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Like Me Block You #2
Lie Until It's True
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder meets Knives Out in this haunting YA thriller. To redeem herself, true crime TikToker Amanda Pruitt spends the summer in Colorado investigating a murder that seems open and shut. But when two crimes—one past, one present—intertwine, Amanda becomes the main suspect.
Amanda Pruitt needs redemption. She is the one, after all, who turned her sister in for murder and anonymously broadcasted her trial to millions on TikTok. And she was wrong. Her sister is innocent, making Amanda the villain—not the hero—all along.
So when her childhood best friend's mom is arrested for murdering an eccentric billionaire and refuses to give a statement, Amanda decides to help solve the crime. This could be her second chance. If she can use her TikTok to get the public on her friend's side, the police will have to reopen the investigation.
The plan? Stay the summer with her aunt who is the concierge at the Summit, a historic (read: haunted) hotel in the mountains that also happens to be the scene of the crime. Investigate the billionaire's murder. Win back her estranged bestie Vince.
Not the plan? See a ghost. Fall for Vince. Black out and lose 15 minutes of her life. Wake up to find the dead body of a frenemy.
Amanda and Vince must work together to find the killer, or Amanda risks going down for a murder she isn't quite sure she didn't commit. Set in a possibly haunted hotel and including TikTok interstitials, this is the perfect follow up to Live Your Best Lie.
Amanda Pruitt needs redemption. She is the one, after all, who turned her sister in for murder and anonymously broadcasted her trial to millions on TikTok. And she was wrong. Her sister is innocent, making Amanda the villain—not the hero—all along.
So when her childhood best friend's mom is arrested for murdering an eccentric billionaire and refuses to give a statement, Amanda decides to help solve the crime. This could be her second chance. If she can use her TikTok to get the public on her friend's side, the police will have to reopen the investigation.
The plan? Stay the summer with her aunt who is the concierge at the Summit, a historic (read: haunted) hotel in the mountains that also happens to be the scene of the crime. Investigate the billionaire's murder. Win back her estranged bestie Vince.
Not the plan? See a ghost. Fall for Vince. Black out and lose 15 minutes of her life. Wake up to find the dead body of a frenemy.
Amanda and Vince must work together to find the killer, or Amanda risks going down for a murder she isn't quite sure she didn't commit. Set in a possibly haunted hotel and including TikTok interstitials, this is the perfect follow up to Live Your Best Lie.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
48 people are currently reading
8419 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Weaver
4 books178 followersBefore writing about flawed, funny teens with big hearts, Jessie Weaver spent ten years teaching them English. She completed the Stanford University online novel writing program in 2019. Though she’s an East Coast girl at heart, she currently lives in Colorado with her husband and two daughters. Live Your Best Lie is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
December 5, 2023
Hi, friends! I just wanted to pop onto Goodreads before reader reviews start coming in to say thank you for reading. Readers make writers' dreams come true, and I appreciate you. I don't respond to reviews or messages on Goodreads, so if you'd like to contact me, check out my website jessieweaverbooks.com or find me on instagram @jessie.weaver.books.
Lie Until It's True is about friendship and loss and the inexplicable and the things that haunt us. It's also about self-destruction and redemption and figuring out who you are and who you want to be. I hope you love Amanda and Vince as much as I do.
Also, Lie Until It's True is a companion novel to Live Your Best Lie, but NOT a sequel. Both books are self-contained mysteries and can be read individually. That said, if you do want to read both, Lie Until It's True references Live Your Best Lie a few times, especially at the beginning. There are no mystery-revealing spoilers; however, you may catch on to someone who ISN'T the killer in Live Your Best Lie if you read Lie Until It's True first. Happy reading!
Lie Until It's True is about friendship and loss and the inexplicable and the things that haunt us. It's also about self-destruction and redemption and figuring out who you are and who you want to be. I hope you love Amanda and Vince as much as I do.
Also, Lie Until It's True is a companion novel to Live Your Best Lie, but NOT a sequel. Both books are self-contained mysteries and can be read individually. That said, if you do want to read both, Lie Until It's True references Live Your Best Lie a few times, especially at the beginning. There are no mystery-revealing spoilers; however, you may catch on to someone who ISN'T the killer in Live Your Best Lie if you read Lie Until It's True first. Happy reading!
