This is how thrillers should be.
Everyone, take note.
Look, by far the genre I’m the most pickiest with is thrillers. So rare do I genuinely care for a character’s safety, or am surprised by the so-called twists and turns of the plot. I’ve read HERE LIES DANIEL TATE and was meh about it. I’ve read THE HANGING GIRL and was disappointed. ONE OF US IS LYING was fun fluff, but nothing more.
But this one? I think it’s safe to say that LIES YOU NEVER TOLD ME is my favorite thriller. Ever.
My favorite thing about this was how it truly throws you for a loop. I couldn’t predict how ANYTHING will play out, and this is a first for me. The story, as the synopsis tells you, alternates between the stories of Elyse and Mr Hunter (which, side note: gross) and Gabe and his girlfriend, Sasha. And from the outset, it seems like the two are unrelated (they’re in different states, even), but I promise you they are. And the link between them blew. My. Mind.
🤯
The writing, the writing, the writing. It’s lovely. And this is an observation you could notice right off the bat, when the opening chapter begins with a thunderstorm at night. And the story is structured in a way that won’t tell you everything at once, and would leave you guessing, and then laugh in your face because your guesses are WRONG.
I love that.
Okay but, there were some things I wasn’t hugely a fan of, but they’re tiiiiny things, so there’s that. One: Compared to Elyse, Gabe’s narration is bland. He’s not very fleshed out as a character because I legit cannot really describe him to you. Like, is he shy or outgoing or smart or average or funny or ..? He needed a bit more oomph. The poor boy had an oomph deficiency.
And two: Sasha. I couldn’t really see how her part was integrated into the overall picture. She’s like borderline red herring and borderline ... not. So I don’t see her overarching purpose except perhaps to keep the reader on her toes.
But overall? I looooved this one. A compelling plot, and gorgeous writing, and an ending that was absolutely mind blowing. I dare say, even if you don’t like thrillers, give this one a try.
Thank you, PenguinTeen, for the ARC!
Everyone, take note.
Look, by far the genre I’m the most pickiest with is thrillers. So rare do I genuinely care for a character’s safety, or am surprised by the so-called twists and turns of the plot. I’ve read HERE LIES DANIEL TATE and was meh about it. I’ve read THE HANGING GIRL and was disappointed. ONE OF US IS LYING was fun fluff, but nothing more.
But this one? I think it’s safe to say that LIES YOU NEVER TOLD ME is my favorite thriller. Ever.
My favorite thing about this was how it truly throws you for a loop. I couldn’t predict how ANYTHING will play out, and this is a first for me. The story, as the synopsis tells you, alternates between the stories of Elyse and Mr Hunter (which, side note: gross) and Gabe and his girlfriend, Sasha. And from the outset, it seems like the two are unrelated (they’re in different states, even), but I promise you they are. And the link between them blew. My. Mind.
🤯
The writing, the writing, the writing. It’s lovely. And this is an observation you could notice right off the bat, when the opening chapter begins with a thunderstorm at night. And the story is structured in a way that won’t tell you everything at once, and would leave you guessing, and then laugh in your face because your guesses are WRONG.
I love that.
Okay but, there were some things I wasn’t hugely a fan of, but they’re tiiiiny things, so there’s that. One: Compared to Elyse, Gabe’s narration is bland. He’s not very fleshed out as a character because I legit cannot really describe him to you. Like, is he shy or outgoing or smart or average or funny or ..? He needed a bit more oomph. The poor boy had an oomph deficiency.
And two: Sasha. I couldn’t really see how her part was integrated into the overall picture. She’s like borderline red herring and borderline ... not. So I don’t see her overarching purpose except perhaps to keep the reader on her toes.
But overall? I looooved this one. A compelling plot, and gorgeous writing, and an ending that was absolutely mind blowing. I dare say, even if you don’t like thrillers, give this one a try.
Thank you, PenguinTeen, for the ARC!