I really enjoyed this one!
Such a unique way to do a thriller, lots of twists and I wasn’t able to predict it!
I love the podcast style, and actually think doing audible is best for this one! It would have made this probably a 5 for me if I had! I just didn’t love reading it podcast style.
This story follows Lucy who was accused of murdering her best friend but can’t remember anything that happened the night of the crime.
Ben runs a crime podcast and starts doing interviews with everyone that night and helps Lucy uncover the truth that no one was able to figure out.

Excellent book!!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

So far, this is one of my favorites for the year! I absolutely LOVED the character of Lucy. Lucy is a mess. She may or may not have murdered her best friend a few years back. The story is told from her POV, and she is hilarious! Her thoughts are all conveyed in one form of sarcastic comment or other. Lucy also has a scene-stealing Grandma who is equally hilarious. But back to the murder. Lucy was found wandering the streets in a bloody gown after attending a wedding with Savvy, her best friend. Then Savvy's bloody body is found, and the entire small town tries and convicts Lucy even though there is not any actual trial and very little police action in the case. Lucy leaves town and is forced to return 5 years later by Grandma. Oh yeah, and there is also Ben, a podcaster who is in town to investigate the cold case. Podcast segments are thrown in which helps fill in the past. Lots of fun, suspense and twists and turn await! The secondary characters are well drawn and there are a lot of suspects and red herrings, and I had no idea how it would end. Run to get this book!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Amy Tintera and Celadon Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

If there is a podcast angle in a book, I'll pick it up and read it regardless of reviews, but the high reviews I've been seeing on this one were spot on. This was such an enjoyable thriller filled with dark humor, sarcasm, and mystery and the hype is totally real. I love a good unreliable, but likeable, narrator and Lucy absolutely fit the bill for that. Matched with the (also likeable imo) podcaster, Ben, the cast of characters were right up my alley and the mystery around who killed Savvy kept me guessing.
Murdered hometown girl + podcaster books can feel tired and basic if not done right, but the author gave the right spins to the storyline that it felt fresh and new.
Highly recommend picking up LISTEN FOR THE LIE if you're looking for an enjoyable, yet twisty, thriller.

Thanks to Celadon Books & NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really loved this! It was a quick and easy read that was seriously enjoyable. There was so much misdirection in the mystery that I kept thinking I had it all figured out, and of course, I didn't.

This was a thriller that also has a lot of dark humor and sarcasm, and I love that in a book. The ending was great, and overall, this was a fantastic thriller!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review — “Listen For the Lie” by Amy Tintera (2024)

Categories — Thriller/Suspense, True Crime, Podcast, Mystery Investigation, Contemporary, US — LA & Texas, First Person POV

Pub Info — @celadonbooks March 5, 2024. Has 4.25 average & 18,500 reviews on Goodreads. This is the author’s first Adult Fiction novel, having written a handful of YA before this one.

Quick Summary — A woman suspected of 💀 her best friend returns to the small town where it all happened. A true crime podcast unravels the mystery and attempts to patch together the fateful night.

More Info, Thoughts, No Spoilers ⤵️

💿 This story follows Lucy. Suspected by most to have 💀 her BFF, she can’t remember anything. Has to go back to her small Texas hometown for aging grandma’s birthday & deal with a popular podcaster who tries to unravel the mystery & a town full of people who think she did it

💿 The story is told in first person through Lucy’s POV, with a page or two between chapters being podcast transcript, so the others involved can tell their side. The pace is medium. The suspense is minimal, until at one point toward the very end when it explodes into action.

💿 I never knew who or what was going to be the big reveal. I was surprised! I liked how the MC came across sketchy & unreliable. The story kept me guessing til the very end.

💿 There are a lot of adult things like cursing, cheating, intimacy, domestic issues, divorce, etc. Themes also include trauma, abuse, secrets, and toxic relationships.

💿 Admittedly, I didn’t really like a single character in this story. Weird decisions were made. Chaos abounded. A little too convenient ending. But along the way, I enjoyed wondering what happened. The MC’s constant intrusive thoughts made me wonder if she was an unreliable narrator. I liked the way the podcast was not overly relied upon. I enjoyed the ride.

