snappy, intriguing thriller revolving around amnesia, repressed memories, podcasts, a suspected murderer protag, and with a generous romance/erotic sideplot. thanks for the arc

Thank you to NetGalley, Amy Tintera and Celadon Books for an arc of Listen for the Lie in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis Quoted: "After Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer. Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart, and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all, and if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life.

But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast "Listen for the Lie," and its too-good looking host Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one that did it.

The truth is out there, if we just listen."

This was a HIGHLY anticipated 2024 title for me, so I was thrilled to have been approved for the audiobook!

I rate this book at 4 Stars, overall. In a nutshell, it held my attention and was quickly paced and overall a solid read for the genre. With that said, I didn't feel like it was anything new or original. I would definitely recommend to my audience, but truthfully speaking, this story didn't stick out as something I'm going to remember next week. It was good in the moment but did not leave any lasting memory with me.

I am mad at myself because I almost always figure out the whodunit ahead of time, but didn't with this one. But, I absolutely should have. If I'd put more effort into it, I know I would have, but this was just an easy listen that didn't require too much thought.

I like the characters well enough, but Savvy's voice on the audio was CREEPY & weird! LOL

I do plan to promote this title with a more in depth review, focusing on the good parts.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by January LaVoy and Will Damron, both of whom do an exceptional job!

This is my first read by this author and it will not be my last! I looked for every opportunity to continue listening to this one! I love authors that have the ability to completely pull you into the story that time and responsibilities become irrelevant!

Lucy was found wandering in the woods with no memory of how she got there...and was covered in her best friend's blood. The whole town thinks Lucy killed Savannah and yet she was never charged. Fast forward 5 years where Lucy is scraping by in LA. Returning home for her grandmother's birthday, Lucy finds out that the podcaster hot on her trail also has come to her hometown to set up shop and interview everyone about the night Lucy cannot remember.

Told in alternating time lines with multiple plots and well developed characters, this is a consuming and suspenseful read!

5 stars - Highly recommend!!!

I am so thankful to Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio, Netgalley, and Amy Tintera for granting me advanced audio access to this twisty, who-dunnit before publication day, March 5, 2024.

The entire world thinks Lucy has murdered her high school friend, Savannah, or Savvy for short, and to be quite brutally honest, Lucy has no idea if she did it or not, for she suffers from short-term amnesia after a head injury the night of the murder. To make matters worse, this entire case is being reopened by a smug podcaster, Ben of the Listen for the Lie podcast as he tries to get to the bottom of this small town’s most infamous case.

Some not so savory characters are re-introduced into Lucy’s life, including ex-husbands, boyfriends, friends, and nosy neighbors that just can’t take a hint. To settle scores, Lucy teams up with Ben and things get a bit steamy for some unsolved detective play, but the interaction helps Lucy recall suppressed memories of that night’s events that help solve the mystery once and for all.

I will say, the ending was a bit predictable, but it was a fun read nonetheless.

2024 is killing it with its dark, quirky thriller game!

I devoured Listen for the Lie in two sittings; it was such a clever, voicey, darkly-humored story, and was so hard to put down. The external plot wound so perfectly with Lucy's inner struggle, and I loved how it subverted so many things about thrillers in the podcast vein. This type of quirky, snarky voice is exactly what I want out of my thrillers.

Highly recommend!

Twist turny story about a woman who can not remember what happened the night of the death of her best friend. As a podcaster decides to dig into the case again, Lucy makes her way back home to clear her name and try to remember that night.

I listened to the audiobook of this which I really liked. The voices were great and it was easy to know what was going on. This had a good twist but also felt predictable at times.

Wow, this was such a fun, twisty thriller. I loved the podcast episodes interspersed throughout. I flew through this and it had me guessing until the very end. Cannot wait to read more from this author.

I read a physical copy of this in December 2023 via Goodreads giveaway. Already posted to Goodreads!

Lucy murdered her best friend, Savvy. At least that's what her small town believes. When a Podcaster, Ben, comes along searching for the truth, Lucy will have to finally confront the past. Five years ago on the night of Savvy's murder, Lucy got a head injury that wiped her memory of the events surrounding the murder. Lucy's life choices will all be displayed for the world to listen to with this podcast. Slowly she has to unravel the lies from the truth and figure out who surrounding her has any faith she didn't kill Savvy. If she did kill Savvy, at least she'll finally know.

A whole cast of morally corrupt characters lead you on a wild goose chase to solve this murder. Every single person seems to have something to hide. The pacing of this book starts off strong and holds your attention until the very end. As a debut into the adult thriller genre, I say well done. Thank you Netgalley and Celadon for the advanced copy of this book.

I absolutely loved this audio. I'm becoming a fan of audios/books that have mini "podcasts" as part of the narrative. I loved how sarcastic and glib Lucy is, because what else can you do when no one believes you lol. Excellent because I had no idea whodunnit as they say. Excellent thriller for the beginning of the year!

Whew what a ride! I could've finished this in a single sitting. Filled with twists, humor, and mystery- if you love a thriller this is for you! Such a quick read but the writing was great and kept me on the edge of my seat.

