Member Reviews

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The secret to a good twisty thriller is to keep the reader guessing. This is exactly what Angela Henry accomplishes really well in “The Family Lies”.

Sabrina Adams is in between jobs. She’s hasn’t quite finished school to be a librarian, but she isn’t letting that stop her from trying to get jobs as a librarian. This has caused her to be fired from her job. She’s now working part time in a used bookstore. She lives with her sister, Cami, who is former military, and has a drinking problem, just like their mother. Cami is married to Bruce, who, while not a major character by any means, seems to quite a scumbag.

Theo Dorsey, tall dark and handsome, and also rich, as he’s the namesake of Dorsey Snacks, comes into the bookstore and starts chatting with Sabrina. He wants to go get a coffee with her. While getting coffee, he offers her a live-in job restoring and cataloging his family’s private library at their estate.

When she arrives at the mansion for her first day of work, Sabrina knows there is some weirdness afoot! There’s a list of rules that Mrs. Manning, the caretaker of the mansion, tells Sabrina she has to live by, including never going up to third floor, and not leaving her room after midnight.

I don’t want to give too much away, but this was really fun. There’s murder, and mystery in this book, and it’s really fun! Kept me guessing the whole time, and twists and turns make sense. There’s nothing here that makes you roll your eyes, or get annoyed. Definitely recommend checking this one out!

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Sabrina is excited when she gets a job at the wealthy Dorsey estate. But when she finds out her predecessor is missing and then a woman her employer, Theo, is seeing also disappears, Sabrina knows something is not right. The buildup to the big reveal in this book was good. I wasn't expecting the twist to be what it was and I was impressed. This book was hard to put down and I zoomed through it. I'm glad I got to read it.

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I received an ARC from Netgalley for this book and was excited to start it. It grabbed me pretty quickly and just when I would think I might have it figured out, there was another twist. Great book!

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This is a very good psychological thriller that is certainly packed with twists throughout. The writing style is fast paced and the characters develop well. I’d definitely recommend to anyone who likes this author or genre.

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I loved the twists and turns of this thriller! Half way I found myself having a hard time putting it down, it was a nice, slow burn. As you get closer to the last third of the book, I was definitely overwhelmed with the amount of storylines and characters that were introducing their new roles in the book. I found the writing to be easy to follow and the characters were someone I could imagine. I will say that I definitely did not expect that ending, and those are the types of books I tend to always want to read!

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𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
Sabrina Adams thought her luck had finally changed when she accepted a position as a librarian for the affluent Dorsey family. Yet, as she steps into their lavish estate, an uneasy feeling washes over her. Things take a turn when police arrive, questioning her about a local woman who has gone missing. Sabrina is taken aback to learn that her charismatic employer, Theo Dorsey, was the last person seen with the woman. He maintains his innocence, but then a connection to another woman’s death from years past emerges. Sabrina can't help but think... Is it possible that I’m the next target? Since apparently, the Dorsey’s ex-librarian has been MIA for years.

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
I'm a huge fan of psychological thrillers and always try to solve them ahead of time. However, I completely missed the mark with this one—I was utterly surprised by that ending. The author masterfully sets the atmosphere and brings her characters to life. The different perspectives added incredible depth, making the story even more captivating. I was constantly questioning what was truly happening in that house and what secrets everyone was hiding, Each new clue had me rethinking everything, and the suspense was so well-crafted. This book definitely made me say, "Wait ... What?" towards the end.

Thank You NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to review this book.

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This book is a fast-paced thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing is crisp and engaging, with twist after twist that made it nearly impossible to put down. Each chapter left me wanting more, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages to uncover the next surprise.

However, while the story is undeniably gripping, the shifting perspectives between first-person and third-person points of view were a bit confusing at times. It disrupted the flow slightly, leaving me wishing for more clarity in transitions.

