mariannexox's review

4.0

This book grips you in and moves fast!
I finished this book in a day because I had to know everything.

I really liked the writing style and the multiple POVs.
There was mental illness, a serial killer, twist and turns and most importantly karma.

As someone with BPD I appreciate how it was correctly portrayed even if it was in a negative light haha

How far would you go for those you love ?
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I have no idea if Amanda McKinney has written or plans to write any more thrillers, but if she does, I am going to read them immediately! A Marriage of Lies is a whirlwind of a book with multiple viewpoints, short chapters, and twists up the wazoo. I felt mentally breathless as each twist and secret was revealed, and McKinney kept me guessing up to the very end. While there is a tiny touch of romance to the story, it isn't a main focus, but I did find it to be a nice addition to the storyline. I like that the synopsis keeps things short but reading it after having read the book I'm not sure I would recommend reading it beforehand. This is THE perfect book to go into as blind as possible and all you really need to know is that it is a psychological thriller. 😉

While I would have enjoyed a full cast for the audiobook, I still loved it, and I thought Elise Roth was an excellent narrator. I'm sure this would fly by in book form, but it managed to feel even more fast-paced while I was listening to the audio, and I would recommend either format! A Marriage of Lies really lives up to its title in many ways and I loved McKinney's writing immediately. Even if her other books aren't thrillers, I will probably still check them out, and if you are looking for something short that will make your head spin - this is a must-read!! 

evan_sievert's review

3.75
adventurous fast-paced
catsbnb's profile picture

catsbnb's review

5.0
dark mysterious tense medium-paced

INCREDIBLE!!! Thank you NetGalley, Amanda McKinney and Storm Publishing for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!! That was a profoundly intense, darkly twisted and emotionally charged journey!! A Marriage of Lies is my first experience with this author’s work, and I am utterly enthralled by the story. Initially, I was torn between four or five stars, but after sleeping on it and waking up still consumed by its brilliance, I'm convinced it unequivocally merits five stars!! I devoured this book completely, utterly captivated, unable to tear myself away until I reached the final page in one sitting, keeping me on pins and needles until the very end!! Consider this a warning to clear your schedule, grab a snack, and set aside all responsibilities before immersing yourself in this book!! The blend of secrets, lies, jealously, drama, mystery, murders, gripping suspense, intense tension, short chapters, inventive and original plot, intricate twisty twists, complex and morally ambiguous characters, fast pacing, alternating perspectives, and a surprise ending make this a compelling and phenomenal psychological thriller!! Truly, the narrative seamlessly weaves together elements of domestic drama, police procedural, and a serial killer psychological thriller genres, resulting in a perfect blend of gripping intrigue!! I am proud to add this to my favorites list for 2024!!! 💙💙💙💙💙

Beneath the facade of every marriage lies a web of secrets. In Detective Rowan's marriage, the secrets have turned deadly. The moment her husband returned home reeking of alcohol and avoiding her gaze, Rowan sensed the deception. They use to share love so intense it felt unbearable to be apart, but now they are two people harboring secrets from each other. He underestimates her skills as a detective, uncovering truths and solving mysteries is what she does. Rowan knows what he's done. And now, as she sits in a police interrogation room, facing the damning question, "Did you kill her?" Rowan delivers one earth-shattering admission:"Yes." This is all you're going to get from me on the synopsis because I really do not want to spoil the experience for you. Believe me, it's better to dive into it without knowing anymore. Brace yourself for a riveting, twist-filled rollercoaster ride!!!

Overall, I was thoroughly immersed from start to finish. The ending caught me off guard and left me with goosebumps!! I am absolutely thrilled to read more works by Amanda McKinney. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and believe it deserves all the stars!! ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TW: child abuse, neglect, foster care, suicide attempt, eating disorder, dementia, child with developmental delays
lindsays_literazzi's profile picture

lindsays_literazzi's review

4.0
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
rags1709's profile picture

rags1709's review

5.0

Brilliant. To all the reviewers who said this book is for fans of gone girl, y’all are a hundred percent right!
readwithdubs's profile picture

readwithdubs's review

5.0

Well. My head is SPINNING! What a wild a twisty ride that was! This book drew me in from the start, kept me engaged (and guessing!) the whole time and I never wanted it to end! I absolutely loved the writing style and the short chapters. The multiple POVs were great insight into each character and I loved the way everything and everyone tied together. Not to mention, there were multiple twists that I NEVER saw coming.

If you enjoy suspense, jealousy, lies and secrets sprinkled with murder, this one is for you!! Looking forward to reading more by this author

summerbende's review

5.0

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the way it was told through alternating points of view. I loved how the two storylines came together in an unexpected way. Great read! 
oyiii's profile picture

oyiii's review

3.0
dark mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

sjohnson721's review

5.0
adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Another HIT for Amanda McKinney. This book sucked me in and would not let me go until the last page. The characters and the story was OMG of the charts. A must read. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.