This story is told in first person by Lucy who has been living in LA since leaving her small Texas town where everyone believes she murdered her best friend. It’s her grandmother’s 80th birthday and she has asked her to come home for a week. Her grandmother is a hoot!

I was slow to warm up to this one, initially frustrated with the crazy inner voices in Lucy’s head and with her unsupportive parents. Plumpton was your typical small town community full of nosy busybodies, helpful but judgmental neighbors and tons of gossip about who’s sleeping with who. Some of the Texas references I found odd, but I guess even locals have different experiences. It also didn’t ring quite true for me that a small Texas town would brand the odd girl as the murdering villain who killed the local sweetheart when I found out that Lucy’s family went back generations as locals and Savvy’s family were relatively recent transplants from the city.

I ended up loving Lucy’s macabre sense of humor. The amnesia trope is put to good use here. Did she do it or not? Even she doesn’t know. Or does she? At least that’s what the locals think. I enjoyed Ben the podcaster, but he still feels a little enigmatic for me. I’m not sure I got a feel for his character, but I did enjoy his podcast episodes.

The audiobook was narrated by January LaVoy and Will Damron. He had a great voice for a podcaster and she actually gave me chills as the voice inside Lucy’s head. I switched between the audio and ebook when I couldn’t put it down and wanted to know what happened next.

While I was frustrated at times with the characters and their attitudes, I really enjoyed the story and once I figured out the meaning behind the voices in Lucy’s head, I couldn’t put the last half of the book down. The more I think about it, the more I liked it and I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t quite have it all figured out by the end.

Thank you to Netgalley, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.

*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for and advanced copy" *Thank you #librofm for an advanced listening copy*

'Listen For the Lie' by Amy Tintera is an absolute triumph that effortlessly weaves together suspense, intrigue, humor in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. This masterfully crafted novel, penned by an author whose storytelling prowess is nothing short of extraordinary, is a true tour de force in the realm of psychological thrillers. I loved the interwoven podcast.

From the very first page, the narrative unfolds with an expertly paced rhythm, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems. The characters are richly developed, each with their own layers and complexities that add depth to the overall narrative. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and relatable, making it easy for readers to invest emotionally in the unfolding drama.

What sets 'Listen For the Lie' apart is its ability to keep readers guessing at every turn. The intricate plot is laced with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that even the most seasoned thriller enthusiasts will find themselves astounded by the cleverly executed surprises. The author's skillful manipulation of suspense and tension creates an atmosphere that is as immersive as it is chilling, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Furthermore, the prose itself is a work of art. The author's command of language is evident in the vivid descriptions and evocative imagery that bring the story to life. The dialogue is sharp, authentic, and serves to deepen the connections between the characters, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.

'Listen For the Lie' is not just a page-turner; it's a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche. The psychological elements of the story are handled with a deft touch, delving into the complexities of deception, trust, and the thin line between reality and perception. This novel transcends the genre, offering readers a deeply satisfying intellectual and emotional experience.

In conclusion, 'Listen For the Lie' is a five-star gem that deserves a prominent place on the bookshelves of anyone who appreciates a gripping, intelligently crafted thriller. With its mesmerizing plot, well-drawn characters, and expertly executed twists, this book is a standout in the world of psychological fiction. Prepare to be captivated, surprised, and thoroughly impressed by this literary tour de force.

I loved the interwoven podcast.

An enthralling who-done-it with contemporary podcasting as a foil.

Lucy can't remember - her best friend was murdered following a wedding and while much of the evidence seems to point to her, she just can't recall. Declared guilty by her town, she makes a new life in LA. But when a true crime podcaster picks up the case and her grandmother insists she return for a special party, she has no choice but to face all of the people who doubt her. The big problem is that she still doubts herself. So much so that, she actually sees and hears Savvy in her mind - unfortunately it is usually advice on who to kill and how.

What a ride!
Fun, ironic, dark humor with podcast interviews thrown in, this is a thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you are true crime podcast buff, love a thrilling mystery, or just like your protagonists to be a little bit....off, this is a book for you!
#HenryholtPress #ListenfortheLie #AmyTintera

A fast moving mystery that pulls you in immediately with it's wit and memorable characters. A smug podcaster and a could be murderer connect in a small Texas town to solve the murder of her best friend. Did she do it and repress the memory as everyone but her grandmother suspects? The author builds up the clues through podcast interviews and there is a satisfying Aha moment when it all comes together.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

"Listen for the Lie" by Amy Tintera is a true crime enthusiast's dream novel, blending juicy small-town gossip with the gripping suspense of a cold case. This book isn’t just a story; it’s a puzzle waiting to be solved, with a narrative as tantalizing as the Texas heat.

At the heart of this thrilling ride is Lucy, once a golden girl of her small Texas town, now a prime suspect in her best friend Savvy's murder. The twist? Lucy can't remember a thing from that fateful night, and Tintera does an incredible job of painting her confusion and desperation. The character of Lucy is skillfully crafted, making you empathize with her plight while also questioning her innocence.

