A review by roksyreads
We Tell Lies by A.J. Merlin

dark lighthearted mysterious medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

Parker has done all she can to forget about her past, but with her older sister in need of long-term help after a tragedy, she has no choice but to go home. Whilst she expected her return to bring back the memories of the serial killer who kidnapped her over a decade ago, her trauma is dragged to the surface when she’s greeted by a murder and words painted in red: WELCOME HOME, PARKER. Yet, even as someone hunts Parker, determined to dig up the past she’s tried so hard to forget, her childhood best friend and a new acquaintance in Ashwick combine forces to convince her to stay. Although the two men are doing their level best to keep Parker, she can sense that they aren’t telling the whole truth—and she can’t help but fear that their lies might just be the death of her this time.

The first part in a duology, We Tell Lies lays the foundations for what appears to be a complex, decades long mystery revolving around the small town of Ashwick, Indiana. Dark, suspenseful, and edged with danger, the story has all the best vibes for kicking off spooky season in style. Throw in a spicy, why-choose romance between FMC Parker and MMCs Everett and Kayn, and I was hooked. As I’ve come to expect with AJ Merlin, the MMCs are morally grey-to-black and waving a few strong red flags, yet they’re considerate and compassionate in ways that make me wonder juuuust a little bit about which direction my moral compass would point if I was in Parker’s shoes. I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the story and the developing romance between the three MCs unfolds in book two, We Keep Secrets.