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A review by nc_unknown_user
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
This book was fine. Not the most thrilling or craziest twists but… it’s fine. It’s not one I’ll probably think about down the road but it was an easy read and kept my interest for the most part.
This is my second book by this author so I’m starting to pick up on the themes of unlikeable main characters and twists that happen in the last few chapters. The entire book I found myself questioning the obviousness of the “clues” and knew it was a set up. I didn’t find the eventual revelation to be as thrilling as I had hoped, but maybe that was due to my distrust all along.
Something about the story felt lacking in some way I couldn’t place but all in all, I enjoyed the read. I think the thing that leaves these books feeling a little shallow are also ironically, some of the reasons I appreciate the author’s writing. It lacks detail in things that usually go into far too much detail. Like murders or sex scenes… these topics are glossed over whereas other authors seem to feel the need to “overshare” the details. I like that these parts aren’t exaggerated in her books and we can get on with the main plot line. Especially as I often listen to audiobooks while working or doing other tasks that don’t have me in the mood to hear about gore or graphic details. However, the lack of details seem to spill over into other areas and leaves the storyline feeling somewhat flat. Which leaves me feeling less than moved by the story when it’s all said and done. But not every book needs to send me on an emotional rollercoaster and I appreciate that I can quickly read one of these books without being bogged down by a heavy story or too much detail. It’s just wild to walk away from a book about murders and psychological twists and feel kinda “meh” about it.
This is my second book by this author so I’m starting to pick up on the themes of unlikeable main characters and twists that happen in the last few chapters. The entire book I found myself questioning the obviousness of the “clues” and knew it was a set up. I didn’t find the eventual revelation to be as thrilling as I had hoped, but maybe that was due to my distrust all along.
Something about the story felt lacking in some way I couldn’t place but all in all, I enjoyed the read. I think the thing that leaves these books feeling a little shallow are also ironically, some of the reasons I appreciate the author’s writing. It lacks detail in things that usually go into far too much detail. Like murders or sex scenes… these topics are glossed over whereas other authors seem to feel the need to “overshare” the details. I like that these parts aren’t exaggerated in her books and we can get on with the main plot line. Especially as I often listen to audiobooks while working or doing other tasks that don’t have me in the mood to hear about gore or graphic details. However, the lack of details seem to spill over into other areas and leaves the storyline feeling somewhat flat. Which leaves me feeling less than moved by the story when it’s all said and done. But not every book needs to send me on an emotional rollercoaster and I appreciate that I can quickly read one of these books without being bogged down by a heavy story or too much detail. It’s just wild to walk away from a book about murders and psychological twists and feel kinda “meh” about it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Murder
Minor: Pregnancy, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Confinement