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141 reviews for:
A Marriage of Lies : An unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist
Amanda McKinney
3.69 AVERAGE
141 reviews for:
A Marriage of Lies : An unputdownable psychological thriller with a breathtaking twist
Amanda McKinney
3.69 AVERAGE
I read this twisty, intense thriller in less than twenty-four hours because it had me completely hooked! I never seen any of the twists coming and the ending had my jaw on the floor!
———————
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
———————
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
dark
mysterious
tense
“Then again, it’s easy to justify things that make us feel good, isn’t it?”
A Marriage of Lies is a quick and smooth reading thriller that keeps you engaged from beginning to end by gradually stacking up clues and building up tension while simultaneously succeeding at throwing you off the scent.
Apart from making my head spin with possible theories about how everything tied together (and having to revise every so often thanks to new clues that threw me off the scent), what I loved most about this one is how real everything feels. True crime girlies would love this book, because every character is so well rounded that this could very well have been a real story. As always with McKinney's books, you can feel the research that goes into the psychology of the characters and their jobs. I’ve come to really appreciate this in books, as it makes it easier to fully immerse yourself into each characters’ thoughts and motivations.
The different types of media - notebook passages, text messages, letters, transcripts - that were used brought a richness to the storytelling, and encourage the reader to try to figure out how these snippets tie into the overall story.
I love when books succeed in throwing completely unsuspected plot twists at me, which was definitely the case with this one. Some I strongly suspected, others I had different theories for. At the end of the day, I was surprised by how it all wrapped up, which makes it a win for me.
The only reason this didn’t get a 5 star rating was the diagnosis that didn’t feel correct to me, as well as aunt Jenny’s POV chapter that felt too lucid for a too prolonged time that far into her Alzeihmer’s journey (based off of behavioral cues up until then).
Definitely recommend this one if you’re looking for a quick, easy thriller to read. And it’s on KU for those of you who have it!
Important trigger warning: suicide attempt on page
Thank you to Storm Books for my free copy through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt
AMAZING!! Such a wild ride! What a different take on a domestic thriller! I loved the premise of this book. I felt it brought a fresh idea to the genre of domestic thrillers.
This book was so intense and twisted. It was full of drama, suspense, lies, betrayal, murder, mystery, and great twists. Emotions ran high while reading this one. This was my first book by this author, and I LOVED it. The author writes the main character, Detective rowan Velky, in a way that we get to really know her. She's relatable and likeable. There was so much depth given to her character. There are multiple POVs in this story, but they are all easy to follow and provide depth that helps pull the story all together. I found myself invested in all of the characters and how this story would play out.
This story was fast paced. It grabbed you from the beginning and kept you engrossed until the end. It started with a bang and just kept on banging until the last word! The ending was NOT what I was thinking or expecting at all! many reviews say they wanted more in the ending, but I thought it wrapped up perfectly for everything that happened up to the ending. I truly enjoyed this book, and will be exploring her other books.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was so intense and twisted. It was full of drama, suspense, lies, betrayal, murder, mystery, and great twists. Emotions ran high while reading this one. This was my first book by this author, and I LOVED it. The author writes the main character, Detective rowan Velky, in a way that we get to really know her. She's relatable and likeable. There was so much depth given to her character. There are multiple POVs in this story, but they are all easy to follow and provide depth that helps pull the story all together. I found myself invested in all of the characters and how this story would play out.
This story was fast paced. It grabbed you from the beginning and kept you engrossed until the end. It started with a bang and just kept on banging until the last word! The ending was NOT what I was thinking or expecting at all! many reviews say they wanted more in the ending, but I thought it wrapped up perfectly for everything that happened up to the ending. I truly enjoyed this book, and will be exploring her other books.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I finished almost all of this book in one airplane ride. It was that good! I was immersed in the lives of Detective Rowan Velky and her husband, Shepherd. She knows he is hiding something from her and she thinks he is having an affair. Who does she go to talk to but her therapist, Amber. Amber has her own problems in her marriage to deal with, too.
Now, Rowan has to deal with a new murder investigation that hits a little too close for comfort.
I love the short chapters. It makes the story move so fast. I love all the different points of view, too. It showed the anxiety of all involved. I did gather an idea at the ending which proved correct, but I still highly enjoyed this book, my first by this author.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Now, Rowan has to deal with a new murder investigation that hits a little too close for comfort.
I love the short chapters. It makes the story move so fast. I love all the different points of view, too. It showed the anxiety of all involved. I did gather an idea at the ending which proved correct, but I still highly enjoyed this book, my first by this author.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is a pretty straightforward police procedural. Amber and Rowan are the two FMC and most of the chapters are from one of their POV.
While I found this a decent enough read, it didn’t grab me. The characters were all a little unlikeable. The way the story jumped around also gave it a bogged down feeling. Overall I would say 3.25 stars from my POV.
I received a ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.
While I found this a decent enough read, it didn’t grab me. The characters were all a little unlikeable. The way the story jumped around also gave it a bogged down feeling. Overall I would say 3.25 stars from my POV.