April 26, 2024
3.5 🌟 This book was recommended to me, and I wanted to give it a shot! It’s a really good choice for a YA reader who’s looking for a mystery! I love my thrillers, so I don’t know that it compares to some of my favorite books for a more adult audience, but I really enjoyed the storyline & I thought the social media elements were a really interesting add! I would definitely recommend for a younger reader!
May 24, 2023
This second novel from Jessie Weaver had me turning pages as fast as I could till the end! I had the pleasure of reading an advanced copy of this upcoming book and could not have enjoyed it more. It’s a twisty murder mystery in the best way. The creepy setting and possible paranormal angles really stood out for me. Then on top of it all, there’s a sweet romance that reminded me of young summer love. Though there are some connections to her first novel, Live Your Best Lie, this can be read as a stand alone. One thing is the same as the first book though… Weaver’s Agatha Christie style mystery skills will keep you guessing till the very end!
July 6, 2023
She’s back for round✌🏼 folks and I LOVED IT!! Author, Jessie Weaver’s, second novel Lie Until It’s True is another 5 ⭐️ for me! In this book she makes you question what you would do for the ones you love and if the bond of friendship could really be stronger than family!
Following her debut novel, Live Your Best Lie, book 2, Lie Until It’s True, gives us not one BUT TWO unsolved murders and so much at stake for a group of friends that find themselves in the middle of both!
What I absolutely love about Lie Until It’s True is while the plot is great you fall EVEN MORE in love with Weaver’s characters. Some you love to hate, some you hate to love, and some you just HAVE to route for even if they just might be the murderer!! 🫨🩸🔪
✨Lie Until It’s True✨ is definitely another fun young adult read but in this novel, Weaver is showing us that her characters may actually be more than teen murderers frenemies, or backstabbing b*tches proving that she’s got depth as an author and making me even more excited to read what’s next from her!
Following her debut novel, Live Your Best Lie, book 2, Lie Until It’s True, gives us not one BUT TWO unsolved murders and so much at stake for a group of friends that find themselves in the middle of both!
What I absolutely love about Lie Until It’s True is while the plot is great you fall EVEN MORE in love with Weaver’s characters. Some you love to hate, some you hate to love, and some you just HAVE to route for even if they just might be the murderer!! 🫨🩸🔪
✨Lie Until It’s True✨ is definitely another fun young adult read but in this novel, Weaver is showing us that her characters may actually be more than teen murderers frenemies, or backstabbing b*tches proving that she’s got depth as an author and making me even more excited to read what’s next from her!
February 7, 2025
Reny - per RFS
.
Carissime Fenici,
ci troviamo a Pinnacle Park, località turistica del Colorado, dove i fatti si svolgono principalmente all’interno e nei dintorni dell’hotel Summit, costruzione dei primi del ‘900. Si narra che il fantasma di Edie Alderfer, giovane donna gettatasi dalla suite del quarto piano in abito da sposa circa cinquant’anni prima, vaghi tra le mura di questo albergo.
Tutto ha inizio quando Amanda torna in Colorado per le vacanze estive, qui la ragazza ritrova gli amici di sempre che la coinvolgono nell’impresa di scagionare la madre di Vince, uno dei protagonisti, dall’accusa di omicidio, infatti, la Vigilia di Natale dell’anno precedente, il miliardario mecenate RoydenDas viene ucciso.
Dopo parecchio tempo sono tornata a leggere uno Young Adult, che è per giunta un thriller. Purtroppo però vengono citati fatti e persone presenti nel volume precedente della serie e perciò capirete che sono andata un po’ in confusione.
Inoltre le vicende sono raccontate in terza persona, fatto abbastanza inusuale per questo tipo di storie.
Siamo nell’epoca di TikTok e Amanda ha un seguito ragguardevole in quanto appassionata di true crime: sono diventati virali i suoi video pubblicati durante il processo della sorella (anche qui si viene rimandati a quanto successo nel precedente romanzo).
Il gruppo di amici, composto anche da Mal, Cole e Lillia, decide di indagare per trovare il vero colpevole.
Quello che potrebbe essere iniziato quasi come un gioco si trasforma poi in tragedia, quando avviene un altro omicidio, di cui per ovvi motivi non parlerò.
