The Abbott family has a new lodger, Luke. But Mel, Jen and Amy have no idea what they have let themselves in for. Because Luke has his own agenda, and this close knit family is not really prepared to handle what enters their lives alongside their lodger...

When the mother of the household Mel unexpectedly goes AWOL, supposedly because she "needs a break", no one really knows what to make of it. Because this is so out of character for her.

But that is not the only strange thing going on. Jensen maintains a high level of suspense throughout, and despite a slow start, the number of twists and turns along the way make more than make up for that. Well worth a read.

I do like a good thriller novel and this ticks all the right boxes. I was totally engrossed in the book

Thank you for the opportunity to review

Wow!!! Just wow! This is the best book from Louise Jensen yet!!

The characters are complex but relatable. The storyline is fast-paced but not confusing. The family dynamic is really interesting, too.

I loved Amy! She is clever, inquisitive, caring, funny, and brave. Her love of old detective shows was really endearing. I also loved the bond between Melissa, Jen, Amy, and Camilla. It's somewhat unconventional, but it works for them.

The twists and turns in this book genuinely floored me. I was messaging a friend with 😲🤯.

This is a solid 5 stars and already a contender for book of the year 2025!!

Twisted and tense, this kept me reading right to the end in almost a single sitting. The Abbott family is close knit and their lives are turned upside down when lodger Luke moves in. This is a psychological domestic thriller. Jensen delivers what she does best; taking ordinarily people leading ordinary lives and turning it into something extraordinary. It’s a slow start as the characters and background are introduced but it cleverly builds layer upon layer. It’s a pure escapist read, kept me engrossed from start to finish and as always, the final chapter blew me away, Ticks all the right boxes and I loved it.

A thriller which has so many twists and turns to be revealed. I enjoyed this book very much, Louise is a very strong thriller author. Definitely one of my favourite books by her. Would recommend.

Jen lives with her mum and sister to help her with the bills Jen is a schoolteacher her mum a social worker her best friend has moved out of their home with her son to try go on her own. but she is struggling they help out when can .so Jen's mum decides to get a Lodger Luke. the day he turns up Jen gets a message of her mum that she staying at her brothers have a break. but things are not adding up to Jen won't say no more, but this book is so addictive. lies secrets and someone will do anything to hide their secret an amazing read

Louise Jensen is an author that you should always have faith in. This book felt a bit slow to begin with, but I think the book needed that. Growing to know the characters and their traits was fab and completely would have ruined the book without it.

Mel, Jen and Amy are wa close knit family. Like most, they have their secrets but enter Camilla and you have a full luggage set.

The journey these characters went through was like getting on rollercoaster and strapping yourself in for them bumps and twists in the ride.

You can always count on Louise to answer every question, lay it all out for you as you stroll through the pages.

Another fantastic book that almost had me crying at the end for the character and the situations they were facing. Maybe even emotions for the wrong people. Another fab book as always!

*The Liar* is a gripping psychological thriller about the Abbott family, whose lives are turned upside down when a mysterious lodger named Luke moves in. As his interest in their personal lives grows, tension builds, especially when Mel, the mother, suddenly disappears. The story unfolds through different perspectives, keeping the mystery of Luke’s intentions alive while exploring the family's hidden secrets and struggles. With sharp pacing and emotional depth, this book will keep you hooked until the very end.

Wow what an absolute belter of a read. Totally gripping and had me biting my fingernails with what was going to happen next. I was shocked by the last chapter of the book and can safely say this is a highly recommended read.

I think I have whiplash from all the twists and turns in this book!

This domestic thriller has so many secrets and lies to uncover. It's hard to work out which character the title refers to because almost everyone in this book is lying or hiding something, and it makes for very entertaining reading.

There were a few jaw dropping reveals and the ending was very good. Definitely a far fetched story but an unputdownable page turner that has cemented Jensen as an auto buy author for me. As this is her 10th book she also has a nice juicy backlist for me to dive into!

n emotionally complex story with secrets, twists and turns. A little unbelievable at times, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it.