I received a ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
** I received this book as an arc for free through NetGalley from Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review.**
In this gripping story, Rowan discovers her husband Shep’s deception when he returns home with the smell of alcohol on his breath, unable to look her in the eye. Their once passionate love has deteriorated into a relationship filled with secrets and lies. Despite his attempts to conceal the truth, she, being a detective, uncovers his wrongdoing. The story reaches a climax when she confesses to a murder during a police interrogation, revealing the dark secrets lurking beneath their marriage.
Overall rating: 4/5
Ratings:
1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 4/5 I found the plot of this book incredibly engaging, gripping me from the start and holding my attention throughout with its swift pacing and numerous twists. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the thriller aspect, I was slightly let down that I predicted the twist, though not the exact details.
2. **Characterization:** 4/5 The characters in this story are both relatable and flawed, making them feel authentic. They evoked a range of emotions in me, from rooting for their success to feeling frustrated with their decisions.
3. **Writing Style:** 5/5 I thoroughly enjoyed Amanda McKinney's writing style. The pacing was spot on, keeping me guessing and on edge throughout. She provided just enough detail to keep me guessing incorrectly about the unfolding events.
4. **Originality:** 3/5 While the premise of the story wasn't unique, I appreciated the fresh twist McKinney brought to it. The involvement of a police detective in a family's dark secrets felt familiar, but the execution was refreshing.
5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** 5/5 This book kept me thoroughly engaged and invested in the characters' journeys. The resolution was satisfying, tying up loose ends and answering my lingering questions effectively. Overall, it left me thoroughly satisfied with the reading experience.
Would I recommend you buy this book? Absolutely I will be purchasing more of Amanda McKinney’s work and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
If you like this book, I would recommend Never Lie by Freida McFadden for a fast-paced twist. That’ll keep you guessing for a more domestic thriller check out The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose. Both are good options and I hope you enjoy them.
fast-paced
𝗔 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗠𝗰𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘆
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
4.5/5
❗️I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️
This was such a twisted, and gripping story. I was hooked from the very beginning. I enjoyed the multiple POVs as it gave the story more depth, and intrigue. I figured out the killer, but there were still so many twists I didn’t see coming, so that’s why it got 4.5 not 5 stars. There weren’t any slow spots, or parts I thought should be removed. I only wish there was a longer conclusion, as it felt a bit rushed. Highly recommend
𝖡𝖫𝖴𝖱𝖡:
Beneath the surface of every marriage there are secrets. This one is deadly.
My husband is lying. The minute he came home with alcohol on his breath and unable to look me in the eyes I knew it.
We used to be in love – the intense ‘I can’t be without you for a second’ kind. Where it hurts deep to be apart.
But now, we’re the couple that keep secrets from each other.
We hide the truth.
He thought I wouldn’t find out. I’m a detective – it’s literally my job to uncover clues and solve mysteries.
I know what he did.
And now I’m sitting here, in a police interview, being asked the question “did you kill her?” To which I utter one life-shattering word: “yes.”
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I should know by now, if Thrillerbookloverspromotions is the reason a book ends up in my hands, I’m going to end up loving it and want to give it all the stars. Not only did I breeze through this one in less than 24 hours but my TBR might never recover now that I’ve added Amanda McKinney’s entire backlist to it! This book made me an instant fan!
One of my favorite things about A Marriage of Lies is that opening chapter. The story starts with a bang and somehow never stops being a thrilling ride! Such compelling characters, such interesting murder case & such intricate web of lies and complicated human relationships. It was a darker, grittier read than a typical North American thriller - and I absolutely loved that about it!
I loved walking into this one blind so offering you the same opportunity by not mentioning too much about the content. A cop in an unhappy, complicated marriage. A therapist in an unhappy, complicated marriage. Murder investigation! That’s all you need to know!
Grab this one if
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘔𝘗𝘝
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭, 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵
📚 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 🙈
A huge thank you to Thrillerbookloverspromotions, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!
One of my favorite things about A Marriage of Lies is that opening chapter. The story starts with a bang and somehow never stops being a thrilling ride! Such compelling characters, such interesting murder case & such intricate web of lies and complicated human relationships. It was a darker, grittier read than a typical North American thriller - and I absolutely loved that about it!
I loved walking into this one blind so offering you the same opportunity by not mentioning too much about the content. A cop in an unhappy, complicated marriage. A therapist in an unhappy, complicated marriage. Murder investigation! That’s all you need to know!
Grab this one if
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘔𝘗𝘝
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭, 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘹 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴
📚 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵
📚 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘣𝘰𝘺𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 🙈
A huge thank you to Thrillerbookloverspromotions, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!
dark
mysterious
tense
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
This is the first time I read a book by this author and it won’t be the last!
I started this one yesterday evening and finished it at dawn, it was such a page turner that I didn’t want to put it down!
This story was told from multiple POV and a couple flashbacks as well. It flows smoothly with great and easy to read writing style that comes with short chapters which get me hooked into the story very early in the beginning.
There’s a lot of red herrings thrown throughout the story, it was quite difficult to figure out the culprit. I wasn’t so sure until the end, so the big reveal is quite surprising.
While I really like the plot twist, the story ended slightly too rushed. Instead of showing, it’s more of telling the readers of what happened after.
Overall, this book is a gripping fast-paced psychological thriller with unexpected plot twist that really surprise me!
I’m looking forward to read more books by this author in the future!
Special thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for giving me an e-ARC and to Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Suicide attempt, Murder
Moderate: Addiction
Minor: Cancer, Child death