Da qui in avanti il ritmo si fa più incalzante, i ragazzi intensificano le loro ricerche, continuamente sviati da nuove scoperte che li portano a dubitare gli uni degli altri.
Il tutto aggravato dal fatto che Amanda diventa la principale sospettata della seconda morte.
L’autrice a mio parere è stata molto brava a tracciare la personalità della ragazza, che vive col senso di colpa per quanto successo alla sorella e soffre per la poca considerazione che ha la sua famiglia nei suoi confronti.
Ha spesso pensieri violenti che la portano ad avere paura di fare davvero del male a qualcuno, complici anche momenti di black-out derivanti dall’epilessia di cui soffre.
Nessuna persona è un’isola. Tutti al mondo vogliono essere riconosciuti. Forse era per quello che si combatteva tanto per essere capiti, che nessuno poteva mantenere un segreto per sempre
È un thriller ma anche una storia di amicizia, di ricordi comuni dell’infanzia, delle estati trascorse insieme in quel luogo da favola.
Sospetti e segreti però li portano a dubitare gli uni degli altri, e il colpo di scena finale sarà assolutamente inaspettato.
Consigliato, a parte il disorientamento iniziale per chi, come me, non aveva letto il volume precedente.
.
Carissime Fenici,
ci troviamo a Pinnacle Park, località turistica del Colorado, dove i fatti si svolgono principalmente all’interno e nei dintorni dell’hotel Summit, costruzione dei primi del ‘900. Si narra che il fantasma di Edie Alderfer, giovane donna gettatasi dalla suite del quarto piano in abito da sposa circa cinquant’anni prima, vaghi tra le mura di questo albergo.
Tutto ha inizio quando Amanda torna in Colorado per le vacanze estive, qui la ragazza ritrova gli amici di sempre che la coinvolgono nell’impresa di scagionare la madre di Vince, uno dei protagonisti, dall’accusa di omicidio, infatti, la Vigilia di Natale dell’anno precedente, il miliardario mecenate RoydenDas viene ucciso.
Dopo parecchio tempo sono tornata a leggere uno Young Adult, che è per giunta un thriller. Purtroppo però vengono citati fatti e persone presenti nel volume precedente della serie e perciò capirete che sono andata un po’ in confusione.
Inoltre le vicende sono raccontate in terza persona, fatto abbastanza inusuale per questo tipo di storie.
Siamo nell’epoca di TikTok e Amanda ha un seguito ragguardevole in quanto appassionata di true crime: sono diventati virali i suoi video pubblicati durante il processo della sorella (anche qui si viene rimandati a quanto successo nel precedente romanzo).
Il gruppo di amici, composto anche da Mal, Cole e Lillia, decide di indagare per trovare il vero colpevole.
Quello che potrebbe essere iniziato quasi come un gioco si trasforma poi in tragedia, quando avviene un altro omicidio, di cui per ovvi motivi non parlerò.
Da qui in avanti il ritmo si fa più incalzante, i ragazzi intensificano le loro ricerche, continuamente sviati da nuove scoperte che li portano a dubitare gli uni degli altri.
Il tutto aggravato dal fatto che Amanda diventa la principale sospettata della seconda morte.
L’autrice a mio parere è stata molto brava a tracciare la personalità della ragazza, che vive col senso di colpa per quanto successo alla sorella e soffre per la poca considerazione che ha la sua famiglia nei suoi confronti.
Ha spesso pensieri violenti che la portano ad avere paura di fare davvero del male a qualcuno, complici anche momenti di black-out derivanti dall’epilessia di cui soffre.
Nessuna persona è un’isola. Tutti al mondo vogliono essere riconosciuti. Forse era per quello che si combatteva tanto per essere capiti, che nessuno poteva mantenere un segreto per sempre
È un thriller ma anche una storia di amicizia, di ricordi comuni dell’infanzia, delle estati trascorse insieme in quel luogo da favola.
Sospetti e segreti però li portano a dubitare gli uni degli altri, e il colpo di scena finale sarà assolutamente inaspettato.
Consigliato, a parte il disorientamento iniziale per chi, come me, non aveva letto il volume precedente.
September 16, 2024
It's rant time girlies! First this book lacks everything solid plot good characters fun setting. Everything is bland stupid and boring. Amanda is stupid Vince is sad and everything else just sucks. It's cringey unexplained garbage. Why did Cora kill Summer? What did Amanda do that was so bad every character hints at it in EVERY fucking chapter? And why and how in the whole goddamn world did the police just let her go when months later or a year after some random teenager confessed? HUH?? Is Cora a psychopath just like her sister? WE NEVER KNOW. This book lacks depth. Here's the rundown version of crap I went through. Girl is sad because sister takes up all the love from her. Goes to her vacation spot where people where her murdered friend gets murdered realizes she is guilty and her friend actually killed her friend and THE END. NO. They add this stupid tiktok plot and this "twist" of time bending and ghosts and random filler. The painting thing was so unnecessary and stupid and the whole thing relied on this portrait. 0 stars. This was hell to read. And personally one of my favorite quotes " A main side effect of having feet. Ha Ha. I mean compared to ghosts". That settles it the worst book I read in 2024. Right up there with old man and the sea so congrats on that! Also in one of the "tiktak" posts yes tiktak because I refuse to believe anyone on this planet interacts like that on a social media site like tiktok. There is a post on how the hotel caught on fire and I shit you not one of the hashtags is #fire. What the hell honestly
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
Un mistery young adult con elementi interessanti, che si legge volentieri, ma che non è riuscito a catturare la mia attenzione in modo profondo.
🥺
Un mistery young adult con elementi interessanti, che si legge volentieri, ma che non è riuscito a catturare la mia attenzione in modo profondo.
🥺
February 2, 2025
Ipnotico. Psicologico. Bellissimo.
November 6, 2024
I don't think I liked anything about this book. Not a single character, one facet of the mystery, the setting, or any of the plot twists.
Rip.
Rip.
July 17, 2024
*I read an ARC so I don’t know if the exact story I read made it to the final print of this book. So take everything I say with a grain of salt.*
This was a fast, easy read, however, I just didn’t think it was great overall. The plot itself was interesting, but I found Amanda to be extremely annoying and selfish (which as a main character makes it hard to root for her/be invested in her). I wish she would have had more of a character arc instead of remaining basically the same throughout the whole book. When being interviewed by the detective after being told she’d basically be getting arrested for Cole’s murder (which I called the real murderer no problem), I think it would have been better for her not to have tried to throw Lillia and Mr. Reyes under the bus. It would have shown her growth from her sister’s case to this one if she didn’t say anything and continued on with trying to solve the murder.
I also didn’t really like that her sister was arrested for murder, a confession letter was sent in from the real killer that helped with a not guilty verdict for Cora, and then nothing is resolved about the actual murder. It felt like that whole thing could have been taken out and the story would have still made sense. Also, the blurb talks about how Amanda could get a second chance if she can use her TikTok (which she anonymously posted to during everything with her sister and got famous from) to get the public on her friend’s side to help reopen the investigation for his mother who had been arrested for the murder of a billionaire…but, Amanda never actually uses her TikTok for anything trying to solve the murder of Royden Das. So again, what was the point? I also didn’t like that there seemed to be no consequences for people’s actions.
I feel like the blurb of this book got mixed up with another; it just didn’t match what I read.
This was a fast, easy read, however, I just didn’t think it was great overall. The plot itself was interesting, but I found Amanda to be extremely annoying and selfish (which as a main character makes it hard to root for her/be invested in her). I wish she would have had more of a character arc instead of remaining basically the same throughout the whole book. When being interviewed by the detective after being told she’d basically be getting arrested for Cole’s murder (which I called the real murderer no problem), I think it would have been better for her not to have tried to throw Lillia and Mr. Reyes under the bus. It would have shown her growth from her sister’s case to this one if she didn’t say anything and continued on with trying to solve the murder.
I also didn’t really like that her sister was arrested for murder, a confession letter was sent in from the real killer that helped with a not guilty verdict for Cora, and then nothing is resolved about the actual murder. It felt like that whole thing could have been taken out and the story would have still made sense. Also, the blurb talks about how Amanda could get a second chance if she can use her TikTok (which she anonymously posted to during everything with her sister and got famous from) to get the public on her friend’s side to help reopen the investigation for his mother who had been arrested for the murder of a billionaire…but, Amanda never actually uses her TikTok for anything trying to solve the murder of Royden Das. So again, what was the point? I also didn’t like that there seemed to be no consequences for people’s actions.
I feel like the blurb of this book got mixed up with another; it just didn’t match what I read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2024
Amanda is a TikTokker, who gained instant success by giving viewers the inside scoop on her sister's murder trial. The only problem is no one knows it's her running the account, and guilt is eating her up. When she's given a chance to appear on a reality show covering her friend's family's haunted hotel, she doesn't exactly jump at the chance because it comes with the caveat of her outing herself on TV. But then one of Amanda's friend group turns up dead, and she's suddenly the prime suspect. Now she's got a more than one murder to solve.
I enjoyed this. I think the TikTok intersessions will make this book palatable to modern teens. I thought they were at least enjoyable. I hated Cole, and didn't really care about what happened with him. There was a bit of mystery thrown in here which involved a love story and a painting. I won't give anything away, but I think I enjoyed this part more than anything else in the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. I enjoyed Reba Buhr's narration. All in all this was a good book, and I'd recommend it.
I enjoyed this. I think the TikTok intersessions will make this book palatable to modern teens. I thought they were at least enjoyable. I hated Cole, and didn't really care about what happened with him. There was a bit of mystery thrown in here which involved a love story and a painting. I won't give anything away, but I think I enjoyed this part more than anything else in the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ALC. I enjoyed Reba Buhr's narration. All in all this was a good book, and I'd recommend it.
March 24, 2024
Is it possible that I love this book more than the first one? I’m excited to have read an advanced copy. Lie until it’s True checks all my boxes: haunting, murder mystery, & romance.
Amanda falsely accused her sister and now she’s after redemption. But as she investigates murder with friends at the place she spent all of her childhood summers, she’s forced to examine her motives and actions while fighting for friendship and her life.
The characters in this book are relatable. The pace moves quickly and keeps the reader guessing until the end. Another fantastic book by Jessie Weaver. I can’t wait to read more!
Amanda falsely accused her sister and now she’s after redemption. But as she investigates murder with friends at the place she spent all of her childhood summers, she’s forced to examine her motives and actions while fighting for friendship and her life.
The characters in this book are relatable. The pace moves quickly and keeps the reader guessing until the end. Another fantastic book by Jessie Weaver. I can’t wait to read more!
March 25, 2025
Mixed feelings on this one. I had an ARC and didn’t realize til I started reading it wasn’t the first in the series, but it claimed to be a standalone so I read it anyway. I liked the multimedia element, but found the plot to be confusing and meandering. Everyone seemed unreliable, and when it’s finally revealed ‘whodunit’, I didn’t really care. I wonder if I had read the first book this one would have made more sense.
July 27, 2024
I got this book not knowing it was the second book, but I still understood the plot without having read the first one. Reminds me very much of a good girl’s guide to murder series and Karen McManus books.
May 29, 2024
3.5 stars. A good YA read. Sometimes I forgot the characters were teenagers by their words but other times, I was “yep, that’s how a teenager would talk.”
July 11, 2024
4.25 stars
August 17, 2024
Enjoyable but a little disjointed and melodramatic.
September 12, 2024
Jessie Weaver did not disappoint with her second YA mystery novel which had me guessing until the end! I loved the addition of supernatural elements and how the author dove into the relationships in the story, as well as their challenges. Get cozy and get ready to transport yourself to Colorado and enjoy this haunting story!
April 2, 2024
It was so much fun suspecting pretty much everyone in this haunted thriller set in a historic hotel isolated in the mountains. I loved not knowing if the ghostly sightings were real or not and the mysteries of the missing painting and lost love added more layers to this summer vacation gone gristly.
June 11, 2024
10/10 interesting and hard to put down. It’s a giant mystery with twists and turns you never see coming. I could have finished it sooner but I had a few migraines and my kids have been extra this week 🤣🤣
January 17, 2025
Young adult - true crime
Intrattiene ed è scorrevole
Intrattiene ed è scorrevole
July 1, 2024
The ending of this book was okay, but for some reason I could not get into this. I think there were too many characters to keep up with, and the storyline was kind of boring. It took me a while to read and I was a little disappointed with this.
December 19, 2023
I always enjoy reading from multiple perspectives and questioning if you can trust anyone! This book will keep you on your toes wondering who did it and why!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, get out your notepad and make sure to pay attention to all the small details!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, get out your notepad and make sure to pay attention to all the small details!
April 24, 2024
What a fun twisty mystery!
Amanda Pruitt, trying to redeem herself after providing evidence against her own sister in a murder, is paired up with her summer friends at the infamous Summit Hotel to try and uncover the true killer in a grisly murder on Christmas Eve, six months ago.
Using her hidden name TikTok to promote social media awareness for police to get back into investigating, is the plan she thinks will help everyone.
However, another podcast crew is also on site to determine if it was murder or a haunting- who wins in the social media race? Will there be a true killer reveal? Or is it truly haunted? The hotel?
Will all this craze make Amanda feel better about herself? About what she did to her sister? Or will it seal her fate as a horrible person who was just looking to boost her ratings and make her outshine her sister?
Several hints and clues filtered throughout that keeps this mystery hopping with some parallels to another famous hotel in Colorado-keeps it twisty, dark and interesting-well played!
Thanks to Hyperion for the arc and a cool start to a blazing hot summer season!
Amanda Pruitt, trying to redeem herself after providing evidence against her own sister in a murder, is paired up with her summer friends at the infamous Summit Hotel to try and uncover the true killer in a grisly murder on Christmas Eve, six months ago.
Using her hidden name TikTok to promote social media awareness for police to get back into investigating, is the plan she thinks will help everyone.
However, another podcast crew is also on site to determine if it was murder or a haunting- who wins in the social media race? Will there be a true killer reveal? Or is it truly haunted? The hotel?
Will all this craze make Amanda feel better about herself? About what she did to her sister? Or will it seal her fate as a horrible person who was just looking to boost her ratings and make her outshine her sister?
Several hints and clues filtered throughout that keeps this mystery hopping with some parallels to another famous hotel in Colorado-keeps it twisty, dark and interesting-well played!
Thanks to Hyperion for the arc and a cool start to a blazing hot summer season!
June 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.
I was not drawn in nor did it keep my interest.
Rating: 2/5
I was not drawn in nor did it keep my interest.
Rating: 2/5
May 9, 2024
Full of personable characters and set in a fascinating and slightly creepy location, Lie Until It’s True, takes you on a twisting journey through the history of a gang of friends and unravels how their unique personalities and circumstance drive them to actions they may or may not regret.
Woven into this complex tapestry, two death. Is it the retribution of a ghost or are living mortals to blame? You’ll have to read to find out…
Woven into this complex tapestry, two death. Is it the retribution of a ghost or are living mortals to blame? You’ll have to read to find out…
August 11, 2024
people love morally grey main characters until theyre actually morally grey…
this book was surprisingly really good, didn’t focus excessively on the social media over the actual mystery. the ama at the end really did not do it for me however…
i wish there was more closure on the summer cartwright case and her relationship with cara but maybe there will be a sequel(?)
a solid, quick, spooky read!
this book was surprisingly really good, didn’t focus excessively on the social media over the actual mystery. the ama at the end really did not do it for me however…
i wish there was more closure on the summer cartwright case and her relationship with cara but maybe there will be a sequel(?)
a solid, quick, spooky read!
August 31, 2023
I just love reading anything Jessie Weaver produces, and I’m thrilled to say that her second book is even better than her first (which is hard to do because the first was so good). I flew through the pages of this book and was riveted by the plot the entire time. I was especially a fan of the setting. Read this book—you won’t regret it.
January 13, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Melissa de la Cruz Studio for this ARC!
Jessie Weaver has once again proven her clever mystery-writing skills with "Lie Until It's True," the follow-up to her debut novel, "Live Your Best Lie." From the first page to the last, Weaver delivers an immersive and thrilling experience that left me continuously guessing at the multitude of layers and mysteries within the novel. While it can be helpful to have read Weaver’s prior book, it's not a necessity, making "Lie Until It's True" a standalone success.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is the masterful development of characters, specifically Vince and Amanda. Weaver has created a cast that feels so real, so tangible, that they practically leap off the page. As a reader who values both a compelling plot and well-developed characters, I found the balance in this book to be perfection. The characters are not just players in the mystery; they are living, breathing individuals with whom readers can connect on a personal level. I will say that I did find Amanda’s friends, Mal and Cole, to be a bit annoying and underdeveloped, but that also is relatively realistic for teenage characters, especially when the main focus is on Vince/Amanda. The way that Cole wanted to use Amanda and practically emotionally blackmails her at the beginning irked me, but he did grow on me as the story progressed.
The storytelling and prose are, without a doubt, the backbone of this book. The narrative is rich, engaging, and filled with an abundance of twists and turns. Weaver skillfully weaves multiple crimes into the plot, creating a fast-paced page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The mystery, the intrigue, and the setting all contribute to an irresistible combination that makes it challenging to pinpoint what I loved most about the book.
A unique feature of "Lie Until It's True" is its incorporation of social media into the storyline, adding an extra layer of depth and intrigue. While the story does take some time to set up, every detail serves a purpose, and the payoff is undoubtedly worth the initial investment. The unexpected plot twists keep the reader guessing. I especially enjoyed the social media posts at the beginning of each chapter, especially with the use of Tik Toks described in the novel. I don’t think I’ve read a YA book that has incorporated Tik Tok in this way, and it’s definitely unique; it reminded me of how some YA books incorporate podcasts. I guess the use of Tik Tok is the next big thing. I think this aspect will be most interesting to teenage readers.
"Lie Until It's True" is a must-read for anyone who loves mystery, thrills, a touch of the supernatural, and a well-crafted narrative. Whether you're drawn to Colorado, historical elements, or a combination of these, Weaver's book is a story that deserves a spot on your bookshelf. I wholeheartedly recommend bringing this book home and diving into its gripping world of lies, mysteries, and unexpected truths.
Jessie Weaver has once again proven her clever mystery-writing skills with "Lie Until It's True," the follow-up to her debut novel, "Live Your Best Lie." From the first page to the last, Weaver delivers an immersive and thrilling experience that left me continuously guessing at the multitude of layers and mysteries within the novel. While it can be helpful to have read Weaver’s prior book, it's not a necessity, making "Lie Until It's True" a standalone success.
One of the standout aspects of this novel is the masterful development of characters, specifically Vince and Amanda. Weaver has created a cast that feels so real, so tangible, that they practically leap off the page. As a reader who values both a compelling plot and well-developed characters, I found the balance in this book to be perfection. The characters are not just players in the mystery; they are living, breathing individuals with whom readers can connect on a personal level. I will say that I did find Amanda’s friends, Mal and Cole, to be a bit annoying and underdeveloped, but that also is relatively realistic for teenage characters, especially when the main focus is on Vince/Amanda. The way that Cole wanted to use Amanda and practically emotionally blackmails her at the beginning irked me, but he did grow on me as the story progressed.
The storytelling and prose are, without a doubt, the backbone of this book. The narrative is rich, engaging, and filled with an abundance of twists and turns. Weaver skillfully weaves multiple crimes into the plot, creating a fast-paced page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The mystery, the intrigue, and the setting all contribute to an irresistible combination that makes it challenging to pinpoint what I loved most about the book.
A unique feature of "Lie Until It's True" is its incorporation of social media into the storyline, adding an extra layer of depth and intrigue. While the story does take some time to set up, every detail serves a purpose, and the payoff is undoubtedly worth the initial investment. The unexpected plot twists keep the reader guessing. I especially enjoyed the social media posts at the beginning of each chapter, especially with the use of Tik Toks described in the novel. I don’t think I’ve read a YA book that has incorporated Tik Tok in this way, and it’s definitely unique; it reminded me of how some YA books incorporate podcasts. I guess the use of Tik Tok is the next big thing. I think this aspect will be most interesting to teenage readers.
"Lie Until It's True" is a must-read for anyone who loves mystery, thrills, a touch of the supernatural, and a well-crafted narrative. Whether you're drawn to Colorado, historical elements, or a combination of these, Weaver's book is a story that deserves a spot on your bookshelf. I wholeheartedly recommend bringing this book home and diving into its gripping world of lies, mysteries, and unexpected truths.
February 19, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
In this sequel to Live Your Best Lie (which I haven't read), Amanda Pruitt and her family are glad that her sister, Cora, has been found not guilty of the murder of a social media influencer, even though Amanda was the one who turned her in and who has a TikTok account under the name of UntilProven that has reported insider information about her sister's case without their parents' knowledge. Amanda is going to spend some time with her Aunt Amy at the Summit Hotel, where she hasn't been for three years. Why? A famous artist, Royden Das, was killed there, and her friend Vince's mother is in jail for the murder. His granddaughter, Lillia Das, is living nearby. Vince is trying to keep his family's art gallery afloat, and is glad to see Amanda, because he has a huge crush on her. Mallory, whose parents own the summit, is romantically involved with Cole, whose mom managed the facility. Cole thinks that Das' murder was committed by a ghost, and he has invited the Haunting or Homicide program to the hotel to investigate. To sweeten the deal, he has offered up Amanda and her online personality as part of the investigation. There's a lot of intrigue involving Das' romantic interest 50 years ago, who through herself off the hotel before they eloped and is said to haunt the hotel. The hotel is struggling financially, and Cole thinks that the program will help. Amanda doesn't want her identity known. When Cole is found murdered, and Amanda has blood on her clothing after suffering a seizure and not remembering how she got from one place to another, there is a lot of interest in this new case. How are the three violent deaths connected to each other, the hotel, and to Amanda?
Strengths: My students ask frequently for murder mysteries, and since this involves not only an elderly artist's death but also a (not so nice) teen, this will have a lot of appeal. The cover is fantastic. The inclusion of social media will add to the appeal, and I really appreciated that there was no language or descriptions that would push this into the high school category. Amanda's seizure disorder is intriguing, and her fear that she is the one behind the two murders adds some interest.
Weaknesses: This was somewhat hard to follow because of the shifts in viewpoint; sometimes there are flashbacks, some of the chapters are social media posts and comments, and there are also texts. This is a Young Adult Novel in length.
What I really think: The hotel setting of this reminded me a bit of Stine's You May Now Kill the Bride. This would be a great choice for a high school library, and would be okay for a middle school one where Patterson's Confessions of a Murder Suspect is popular, but I'm afraid that my students would struggle with the flashbacks. I'm debating purchase. I really loved Barnes' The Inheritance Games, but it's been hard to get students to read it.
In this sequel to Live Your Best Lie (which I haven't read), Amanda Pruitt and her family are glad that her sister, Cora, has been found not guilty of the murder of a social media influencer, even though Amanda was the one who turned her in and who has a TikTok account under the name of UntilProven that has reported insider information about her sister's case without their parents' knowledge. Amanda is going to spend some time with her Aunt Amy at the Summit Hotel, where she hasn't been for three years. Why? A famous artist, Royden Das, was killed there, and her friend Vince's mother is in jail for the murder. His granddaughter, Lillia Das, is living nearby. Vince is trying to keep his family's art gallery afloat, and is glad to see Amanda, because he has a huge crush on her. Mallory, whose parents own the summit, is romantically involved with Cole, whose mom managed the facility. Cole thinks that Das' murder was committed by a ghost, and he has invited the Haunting or Homicide program to the hotel to investigate. To sweeten the deal, he has offered up Amanda and her online personality as part of the investigation. There's a lot of intrigue involving Das' romantic interest 50 years ago, who through herself off the hotel before they eloped and is said to haunt the hotel. The hotel is struggling financially, and Cole thinks that the program will help. Amanda doesn't want her identity known. When Cole is found murdered, and Amanda has blood on her clothing after suffering a seizure and not remembering how she got from one place to another, there is a lot of interest in this new case. How are the three violent deaths connected to each other, the hotel, and to Amanda?
Strengths: My students ask frequently for murder mysteries, and since this involves not only an elderly artist's death but also a (not so nice) teen, this will have a lot of appeal. The cover is fantastic. The inclusion of social media will add to the appeal, and I really appreciated that there was no language or descriptions that would push this into the high school category. Amanda's seizure disorder is intriguing, and her fear that she is the one behind the two murders adds some interest.
Weaknesses: This was somewhat hard to follow because of the shifts in viewpoint; sometimes there are flashbacks, some of the chapters are social media posts and comments, and there are also texts. This is a Young Adult Novel in length.
What I really think: The hotel setting of this reminded me a bit of Stine's You May Now Kill the Bride. This would be a great choice for a high school library, and would be okay for a middle school one where Patterson's Confessions of a Murder Suspect is popular, but I'm afraid that my students would struggle with the flashbacks. I'm debating purchase. I really loved Barnes' The Inheritance Games, but it's been hard to get students to read it.
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