Enter the charming and too-good-looking podcast host, Ben Owens, from "Listen for the Lie." His decision to investigate Savvy’s murder for his show's second season is the catalyst that drags Lucy back to her past, a past she has tried so hard to leave behind. Tintera masterfully uses the true crime podcast element, a nod to our modern-day obsession, adding a layer of contemporary flair to the story.

The small Texas town, with its secrets and rumors, almost feels like a character itself. Tintera's vivid descriptions of the town and its inhabitants create an atmosphere that’s both familiar and unsettling. As Lucy delves deeper into the mystery of that night, the book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and suspicions. Every chapter peels back another layer of the mystery, making you second-guess your theories with each new revelation.

"Listen for the Lie" stands out for its ability to weave a complex web of lies, secrets, and truths. It’s not just about finding out who killed Savvy; it’s about the journey to uncover the truth in a world where rumors can be just as damning as facts. Tintera's writing is sharp, engaging, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for fans of true crime and psychological thrillers. Amy Tintera has crafted a novel that is as addictive as your favorite podcast, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. So, grab a glass of sweet tea, find a cozy spot, and get ready to dive into a world where the truth is just a podcast episode away. And remember, in the world of "Listen for the Lie," nothing is as it seems!

My last full-length novel of 2023, and I'm so happy that it was a good one! Listen for the Lie is a murder mystery and soap opera rolled up into one, and I am totally all about it. I loved the snark and the humor, and I am always a sucker for anything that involves a podcast. It wasn't a perfect read, but it was definitely my kind of read.

With that said, don't go into this expecting particularly likeable characters. With the exception of Grandma Beverly (who is the type of grandma that I aspire to be someday), they're all kind of jerks. There's cheating and and abuse and dirty secrets and lots of people just being crappy friends or family members in general. And the main character Lucy is a hot mess of epic proportions – I mean, I dated some really questionable dudes back in the day (hindsight is 20/20 and all of that), but she really takes the cake. Like, at the very least, perhaps stop making out with your abusive ex-husband?? Sheesh.

Also, this book is decidedly not for the prudish. There are characters having sex all over the place, and mostly with people that they really shouldn't be having sex with. To say that there's a Grey's Anatomy-level of sleeping around would be an understatement. Grandmas, moms, podcasters, they're all gettin' busy in this one. And, of course, there's some romance … it totally wasn't necessary romance (a common complaint for me – why does there always have to be romance?), but it's there if you like that sort of thing.

The mystery itself was decent and pretty suspenseful overall. I had a couple of suspects in mind as Savvy's murderer, and one of them ended up being right. I can't give too many details without spoiling things, but let's just say that I felt like this person had to vilified in order to make another part of the plot come together. I really enjoyed the podcast transcript method of relaying the details of the mystery, even though some of the interviewees aren't exactly the most reliable narrators. Expect lots of red herrings.

My biggest complaint about this novel? The voice in Lucy's head was really, really annoying. I totally could have done without it and I don't feel as if it added much to the story. I get why it was there, but … no. I was so irritated every time the voice interrupted an important scene or conversation.

Overall, though, Listen for the Lie is a tremendously fun and snarky read (killer disembodied voices aside). If you like your murder mysteries with a bit of humor and a whole lot of drama, there's a good chance that you'll enjoy this one. 4.35 stars, rounded down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

Lucy is a suspected murderer of her best friend. Due to lack of enough evidence to convict, she is free from prison but has amnesia from that night and doesn't know if she killed her best friend Savvy. Five years later Lucy returns to her hometown where everyone believes her to be a killer, and agrees to help a podcaster try to get to the bottom of what happened the night Savvy was killed. So many people had things to hide from that night, so you have to wait until you hear the lies unraveling to get a clearer picture.

I loved this book!!! It was so hard to put down, it's been a while since I wanted to devour a book in one sitting. The story started strong and was consistently so until it ended. I hope this will be a series (please please please) the writing was smooth, the dialogue just the right amount of funny and snarky, the characters all flawed, enough scandals to keep me hooked, etc. It had all the things!! I want more Ben and his podcast!!

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was truly my pleasure.

Listen for the Lie is a well-developed story with truly interesting characters. There’s a lot to love about this novel. It twists and turns in all the right places. I was drawn to Lucy. She is engaging. The relationships are really what moves this storyline along. I was invested from beginning to end. The truth really is out there. January LaVoy is a fabulous narrator.

Thank you NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Amy Tintera for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I *loved* this book! I honestly think the podcast element in thrillers is kind of played out but the way this one was incorporated totally worked for me.

Every time I thought I had something figured out I was totally thrown for a loop, and I found the ending very satisfying.

I hope Tintera continues to publish adult novels because I will gladly continue reading them!

Listen For the Lie will be on US bookshelves March 5!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I read and listened to this one. I liked the format. You get past and present views and also clips from the podcast. It's a slow build up and I didn't see the twist coming. Very good read!