the full truth...

Fast paced and suspenseful, this is an entertaining read that will be enjoyed by most domestic thriller fans. It gets 3.5 stars.

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This was an addictive read following an untrustworthy female protagonist who tells a white lie to get what she wants. Sloane is unreliable and a liar, however she doesn’t mean to hurt anyone and somehow I fell for ‘justifications.’ She’s hiding secrets but it’s not before long we discover she’s not the only with secrets. The family she’s nannying for aren’t quite what they seem either. There’s a POV switch and the story flips around. A little silly at times but binge worthy fun read. It reminded me of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden a bit with the nanny with a secret trope. Count My Lies is an exciting, suspenseful roller coaster that’s super addictive. You won’t be able to put this one down. A riveting page turner.

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Sloane is a liar.. she counts, she lies, she counts then lies some more.

Does a little white lie hurt if it gets you what you want..

This is a clever tale and one I really enjoyed. I loved Sloane,, in her own way she really wasn't goignt o hurt anyone and the twist was brilliant and unexpected.

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Firstly thanks to Netgalley and Publushers for an advanced copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this! An easy read too finished it so quickly! I loved the changes in POV's really brought the whole story together. The characters were well written, even with their flaws they were likeable. A good twist in this book aswell. Definitely had me on my toes. I look forward to anymore work from Sophie!

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Sloane is our first narrator, she tells us she is a liar and then she counts the ways. I definitely got some Joe Goldberg vibes here.
I liked Sloane and while I found her ultimately a pretty bad person, she kept me reading.

This book takes us on a journey from Sloane meeting a family to becoming deeply involved in the family.

I must say that I am not great as suspending disbelief, nor do I enjoy coincidence so the end of this book would not usually be my cup of tea BUT the narration, the character study and the plot up until then was so good, I just read on incredulously.

This book is impossibly sharp, clever and plotted to perfection and for me it was an absolute must.

This book would suit anyone who reads thrillers like You, and anyone that could suspend disbelief for a bit in order to enjoy a brilliant book.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review which this is.

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To begin with I found this novel to be unique in that the main character is brutally honest about how she lies. A paradox I know !

Sloane's life in its simplicity is intruigjng with the undercurrent of a recent event which has led to her becoming unemployed. A seemingly chance encounter at the park introduces the Lockharts and so begins what she thinks it the start of a new, exciting life.

I thought that Sloane would narrate the entire book but when the perspective changes and a new element to the charactes lives is introduced the plot heightens.

Does it get a little silly at the end ? yes, but all that happens before that - an outstanding debut novel.

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Sophie Stava's »Count My Lies« is an engrossing psychological thriller that delves into the depths of deceit and the intricate nature of human relationships.

The story is narrated by Sloane Caraway, a self-confessed compulsive liar who spins harmless tales to escape her mundane life. An impulsive decision to pose as a nurse to help a troubled young girl propels Sloane into the luxurious world of Jay and Violet Lockhart, where she becomes their nanny. However, behind the Lockharts' glamorous façade lie secrets far darker than Sloane's innocent fabrications.

The narrative is meticulously crafted, with Stava skillfully balancing intrigue and character development. As Sloane becomes entangled in the Lockhart family's affairs, she uncovers layers of deception and hidden truths that challenge her beliefs about trust and morality. The themes of deceit, privilege, and the pursuit of belonging permeate the novel, encouraging readers to ponder the role of honesty in relationships. Stava creates an atmosphere laden with tension, juxtaposing the opulent setting against the shadowy undercurrents in the characters' lives.

Emotionally, the novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride. Sloane's inner turmoil as she grapples with her deceptive tendencies and deepening attachment to the Lockharts evokes empathy while also casting doubt on her integrity. The writing style is engaging and fluid, effortlessly immersing readers in the narrative. Stava's talent for crafting vivid imagery allows the reader to experience the weight of Sloane's lies and the chilling secrets harbored by the Lockharts.

While »Count My Lies« excels in building suspense, some may find Sloane's character progression somewhat predictable. However, this predictability does not diminish the overall enjoyment; instead, it enhances the exploration of how far one will go to escape their reality.

Sophie Stava, a relatively new voice in contemporary fiction, brings a fresh perspective to the psychological thriller genre. Her keen understanding of human emotions and relationships shines through in this novel, making it a captivating read that leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, »Count My Lies« is an insightful examination of the consequences of deception wrapped in a thrilling narrative.

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Amazing read! Hooked from the first page. I love how it's told from 3 characters points of view, this book definitely kept me guessing. I did not expect the twists and turns. A definite book to be on people's 2025 reading lists!

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What a roller coaster!

This is a brilliant read. I thought I knew where it was going and then BOOM, the book did a 360 on me.

What I loved were the three POV’s between FMC and MMC. It gave so much more to the plot and the story. I truly felt like I was in their heads.

Sophie is truly amazing at writing; her ability to capture the readers attention but also manipulate your thought process is brilliant. She knew exactly how to get my thoughts where she wanted them.

I actually loved Violet from the get go. I could picture her perfectly in my head. She’s the woman who has it all but is genuinely a nice person.

Sloane really irritated me but it’s purely because she’s misunderstood. Though, I do feel she’s one of those lonely stragglers you find throughout life who always attach themselves to larger and brighter characters.

Jay???? Jay???? I shan’t say anymore on the topic.

I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for any future releases from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cornerstone/Random House and Sophie for accepting me to read this ARC in return for my honest review and opinion.

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