This Lie Will Kill You

Seems as though I’m going against the trend here, but I really enjoyed this book!

I don’t watch either of the shows that it has been likened to, so I don’t have a comparison, but it definitely has elements of Kara Thomas’ The Cheerleaders, Karen M. McManus’ One of Us is Lying and a dash of Gossip (the movie).

Set in a creepy mansion (I pictured Victorian Gothic) this book takes place over one evening, with flashbacks to a year ago detailing the events of a fateful party. The characters are brought in under the premise of winning a college scholarship and each one has need for that money for their future, but our host wants answers and everyone has a secret that could unravel their entire world.

The writing had me hooked, it was creepy and suspenseful and though it’s not as horror-tastic as a Stephen King novel, I will never be looking at porcelain dolls the same way again (no it’s not a Chucky thing, and I will not give any other comments on this because I don’t want to spoil it). There were moments that I struggled to tear my eyes away from the kindle screen afraid that I’d lose the thrill and have to build it up again.

Given the bulk of the story focuses on just the one night in the present, I think the characters were fleshed out really well. Definitely enough to get an idea of who they are, their values, and their growth. They were mature and had solid back stories.

I’m one of those readers who likes to guess the whodunnit ending, usually satisfied when I get it and love it when I don’t. But there is a middle range, where correctly guessing the who, but the surrounding events of the reveal are still a surprise; and it’s always fun. This book was the latter. 4.5 stars.

Many thanks to Chelsea Pitcher, Simon and Schuster UK Children’s, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This Lie Will Kill You gripped me right from the first page. The secrets, the lies, the mysterious murder mystery dinner party that they're invited to, which they know and the reader knows that is definitely far more sinister than the invitation would suggest.

It was just perfect. The emotions from each of the characters, the lies and secrets that are revealed throughout the book. It kept me wanting to know more and more without leaving me too long between each snippet of information that I got bored and frustrated.

And the story when it came out was dark and full of conflict and passion and so many twists. No one is who they seem and everything was captivating.

Looking for a good mystery? Look no further.