💿 There is also a sassy grandmother character who many people have found funny. She really is something 😂

💿 Try this book if you liked Don’t Forget the Girl, Rabbit Hole, Everyone Who Can Forgive Me is Dead. If you like suspense/mysteries that involve true crime podcasts, if you like small town dramas.

This was probably the most aggravating book I've read in like forever. It was interesting but a bit on the dramatic side and repetitive in many places. It's hard for me to say exactly how I feel about this one. It was ok and the thing that saved it for me was the ending. I loved the last two chapters of this book so much. I also still think Lucy was guilty.... Maybe.

The "Let's Kill" drove me nuts. A few times would have been enough to get the picture. But I guess a ghost can overdo anything. Or a figment of one's imagination if you will. Voices in a person's head or a ghost, whichever it was it was a bit much at times. Savvy seemed to live in Lucy's head a lot. In many ways I can understand that. They were best friends after all.

There were parts of this book that drove me to exasperation. How Lucy's ex didn't believe her. How her parents could think the worst of her. How everyone in this town thought she was a killer yet she never went to jail. I just didn't buy that part. From how she was described I think she would have been put away for life. But that made it interesting.

Then we have Ben the podcaster. He's going to solve this murder and see that whoever killed Savvy is found out. He was somewhat likable but he was also to easy. There were things he did that I don't believe he would have really done had he been doing exactly what he said he was doing. (You'll have to read it to know what I mean I think)

I almost liked Ben. I almost liked Lucy. I detested Alex, Lucy's ex-husband. I don't buy that he changed either. I did not like her parents either. No wonder she moved so far away and refused to visit. I loved her grandmother for the most part. Yes she was a nut, but in a good way. She wanted to get to the bottom of things and clear Lucy so she cooperated with Ben in many ways. The way she talked and things she did with her own daughter, Lucy's mother, had me rolling in laughter. She was definitely a hoot.

Overall this book was ok. It was not as good as I had hoped but still it was ok. It kept me wanting to read to find out who the killer was. I suspected the one they arrested but just couldn't stop thinking there was something missing. I guess I will have to except the ending as it was and say that Lucy was innocent... But I have a few doubts.

Thank you #NetGalley, #AmyTintera, #CeladonBooks, for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this book.

3.5 stars. Read and decide for yourself. Seems I am in the minority about my rating but it is what it is. Enjoy!!

GUYS! This thriller is a MUST READ. OMG, this thriller took me by surprise and I am so obsessed with it.
First of all, the FMC, Lucy has the most hilarious inner monologue and made this book so enjoyable. I am so obsessed with this character, I want this book to be made into a movie just so I can see more from her! I seriously could hardly care if she was a murderer or not, because I just loved to see how her mind worked.

True crime podcast thrillers are completely hit or miss for me but this was such a hit. I think Ben Owens was the perfect character. He was tough and ruthless when he needed to be but also could add a lot of empathy to his character and somehow the author made us root for Lucy and Ben even though they were on opposite sides.

The twists and turns were insane but still so believable, I loved the side drama and side characters, and the ending was CHEFS KISS.

Overall, EVERYONE needs to read this book!! I can’t wait to see what y’all think and I can’t wait to read more from this author! 🎧

Listen for the Lie was so good!! It was everything I look for in a thriller. I couldn’t put it down! I loved how it went back and forth between Lucy’s POV and the podcast. This story kept me guessing the whole time. The ending was very satisfying and didn’t leave any loose ends. Everything was plausible and believable. The dialogue was well written, the characters were solid. 5 stars!

Quick and easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s well-written and I could’ve easily devoured this in one day if I didn’t have children. One chapter leaves you thinking you know who did it, and the next will lead you in a different direction entirely. I’m usually pretty good at predicting murder mysteries but this one left me guessing until about 75% in, when I pieced it all together.

Great story! Lucy’s best friend Savvy is found murdered and Lucy is found wandering with Savvy’s blood all over her. And no memory of what happened. 5 years later Lucy goes back to her home town for her grammas birthday. A true crime podcaster is in town to delve into the old murder of Savvy. Did Lucy kill her? Well this book takes you on a rollercoaster ride. It’s so good and keeps you guessing to the end!.