I also feel the book would have been even more compelling if we got to hear more from Belle Dorsey’s perspective—especially after the accident—or from Lucas’s point of view about how she came to live at the Dorsey estate. These added layers could have deepened the story and given us more insight into their characters.

Overall, though, it’s a fantastic read that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling and unpredictable ride.

Lasty, I want to give my thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Angela Henry for allowing me to read this ARC!

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Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Family Lies!

This book is an incredible thriller that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It’s almost impossible to put down, and you’re never entirely sure what’s going on until the very last page. And oh, be prepared—there are so many twists coming your way! 🌪️

Angela Henry does an excellent job of setting the scene and bringing her characters to life. The multiple POVs added so much depth and made the story even more gripping. 👀

This was my first book by Angela Henry, but it definitely won’t be my last! 🫶🏼

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Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

I absolutely loves this dark, creepy psychological thriller in which nothing is really as it seems. Everyone has a secret and not one person is telling the truth-every time I thought I had this book sussed along came another curveball to keep me on my toes!

I personally found this book very hard to put down and am really looking forward to reading more from this author.

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The Family Lies
By: Angela Henry

5 Stars

This story was a crazy wild ride. Sabrina really needs the job that Theo Dorsey has hired her for. Her living in the mansion isn't ideal, especially once she starts uncovering secrets from this big-time family. Secrets, murder, and romance are all wrapped up with a family drama that will shock and allure.

I loved the concept of this book. I have to stay a little quiet so as not to give away any of the goods, but man, did this one keep on my toes. I thought I knew the secrets of the Dorsey family, but I was shocked by the end. This story was captivating and edgy. The characters were complex while being simple enough to relate to. It definitely keeps you wanting more, and it will deliver.

*I want to thank Netgalley and the author as well as Storm Publishing for this book in return for my honest review*

Stormi Ellis
Boundless Book Reviews

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Sabrina desperately needs a full time job. One course shy of completing her library masters, she passes herself of as a librarian who needs a more full time job than the bookstore she currently works at can offer. In comes Theo Dorset, the dreamy man who has been frequenting the book shop. He offers her a cushy job - cataloging his late mother’s library. Sabrina will be required to live in the Dorset mansion for the duration of the work. She arrives to find all sorts of strange characters who may or may not have done strange things… A well told story with twists at the end that were fun and unpredictable. This novel captured my attention immediately and held it throughout with its pace and writing.

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Great read. So many plot twists that keep you on your toes and second guessing all the way through. Highly recommended

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Angela Henry's "The Family Lies" weaves a captivating tale of family secrets, trust, and deception that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The narrative follows Sabrina Adams as she begins work as a librarian for the enigmatic Dorsey family. Immediately upon her arrival at their opulent estate, she is struck by an unsettling ambiance—surveillance cameras line the walls, and Mrs. Manning, the strict housekeeper, enforces rigid rules. The plot thickens when police arrive to question the Dorseys about a local woman's disappearance, and Sabrina discovers that her charming employer, Theo Dorsey, was the last person seen with her. As the story progresses, Sabrina grapples with mounting doubts about Theo's innocence and the disquieting realization that the family's past is riddled with dark secrets.

Trust and deception serve as central themes throughout the novel, as Sabrina navigates her role within the mysterious Dorsey family. The notion that every family hides secrets resonates throughout the narrative, prompting readers to ponder their own beliefs surrounding trust and loyalty. Henry skillfully crafts an atmosphere of claustrophobia within the Dorsey estate, where each corner seems to conceal hidden truths. Emotions run high as Sabrina's internal conflict intensifies—her dire need for employment clashes with her instinctual wariness of Theo and his family.

Character development shines in Henry's writing. Sabrina is portrayed as relatable, resilient, yet vulnerable in her pursuit of stability. Theo proves to be a complex character; he fluctuates between charm and menace, leaving readers uncertain about his true intentions.

The writing style is engaging, intertwining suspense with elegant prose that effectively captures the tension in each scene.

While the pacing in the first half could be improved, the rewards are well worth it as startling revelations come to light.

Overall, "The Family Lies" strikes a balance between suspense and emotional depth, delivering a riveting exploration of trust within familial bonds. Henry’s expert storytelling ensures readers will be eagerly turning pages late into the night.

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Sabrina has found an incredible library job... working for the man who runs the biggest company in the area. It seems too good to be true... As Sabrina learns more about the family, conjures up her own theories and fears, it seems like everything may fall apart. This mystery will keep you on your toes... and the ending! Just wow. You have to read this book.

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This was a great read, and it kept me on the toes, I enjoyed the way the author wrote the characters and how the story felt relatable. The twists were great, and I cannot wait to see what else the author writes.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Thrilling Page-Turner Full of Twists and Secrets!

The Family Lies was an addictive read that I couldn’t put down. The pacing was spot on, and every chapter left me needing to know more. It gave me major Freida McFadden vibes with its twists and the constant sense that something wasn’t quite right.

This was my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. The Dorsey family’s secrets had me hooked—from the eerie mansion with its endless rules to the unsettling clues that kept piling up. Sabrina was such a relatable character, just trying to make it through her new job while realizing she might be in way over her head.

Every twist added another layer of tension, and I loved how the story kept me questioning who to trust. And that ending? Let’s just say I’ll be thinking about it for a while. If you enjoy thrillers that keep you on edge, The Family Lies is definitely worth a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read and review this one!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Family Lies by Angela Henry in exchange for an honest review.

The Family Lies is a suspenseful family drama that explores themes of deception, loyalty, and buried secrets. The story centers on a protagonist whose life is upended by shocking revelations about her family, leading to a gripping journey of uncovering the truth.

Angela Henry’s writing is engaging, with a strong sense of atmosphere that pulls you into the story. The twists and turns keep the reader intrigued, and the characters are complex, if not always entirely likable. The themes of betrayal and family dynamics are well-developed, adding emotional depth to the plot.

However, the pacing of the novel is uneven, with some sections feeling drawn out while others rush through key moments. Additionally, certain twists felt predictable, which lessened the impact of the overall suspense. While the premise is compelling, the execution left some opportunities for greater depth and originality.

Overall, The Family Lies is an enjoyable read for fans of domestic suspense, but it falls a bit short of its full potential. It’s worth a read if you enjoy twisty family dramas, but it might not stand out in a crowded genre.

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Ok wow!! This book is genuinely one of my favourites and is right up there with frieda mcfadden. I did not want to put it down and the twist at the end was jaw dropping. So pleased I had the opportunity to read it however I'm not sure I'm gonna find something this jaw dropping again for a while xx

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A slow burn of a book. A frustrating read until all is explained and wow I didn't see that coming what a ending.

Characters who are not who they say they are or appear to be, who is telling the truth. Who died and who killed them. There is always something in the background which shouldn't be.

Very glad I persevered

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"The Family Lies" by Angela Henry follows Sabrina Adams as she is hired by the Dorset family to bring their old private library to life. However, once Sabrina arrives at the sprawling estate, things seem too controlled. Sabrina has new rules to live by, including locking herself in her room after midnight. When she discovers that multiple murders have been connected to the Dorset estate, she tries to dig deeper to uncover the truth. But what if she can't trust the family?

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the gifted eARC for review purposes. All opinions expressed here are my own.

What bookworm wouldn't want to read about someone becoming a private librarian for a wealthy family? That's all we dream about! To say the setting was desirable is an understatement; I truly enjoyed it—thoroughly.

This is a solid psychological thriller that allows the reader to draw conclusions and constantly guess the different directions in which the novel will go. It certainly keeps you on your toes.

The only thing that could have been better for me is if the ending hadn't been so rushed. It seems thrown together rather hastily, but it is still satisfying.

Fans of Freida McFadden are going to want to hop on this book. "The Family Lies" will be widely available on January 22nd, 2025.

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