A review by fishey
Everything Is Lies by Helen Callaghan

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Was a bad idea to this book up for a quick 10 minute read before bed because I could NOT put it down. This story is really interesting and explores cults in a really interesting way, such as how we can see cults in everyday life. Maybe it's because I read too many thrillers and crime shows though because I guessed the book's major twists very early on, but the story kept me engaged the whole way through nonetheless. I also really love the idea of the 3 notebooks throughout the text. I found myself sometimes skipping over some of Sophie's bits to get to the next notebook because they were really the highlight of the book. 

However, I thought when

Sophie's fake dad or whatever Jared tries to murder her is kinda lame and I feel like it was kinda included for shock value but there wasn't really any like motive for him to do that idk. Also I felt like Aaron saving her as sort of a redemption thing was really unnecessary and I don't like how it tries to make the reader sympathise with him. Also, I kinda wish Nina's death was left a mystery, because honestly I feel like the ending makes her look naive and stupid when she isn't. Also I thought that bakery lady was an old woman or something like how did she have that much strength but maybe I just imagined her differently or something. Also I really wish that Sophie did more than just investigate in this story, like she didn't really have character development because she was the same person throughout the whole story.

But other than those things, I pretty much loved it and it was an interesting read :)