#TheLiar #NetGalley
Breathtaking.
The Liar is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the fragile dynamics of trust, family, and the shadows of hidden truths. From the moment Luke, the mysterious lodger, enters the Abbott family’s lives, an atmosphere of unease takes hold. What begins as a seemingly innocent arrangement soon spirals into a tangled web of secrets, suspicion, and fear. The story centers around the Abbott family—Mum Mel, her husband, and their daughter Jen—each grappling with the unsettling presence of Luke. His curiosity about their family photos and personal belongings raises red flags, especially as Jen starts to feel watched. The tension escalates when Mel unexpectedly leaves, sending only a cryptic text before disappearing entirely. Her absence plunges the family into chaos, leaving them to confront the unsettling truths lurking within their home. Jensen’s skillful storytelling keeps readers on edge. The narrative alternates perspectives, revealing each character’s vulnerabilities and suspicions while masterfully maintaining the mystery of Luke’s intentions. The pacing is taut, with the plot unraveling in a way that keeps readers guessing. The exploration of family dynamics adds emotional depth to the story. Each member of the Abbott family is well-drawn, with their own secrets and struggles that complicate their relationships. Luke’s enigmatic presence serves as a catalyst, exposing cracks in their seemingly ordinary lives. The twists and turns in The Liar are unexpected and satisfying, building to a tense and shocking conclusion that ties together the story’s threads in a chillingly plausible way.
Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for giving me an advance copy.

5 ⭐️
This jaw dropping thriller is going to keep you guessing throughout the whole book so give it a read.

Louise Jensen does it again!! I was absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to read this book thanks to Netgalley & HQStories and the book did not disappoint. There were so many secrets wrapped up in this book, some I guessed and some left me with my jaw hitting the floor! I couldn’t put it down, yet I didn’t want it to end. I’m a huge fan of Louise Jensen and I’ll be recommending this book to family and friends.

The Liar is another very good book by Louise Jensen. A gripping book right from the start with many twists and also sad in parts. The ending was shocking and not expected. I highly recommend this book and all of Louise Jensen's other books.

Jen and Amy's Mum, social worker Mel, disappears unexpectedly. The police are slow to react so the sisters try and track Mel down.
The story is told in the various characters flashbacks and in current time, and all the past secrets are revealed.
The story was really tense at the beginning and I was worried about where it was going, but there are lots of plot twists and revelations that change your perspective of what is happening. That is very cleverly done.
This is a dark book, and the ending is shocking.

The suspense was gripping and such a sad read as well. Very dark and surprising twists all the way through.

Absolutely gripping. Another amazing thriller. Never expected things to happen the way they did.

Thank you Louise Jensen, HQ and Netgalley for the ARC

I finished this in one sitting! A gripping, edge of your seat thriller that will keep you up all night! Another huge success for Louise Jensen! Highly recommended for anyone that loves a psychological thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC

Firstly a big thank you to hq for my early access in exchange for a review.
I have read and reviewed a large number if not all of Louise’s thrillers … they do not disappoint!!
I binged this in one evening and to say it goes in unexpected directions would be an understatement.
This is the second thriller I’ve read recently where it’s a smaller family unit /single parent family and I love this representation .
Louise is a master storyteller who creates escapism for her readers even if it evokes some anxiety and tension .
A fantastic book which explores important themes that do get people talking .
Trust no one even those close to you .
A great exploration of the troubles females have at all stages of their life and what happens when long hidden secrets are revealed.
It’s a rollercoaster of events and incredibly unpredictable.
Packed with suspense as the pages keep turning you will be hooked …

A brilliantly gripping, intense and highly addictive page turner that kept me guessing until the end.
Loved it!

One of my favourite reads so far this year and I devoured this book in less than 24 hours!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars!