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If You Tell a Lie
Bestselling author Lucinda Berry serves up a haunting thriller about four friends sworn to secrecy over the events of one fateful summer—and the dark truths that threaten to erupt years later.
They never considered how his wife might react, or that by the end of the summer a man would be dead. But Blakely always got her way, and the others followed her lead—even when they knew it was dead wrong.
The girls had been friends from day one at Camp Pendleton, a haven for gifted children. But their senior summer was different. When Mr. Crosby, the handsome tennis coach, wound up murdered after a reckless lie, Blakely, Grace, Meg, and Thera swore themselves to secrecy. And never spoke to each other again.
Until now. Twenty years later a sinister note claiming to know what they did brings them back together. And once again Blakely is pulling the strings.
Unfolding in a dual timeline, If You Tell a Lie is a disturbing journey into the dangerous, sometimes deadly consequences of peer pressure—with a bone-chilling twist you’ll never see coming.
They never considered how his wife might react, or that by the end of the summer a man would be dead. But Blakely always got her way, and the others followed her lead—even when they knew it was dead wrong.
The girls had been friends from day one at Camp Pendleton, a haven for gifted children. But their senior summer was different. When Mr. Crosby, the handsome tennis coach, wound up murdered after a reckless lie, Blakely, Grace, Meg, and Thera swore themselves to secrecy. And never spoke to each other again.
Until now. Twenty years later a sinister note claiming to know what they did brings them back together. And once again Blakely is pulling the strings.
Unfolding in a dual timeline, If You Tell a Lie is a disturbing journey into the dangerous, sometimes deadly consequences of peer pressure—with a bone-chilling twist you’ll never see coming.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
6813 people are currently reading
56592 people want to read
About the author
Lucinda Berry
29 books20.2k followersUSA Today bestselling author Lucinda Berry is a former psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma. She’s written multiple bestsellers reaching millions of readers worldwide. Some of her bestselling works include The Perfect Child, Saving Noah, When She Returned, The Best of Friends, and Keep Your Friends Close. Her books have been optioned for film and translated into several languages.
If Berry isn’t chasing after her son, you can find her running through Los Angeles, prepping for her next marathon. To hear about her upcoming releases and other author news, visit her on social media (@lucindaberryauthor) or sign up for her newsletter at https://lucindaberry.com.
If Berry isn’t chasing after her son, you can find her running through Los Angeles, prepping for her next marathon. To hear about her upcoming releases and other author news, visit her on social media (@lucindaberryauthor) or sign up for her newsletter at https://lucindaberry.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,249 reviews
March 22, 2024
Ugh! This was looking like a potential 3.5-4 star read up until the (very abrupt) ending that made it plummet. On balance, I'll go with a generous 2.
Please read this review with fair warning that while I don't mention any plot twist spoilers, I will comment on the effect of the ending.
I'll be clear from the outset: if you're thinking about reading this, it is nonsensical. What happens and the 'twists' are beyond ridiculous IMO (major suspend disbelief needed), particularly noting my major gripe that the characters' motivations and decisions were just not featured anywhere and where I was hoping it would be explained, at least in part, toward the end, it wasn't. It just ended. But until the end, it was some kind of escapism chaos I enjoyed.
If You Tell A Lie is about four friends at a summer camp for privileged, intelligent students. One of their counsellors is murdered. They are sworn to secrecy about what happened and seemed to leave it in the past, until decades later they receive a note. This is told in dual POV and dual timelines of then (school camp) and now.
As for dual POV, lucky the kindle shows which character's chapter it is on each page, as the character development to make each unique and memorable wasn't there, constantly had to check whose POV it was. Not ideal.
It explores difficult concepts, such as grooming and seems to attempt to explain a minor's thought processes to an extent, which whilst reading I thought was done ok, however, I can't comment for survivors so I won't say more and stand to be corrected. It does use a trope that I'm not sure will fly with many readers and isn't great to build a story around.
Now, what was originally going to reduce my rating (in addition to the above) was the (frankly) dumb decisions that got people to where they were, without the author explaining intentions driving such decisions. I thought maybe in the end it'll all make sense. It doesn't.
As for the ending, it was just not OK. So many things were not addressed - including, importantly, multiple character's motivations and intentions. If there was some aspect delving into that, it wouldn't have been as bad. But there was nothing. We also just know nothing about how the story ended for at least 3 characters. I was keen to find out the how and the why, but nothing. Literally may as well not have read the mess as it goes no where. It ruined any enjoyment for what would have otherwise been a book I recommended to some for some escapism, despite how fanciful it is. The only saving grace may be is if it's intended there be a sequel?
I would love to hear from others about this author's novels. Is this a common theme (abrupt endings)? If so, I know her books aren't for me. Otherwise, I'd be inclined to try her again.
⚠️ Please check TWs and CWs online, of note are grooming, SA, and detail about harm to a dog ⚠️
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Please read this review with fair warning that while I don't mention any plot twist spoilers, I will comment on the effect of the ending.
I'll be clear from the outset: if you're thinking about reading this, it is nonsensical. What happens and the 'twists' are beyond ridiculous IMO (major suspend disbelief needed), particularly noting my major gripe that the characters' motivations and decisions were just not featured anywhere and where I was hoping it would be explained, at least in part, toward the end, it wasn't. It just ended. But until the end, it was some kind of escapism chaos I enjoyed.
If You Tell A Lie is about four friends at a summer camp for privileged, intelligent students. One of their counsellors is murdered. They are sworn to secrecy about what happened and seemed to leave it in the past, until decades later they receive a note. This is told in dual POV and dual timelines of then (school camp) and now.
As for dual POV, lucky the kindle shows which character's chapter it is on each page, as the character development to make each unique and memorable wasn't there, constantly had to check whose POV it was. Not ideal.
It explores difficult concepts, such as grooming and seems to attempt to explain a minor's thought processes to an extent, which whilst reading I thought was done ok, however, I can't comment for survivors so I won't say more and stand to be corrected. It does use a trope that I'm not sure will fly with many readers and isn't great to build a story around.
Now, what was originally going to reduce my rating (in addition to the above) was the (frankly) dumb decisions that got people to where they were, without the author explaining intentions driving such decisions. I thought maybe in the end it'll all make sense. It doesn't.
As for the ending, it was just not OK. So many things were not addressed - including, importantly, multiple character's motivations and intentions. If there was some aspect delving into that, it wouldn't have been as bad. But there was nothing. We also just know nothing about how the story ended for at least 3 characters. I was keen to find out the how and the why, but nothing. Literally may as well not have read the mess as it goes no where. It ruined any enjoyment for what would have otherwise been a book I recommended to some for some escapism, despite how fanciful it is. The only saving grace may be is if it's intended there be a sequel?
I would love to hear from others about this author's novels. Is this a common theme (abrupt endings)? If so, I know her books aren't for me. Otherwise, I'd be inclined to try her again.
⚠️ Please check TWs and CWs online, of note are grooming, SA, and detail about harm to a dog ⚠️
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2024
Hold onto your hats, because this book is a wild ride! Imagine a whirlwind of teenage drama from the past mixed with a mysterious present. The story flips between two timelines, and trust me, it works like a charm.
But here's the thing – there's a LOT of chatter. It's like being in a room full of teenagers all talking at once. You might need a moment to figure out who's who and how they all fit together.
Despite the chatter, it's an enjoyable read. The ending? Oh boy, it knocked my socks off! Totally unexpected and in the best way possible. So, if you're up for a head-spinning adventure, give this book a go!
But here's the thing – there's a LOT of chatter. It's like being in a room full of teenagers all talking at once. You might need a moment to figure out who's who and how they all fit together.
Despite the chatter, it's an enjoyable read. The ending? Oh boy, it knocked my socks off! Totally unexpected and in the best way possible. So, if you're up for a head-spinning adventure, give this book a go!
September 21, 2024
My least favorite berry book.
July 7, 2024
What a wild ride!
I would say of all the Lucinda Berry books I’ve read, this one does lean more “thrillery” than the rest. But just like every single books I’ve read of hers, I finished this one with more questions unanswered but I’m coming to terms with that just being Lucinda’s writing style.
However, I am a “wrap up my story with all the answers and put a pretty pink bow on it” type of reader so it was a four star read for me.
BUT! This book kept me captivated all the way through, I love Lucinda’s writing and the way she reveals parts of the story. It’s fun, intriguing, and hard to put down!
I would say of all the Lucinda Berry books I’ve read, this one does lean more “thrillery” than the rest. But just like every single books I’ve read of hers, I finished this one with more questions unanswered but I’m coming to terms with that just being Lucinda’s writing style.
However, I am a “wrap up my story with all the answers and put a pretty pink bow on it” type of reader so it was a four star read for me.
BUT! This book kept me captivated all the way through, I love Lucinda’s writing and the way she reveals parts of the story. It’s fun, intriguing, and hard to put down!
June 21, 2024
IM GOING TO HAVE TRUST ISSUES 😭
Didn't see that ending, and the way the story kept unfolding had me flipping the pages fast! I also loved the short chapters because it makes me feel like I'm reading faster 😈
I always grab a book by this author if I want an easier read thriller that I can easily binge and not predict the ending!
Didn't see that ending, and the way the story kept unfolding had me flipping the pages fast! I also loved the short chapters because it makes me feel like I'm reading faster 😈
I always grab a book by this author if I want an easier read thriller that I can easily binge and not predict the ending!
December 18, 2024
the setup…
Almost thirty years ago Blakely Garner, Thera Grey, Grace Howard, and Meg Watson were the best of friends during their summers at Camp Pendleton, a sanctuary for gifted children. They formed a bond when they first arrived at age eight and it’s their senior and last year. But this time something is different. Blakely, the group’s ringleader, perpetrated a lie that left a man dead and his family destroyed…and all of them went along with it. They returned home and never spoke with each other again, until now, twenty-six years later. All received a sinister note that has them assembling at Blakely’s home with her again asking for their help.
the heart of the story…
I enjoy dual timelines and this one is extraordinary as it not only makes those transitions between “then and now” but to the four points of view of the members of the group. All have distinctive personalities and backstories with Blakely being the most overt but also the most opaque. The details of what happened are revealed very slowly and I have to admit that approach kept me restless but hooked. By the time I got the complete picture, I’d also formed a strong opinion about what may come next.
the narration…
Thank goodness for the multiple narrators as with all those time and character transitions, it could get confusing, though two of them sounded similar. But all gave strong performances and were excellent storytellers. They were seamless in delivery.
the bottom line…
It’s an excellent illustration of group dynamics combined with peer pressure where, on their own, the girls would probably have made different choices. The group as adults had a very different dynamic and I was fascinated by the changes. Many readers were turned off by the ending but by the time I got there, I couldn’t see it being anything else. Saw it coming and it fit. Even if it’s not tied into a neat bow by the author, it was in my imagination. Explore for yourself.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Almost thirty years ago Blakely Garner, Thera Grey, Grace Howard, and Meg Watson were the best of friends during their summers at Camp Pendleton, a sanctuary for gifted children. They formed a bond when they first arrived at age eight and it’s their senior and last year. But this time something is different. Blakely, the group’s ringleader, perpetrated a lie that left a man dead and his family destroyed…and all of them went along with it. They returned home and never spoke with each other again, until now, twenty-six years later. All received a sinister note that has them assembling at Blakely’s home with her again asking for their help.
the heart of the story…
I enjoy dual timelines and this one is extraordinary as it not only makes those transitions between “then and now” but to the four points of view of the members of the group. All have distinctive personalities and backstories with Blakely being the most overt but also the most opaque. The details of what happened are revealed very slowly and I have to admit that approach kept me restless but hooked. By the time I got the complete picture, I’d also formed a strong opinion about what may come next.
the narration…
Thank goodness for the multiple narrators as with all those time and character transitions, it could get confusing, though two of them sounded similar. But all gave strong performances and were excellent storytellers. They were seamless in delivery.
the bottom line…
It’s an excellent illustration of group dynamics combined with peer pressure where, on their own, the girls would probably have made different choices. The group as adults had a very different dynamic and I was fascinated by the changes. Many readers were turned off by the ending but by the time I got there, I couldn’t see it being anything else. Saw it coming and it fit. Even if it’s not tied into a neat bow by the author, it was in my imagination. Explore for yourself.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
July 21, 2024
This one had a lot of potential for me in the beginning, I was fairly invested in finding out exactly what had happened in the long ago summer but unfortunately the end ruined it for me. The author always does a really good job at exploring the psychological side of things in her books, (I’ve read most of them) and her background gives her an edge into the way people behave that always fascinates me. So there was still that strength here and she explores grooming, the effects of peer pressure and many more dark issues here with a keen insight. Where she lost me was the constant need to suspense disbelief and then the ending felt rushed and abrupt with so many questions left hanging. Having so many unresolved issues kept me from rating this higher but I’m sure I’ll read the author again in the future because many of her books have been great for me.
June 13, 2024
Life got in the way but I FINALLY finished and O.M.G!!
Lucinda, Lucinda, Lucinda, you got me again!!
I had 8! 8 different theories, and guess what!? None of them were correct! And I’m pretty decent when it comes to figuring out the twist. I was NOT expecting this ending! Probably the best one she’s written yet!
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy of If You Tell a Lie.
Bestselling author Lucinda Berry serves up a haunting thriller about four friends sworn to secrecy over the events of one fateful summer―and the dark truths that threaten to erupt years later.
They never considered how his wife might react, or that by the end of the summer a man would be dead. But Blakely always got her way, and the others followed her lead―even when they knew it was dead wrong.
The girls had been friends from day one at Camp Pendleton, a haven for gifted children. But their senior summer was different. When Mr. Crosby, the handsome tennis coach, wound up murdered after a reckless lie, Blakely, Grace, Meg, and Thera swore themselves to secrecy. And never spoke to each other again.
Until now. Twenty years later a sinister note claiming to know what they did brings them back together. And once again Blakely is pulling the strings.
Unfolding in a dual timeline, If You Tell a Lie is a disturbing journey into the dangerous, sometimes deadly consequences of peer pressure―with a bone-chilling twist you’ll never see coming
Lucinda, Lucinda, Lucinda, you got me again!!
I had 8! 8 different theories, and guess what!? None of them were correct! And I’m pretty decent when it comes to figuring out the twist. I was NOT expecting this ending! Probably the best one she’s written yet!
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy of If You Tell a Lie.
Bestselling author Lucinda Berry serves up a haunting thriller about four friends sworn to secrecy over the events of one fateful summer―and the dark truths that threaten to erupt years later.
They never considered how his wife might react, or that by the end of the summer a man would be dead. But Blakely always got her way, and the others followed her lead―even when they knew it was dead wrong.
The girls had been friends from day one at Camp Pendleton, a haven for gifted children. But their senior summer was different. When Mr. Crosby, the handsome tennis coach, wound up murdered after a reckless lie, Blakely, Grace, Meg, and Thera swore themselves to secrecy. And never spoke to each other again.
Until now. Twenty years later a sinister note claiming to know what they did brings them back together. And once again Blakely is pulling the strings.
Unfolding in a dual timeline, If You Tell a Lie is a disturbing journey into the dangerous, sometimes deadly consequences of peer pressure―with a bone-chilling twist you’ll never see coming
August 10, 2024
Just like all of Lucinda Berry’s books, this one was quick and kept my interest the entire time. It did read more YA than a lot of her other books since it is mostly told in teenagers POVs. I also didn’t find it as dark as some of her other books. I was left with some questions but that’s not abnormal with Lucinda’s books. I did not guess the ending, but my prediction wasn’t too far off. Overall, I enjoyed my time with this one!
April 9, 2025
4.5 stars. Maybe five. I loved it!
It was messy, dramatic, full of lies and betrayal. I ate it up like an all you can eat buffet. I just love me some Lucinda Berry!
It was messy, dramatic, full of lies and betrayal. I ate it up like an all you can eat buffet. I just love me some Lucinda Berry!
January 26, 2025
“Do you know how much work it takes to pretend like you’re fine every day? To be the sunshine when you’re really the darkness?”
August 3, 2024
3.5⭐️ One fateful Summer, a group of camp friends set a plan in motion that ends in tragedy. When they begin receiving mysterious notes twenty years later, they reunite in order to figure out who is pulling the strings and how much they know.
I have become quite the Lucinda Berry fan of late. While this one was not my favorite, primarily because of how over the top it felt at times, I still found it to be fun and easy to binge. And given the camp setting (in flashbacks), a perfect thriller to add to your beach bag.
🎧 With not one, but five narrators, including the incomparable Jane Oppenheimer, this full cast audiobook did NOT disappoint.
Thank you Amazon Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the gifted copies.
I have become quite the Lucinda Berry fan of late. While this one was not my favorite, primarily because of how over the top it felt at times, I still found it to be fun and easy to binge. And given the camp setting (in flashbacks), a perfect thriller to add to your beach bag.
🎧 With not one, but five narrators, including the incomparable Jane Oppenheimer, this full cast audiobook did NOT disappoint.
Thank you Amazon Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the gifted copies.
March 5, 2025
3.75
The first 50% of this wasn’t my cup of tea but the last 50% was totally worth it
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2QJfSmM/
The first 50% of this wasn’t my cup of tea but the last 50% was totally worth it
Thoughts: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2QJfSmM/
February 25, 2024
Lucinda Berry is one of my absolute favorites so I was really excited to see that she has a new book out. I grabbed this one without even reading the synopsis. I’ve loved everything she’s written. I’m sad to say that this was hard for me to finish. I had a hard time keeping the four main characters straight as it’s told in both the past and the present. I was able to spot the twist a mile away, and I was bored.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2024
Snowball effect…Social contagion, Lies begat Lies, Teenage girls. This story had me hooked by the Author herself, I’ve heard such great reviews on social about her books. Her latest release and the synopsis intrigued me. This is my first read of hers and won’t be my last. It starts with relatable characters attending summer camp and takes you on a wild,unhinged journey of just how far will you go for a friend. I loved how it transitions from chapter to chapter from their teens year at camp to adulthood. Multiple POV, It definitely had me on the edge of my seat. TW are present if you have any. Definitely a good read.
July 30, 2024
Ok, let me start by saying I usually really enjoy Lucinda Berry's books...but...not this one.
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 3/5
Ending:: 2/5
I was disappointed in this one for a few reasons and I'll have you know this breaks my heart to write. I really don't like giving negative reviews b/c I know how hard authors work to produce a book...but I gotta speak my truth.
- There was just words and words and words and carrying on that felt really boring at times. This book could have been a novela.
- It felt extremely repetitive. I felt that several chapters ended the exact same which left me feeling very underwhelmed. If we heard it once, let's stop there.
- The multi POV coupled with the NOW and THEN timeline changes felt very choppy. I did however like the writing from Regina's POV. It flowed well and got to the point with minimal fluff.
- What's slower than a slow burn? b/c it was that...but then...it never really heated up
- Was the plot twist or thrill in the room with us?
- If there's a sequel coming to let us know about her dad, I simply will never know what happened to him because I won't be reading it
Ok, I'll stop here. If you loved this book I really love that for you! (genuinely). It's just an immediately no for me.
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Plot: 2/5
Characters: 3/5
Ending:: 2/5
I was disappointed in this one for a few reasons and I'll have you know this breaks my heart to write. I really don't like giving negative reviews b/c I know how hard authors work to produce a book...but I gotta speak my truth.
- There was just words and words and words and carrying on that felt really boring at times. This book could have been a novela.
- It felt extremely repetitive. I felt that several chapters ended the exact same which left me feeling very underwhelmed. If we heard it once, let's stop there.
- The multi POV coupled with the NOW and THEN timeline changes felt very choppy. I did however like the writing from Regina's POV. It flowed well and got to the point with minimal fluff.
- What's slower than a slow burn? b/c it was that...but then...it never really heated up
- Was the plot twist or thrill in the room with us?
- If there's a sequel coming to let us know about her dad, I simply will never know what happened to him because I won't be reading it
Ok, I'll stop here. If you loved this book I really love that for you! (genuinely). It's just an immediately no for me.
July 25, 2024
If I could rate this 0 stars I would because wtf was that?
July 6, 2024
I’m clearly in the minority with my opinion because this book has many 4/5 star ratings but it just unfortunately wasn’t for me.
If You Tell A Lie follows Blakely, Meg, Thera and Grace at summer camp. When they all conspire to tell a lie, things spiral out of control drastically.
I liked the summer camp setting of the book and I always love reading multiple POVs. The chapters were short and easy to fly through.
Unfortunately the book read very YA for me. The book alternates back and forth between the past at summer camp and the present, 20+ years later. Even the present dialogues felt immature to me though. The actions the characters took, their personalities - I just couldn’t stand any of them.
I don’t mind suspending disbelief for books but this one was just a little too much to the point I was rolling my eyes so much, it was starting to hurt. 😂 The twist felt silly and ridiculous and the abrupt ending left so much up in the air.
I personally didn’t enjoy it, but many have so it just wasn’t for me.
Thank to to NetGalley for this ARC!
If You Tell A Lie follows Blakely, Meg, Thera and Grace at summer camp. When they all conspire to tell a lie, things spiral out of control drastically.
I liked the summer camp setting of the book and I always love reading multiple POVs. The chapters were short and easy to fly through.
Unfortunately the book read very YA for me. The book alternates back and forth between the past at summer camp and the present, 20+ years later. Even the present dialogues felt immature to me though. The actions the characters took, their personalities - I just couldn’t stand any of them.
I don’t mind suspending disbelief for books but this one was just a little too much to the point I was rolling my eyes so much, it was starting to hurt. 😂 The twist felt silly and ridiculous and the abrupt ending left so much up in the air.
I personally didn’t enjoy it, but many have so it just wasn’t for me.
Thank to to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 27, 2024
Sometimes I just have a feeling about a character, something I can’t quite put my finger on. That was the case here, and I was right! Hot dang! 😆 However, Ms. Berry still got me with a few twists that I never saw coming. She’s sneakily good!
Teenage girls are enigmas. At a six week long summer camp where everyone is an outcast the rest of the year, what would you do to finally fit in? Even if you and others knew it was wrong? You might let yourself get carried away…
This isn’t an easy read. There’s some heavy stuff in here. Sexual abuse, loss, graphic depictions of eating disorders, etc. The story isn’t sexually explicit, but it isn’t entirely clean, either. I would want to know that before reading, so that’s why I mention it.
I received an eARC from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer (thank you!) in exchange for my honest feedback.
Teenage girls are enigmas. At a six week long summer camp where everyone is an outcast the rest of the year, what would you do to finally fit in? Even if you and others knew it was wrong? You might let yourself get carried away…
This isn’t an easy read. There’s some heavy stuff in here. Sexual abuse, loss, graphic depictions of eating disorders, etc. The story isn’t sexually explicit, but it isn’t entirely clean, either. I would want to know that before reading, so that’s why I mention it.
I received an eARC from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer (thank you!) in exchange for my honest feedback.
August 29, 2024
Worst book by this author yet. I truly hate to say that, because I really like so many of her other works. This book is nonsensical. The individual point-of-views aren't individual enough. I constantly would flip back to see the who's POV it was again.
The motivation for the characters was also nonsensical. It started believable, but it went too far, especially when they were adults making the same idiotic decisions.
Also, the end is fairly predictable. Everyone writing that it was shocking and blew their mind doesn't read mysteries at all. The villain was always the villain and the twist was clear.
Read one of her other books.
The motivation for the characters was also nonsensical. It started believable, but it went too far, especially when they were adults making the same idiotic decisions.
Also, the end is fairly predictable. Everyone writing that it was shocking and blew their mind doesn't read mysteries at all. The villain was always the villain and the twist was clear.
Read one of her other books.
June 11, 2025
Story 3.5 stars**
Audio 4 stars**
Narrators
Bailey Carr
Stephanie Nèmeth Parker
Susanhah Jones
Jane Opphenheimer
Carly Robins
Audio 4 stars**
Narrators
Bailey Carr
Stephanie Nèmeth Parker
Susanhah Jones
Jane Opphenheimer
Carly Robins
August 4, 2024
My first ever thriller/Lucinda Berry book and whew did it have me hooked as I got deeper into the book.
I’ve never hated a character so much … cough cough Blakely 🥴🥴 I even have a 50/50 hatred for Meg as well because like girl speak the f**k up!!
My emotions were everywhere in this book. Regina and Jared did not deserve what happened to them.
Took a star off because 5 pov is crazy🤣
Ok I’m done rambling now
I’ve never hated a character so much … cough cough Blakely 🥴🥴 I even have a 50/50 hatred for Meg as well because like girl speak the f**k up!!
My emotions were everywhere in this book. Regina and Jared did not deserve what happened to them.
Took a star off because 5 pov is crazy🤣
Ok I’m done rambling now
September 20, 2024
❝ I'll never understand that summer. What happened to us. To me. How did I do any of that? ❞ Her face twisted in confusion and pain.
❝ That's not who I am. I'm not that person. ❞
This grew on me. Honestly, almost a flop to me but it got better and better as I flipped the pages. As that person who was raised by the Pretty Little Liars tv show, this book reeled me in. Loved the conflict and the drama between the mcs. Looking forward for more Lucinda Berry books!
July 10, 2024
This was UNHINGED did we expect anything less from @lucindaberryauthor??
I was hooked from page one, I loved the multiple POVs and the Then and Now timelines, and don’t even get me started on the twist. WHAT?! This is a completely bingeable thriller perfect for the summer.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to the publisher for the arc! PUB date: 7/23
I was hooked from page one, I loved the multiple POVs and the Then and Now timelines, and don’t even get me started on the twist. WHAT?! This is a completely bingeable thriller perfect for the summer.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you to the publisher for the arc! PUB date: 7/23
October 7, 2024
The author forgot to finish the story for half the characters lol???
January 29, 2025
Be Careful Who You Trust.
Four “friends” since childhood who show you that you really can’t trust everyone- even when you think you can. Whew. This twisty thriller was quick and hard to put down!! I’m getting into more Lucinda Berry and I think this was a good start for my momentum. I really liked it!
Four “friends” since childhood who show you that you really can’t trust everyone- even when you think you can. Whew. This twisty thriller was quick and hard to put down!! I’m getting into more Lucinda Berry and I think this was a good start for my momentum. I really liked it!
August 18, 2024
If You Tell a Lie follows four besties in then and now timelines. It's the perfect read to squeeze in before the summer is officially over since the past timeline takes place at a summer camp. Don't expect too many crazy twists in this thriller, but do expect a master manipulator villain, and a slew of sheep who follow their charades. The psychology doctors who write thrillers really know how to write unhinged characters and Lucinda Berry is a fine example of that. This is my first book by Doctor Berry and it won't be my last.
🏕Dual Timeline
🏕Secrets and lies
🏕Friends brought back together years later
🏕Murder Mystery
🏕Peer pressure
Thank you Netgalley, Lucinda Berry, and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
If You Tell a Lie is out now!
🏕Dual Timeline
🏕Secrets and lies
🏕Friends brought back together years later
🏕Murder Mystery
🏕Peer pressure
Thank you Netgalley, Lucinda Berry, and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
If You Tell a Lie is out now!
July 24, 2024
This one took me a while to get into, I kept getting confused with each of the characters and the changes between past and present. One of the main characters was so self centred to and annoying! The plot centres around 4 girls and one of the summers they spent together at a camp! One of the camp workers is murdered and years later the girls receive a mysterious note regarding that summer.
Mid way through there is a switch up in the storyline though which I really enjoyed and didn’t see coming, that made me really eager to see how it was all going to end, all in all though this book was just ok for me
I love this author and even though this book wasn’t up there with my favourites of hers I will still buy what ever she writes!
Mid way through there is a switch up in the storyline though which I really enjoyed and didn’t see coming, that made me really eager to see how it was all going to end, all in all though this book was just ok for me
I love this author and even though this book wasn’t up there with my favourites of hers I will still buy what ever she writes!
February 19, 2024
‘Bestselling author Lucinda Berry serves up a haunting thriller about four friends sworn to secrecy over the events of one fateful summer—and the dark truths that threaten to erupt years later.’
Told from alternating perspectives and past and present timelines, If You Tell a Lie was composed of the most miserable and unredeemable characters ever. As teenagers, they were unlikable and stupid, and as adults they were even worse. And then there was the “social contagion” aspect….
Sorry to say, I just had a really difficult time with this one as a whole and I was left with so many questions.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this arc.
Pub date: 7.23.24
Told from alternating perspectives and past and present timelines, If You Tell a Lie was composed of the most miserable and unredeemable characters ever. As teenagers, they were unlikable and stupid, and as adults they were even worse. And then there was the “social contagion” aspect….
Sorry to say, I just had a really difficult time with this one as a whole and I was left with so many questions.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this arc.
Pub date: 7.23.24
August 4, 2024
Lucinda is yet to write a book I haven’t rated lower than a four star. This one again is a great read. I loved the storyline I’m, always partial to a sex offender storyline! I enjoyed the flashback storyline and the present. There were a few little twists in there, and the larger one at the end was pretty good as well. My only mark down was that the flashback did get a little mucky at times and I got confused, but I listened to this on audio and I loved the use of different voices 👌🏽 I hate that I have to wait now for a new story from the author 😂🥲
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