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crispytrain's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This book kept me engaged through the entire novel and I read it in less than 6 hours. I do find it to be a unique story, and I actually appreciated the double perspective story-telling; I usually dislike multiple perspective novels and flashback chapters because I think it takes away from the main storyline -- however, this novel utilizes both of these things to make the reading experience much more well-rounded.
One thing I didn't like was the main character's motivation in exposing Meg, the con artist. When it was revealed why Kat so resented Meg and set off on this cat and mouse chase for 10 years early on in the book, I was shocked. It seemed so entirely misdirected, even without having known Meg much at that point I knew that Kat's resentment was misplaced. Like why did she put such an incredible amount of blame onto Meg? I have never been sexually assaulted, and I can't speak on a victim's experience in coming to terms with the situation, but why not blame her rapist rather than a few seconds-long phone call from Meg simply implying that Kat should investigate the rapist for his involvement in a crime? Like I honestly was very confused, especially with a novel so centered around feminism and making men pay for their misdeeds.
Other than that, I did like reading the evolution of the women's relationship with one another, and the ending which I had been hoping for all along. This didn't feel so much like a thriller, because it wasn't very tense and I don't recall any big twists or revelations. It leaned much more into maybe mystery? but even then it wasn't hard to see where things would go. Still, it was an entertaining read, and a great indulgement to see evil men get exactly what they deserve.
One thing I didn't like was the main character's motivation in exposing Meg, the con artist. When it was revealed why Kat so resented Meg and set off on this cat and mouse chase for 10 years early on in the book, I was shocked. It seemed so entirely misdirected, even without having known Meg much at that point I knew that Kat's resentment was misplaced.
Other than that, I did like reading the evolution of the women's relationship with one another, and the ending which I had been hoping for all along. This didn't feel so much like a thriller, because it wasn't very tense and I don't recall any big twists or revelations. It leaned much more into maybe mystery? but even then it wasn't hard to see where things would go. Still, it was an entertaining read, and a great indulgement to see evil men get exactly what they deserve.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction and Rape
Minor: Misogyny, Death of parent, and Classism
breeburkitt's review against another edition
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Meg Williams is a con artist and journalist Kat Roberts has waited 10 years to expose her.
"The Lies I Tell" is a solid follow-up to Julie Clark's 2020 debut, "The Last Flight." Clark has again created two dynamic and compelling female characters determined to achieve their separate goals. It's a story of grudges, justice and revenge. It's a relatively tight thriller that's surprisingly well-grounded, unlike so many other contemporary thrillers.
The story kept me drawn in for the first 75% of the book. Unfortunately, it sort of fell off for the final quarter as the plot and resolution played out. Clark did a beautiful job of building it up, but the resolution was almost revealed too soon and was a bit lackluster as a result. Still worth the read, though.
As always, thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing this advance copy with me in exchange for my honest review.
"The Lies I Tell" is a solid follow-up to Julie Clark's 2020 debut, "The Last Flight." Clark has again created two dynamic and compelling female characters determined to achieve their separate goals. It's a story of grudges, justice and revenge. It's a relatively tight thriller that's surprisingly well-grounded, unlike so many other contemporary thrillers.
The story kept me drawn in for the first 75% of the book. Unfortunately, it sort of fell off for the final quarter as the plot and resolution played out. Clark did a beautiful job of building it up, but the resolution was almost revealed too soon and was a bit lackluster as a result. Still worth the read, though.
As always, thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for sharing this advance copy with me in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Death of parent