Five years ago, Lucy’s best friend Savvy was murdered, and Lucy is found wandering the streets dazed and covered in Savvy’s blood. Lucy swears she cannot remember what happened, and because Savvy was so beloved in the community and Lucy not so much, everyone assumes Lucy murdered Savvy, even if the police could never prove it.

When we meet Lucy, she is living in L.A. trying to make a fresh start for herself, but when she learns that Ben, the host of the popular true crime podcast “Listen for the Lie,” has decided to investigate Savvy’s murder again, Lucy knows she has to return to Texas and help him find the killer, even if the killer turns out to be her.

The premise for this book grabbed my attention right away! I was fascinated by Lucy’s determination to find out what really happened even if it meant incriminating herself. I also loved that even though we’re supposed to be on Lucy’s side, she wasn’t the most reliable narrator so I could never fully trust what she was saying. Her internal monologue was fantastic too. I loved her dark sense of humor!

Another element I really enjoyed were the podcast episodes. It was interesting to follow the investigation this way and I liked how the episodes were interspersed throughout the story. Those episodes, combined with the twisty plot, and the short, fast-paced chapters made this a very bingeable read. I flew through it in just a few hours.

I have to admit I was a little nervous going into Listen for the Lie because there is so much hype surrounding this book. I’m so glad I gave into the hype though because this book is such a fantastic read, definitely one of my favorite thrillers of the year so far.

I really enjoyed this one! This was one of the most interesting and well-written thrillers I have read in years. It doesn't feel basic or tired whatsoever, and it used the podcast aspect really well. I liked the small-town Texas setting and did not figure out how everything fit together. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers as this one is absolutely worth your time.

I really enjoyed this one! I listened to the audiobook, and I was fully immersed in this mixed media thriller. The suspense and tension was on another level, and I found myself on the edge of my seat wanting to know what was going to happen. I was all in! A whodunit mystery thriller, this story was an easy binge for me. I flew through the audio, fully invested in finding out what really happened to Lucy's best friend, Savvy.

Not only was the story gripping and thrilling, but it was funny! I love funny thrillers, and the author wrote Lucy to be witty and sarcastic. I loved the dark humor components of this book. Lucy was extremely well developed, as we got to know her in present day, as well as flashbacks to when she was a teenager. We also got to see her dysfunctional family dynamic play out as well. Well done!

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I love true crime, and I love the sub-genre of books about true crime podcasts. Pair that with a really fascinating mystery about who killed Savi (thanks to amnesia, nobody knows—but everyone suspects Lucy), and you have a winning plot.

I really appreciated Ben’s tenacity, and I didn’t mind his blurring the ethics lines of journalism for the sake of furthering the story.

I appreciated that Lucy and her grandma had opposing but amazing personalities together. Grandma and her lifestyle are the epitome of what I hope I’m like at 80. I would have loved to know a little more about the after. And I very much loved the voice in Lucy’s head. It added levity (though maybe not intentionally?) to some very dicey situations.

Overall, absolutely killer book that I enjoyed very much!

"Listen for the Lie" offers a compelling read with its compulsively readable narrative and snappy chapters. The incorporation of the podcast element is well-executed, adding depth to the storyline without overshadowing the present events. One standout character is Grandma Beverly, a delightful presence that adds warmth to the narrative.

However, protagonist Lucy's character arc presents a mixed bag. While her initial humor and snark provide amusement, it gradually veers into territory that feels more abrasive than endearing. Her seemingly reckless behavior becomes increasingly grating, especially given the serious allegations she faces. Similarly, the prevalence of infidelity and moral ambiguity among the town's residents may leave readers feeling uneasy, though it does contribute to a plethora of red herrings.

Despite the shortcomings in likable characters, the story maintains momentum, particularly in its latter chapters. The podcast angle seamlessly integrates into the plot, enriching rather than distracting from the unfolding events. While Lucy's character development may initially give pause, her resilience in the face of trauma becomes increasingly admirable as the story progresses.

"Listen for the Lie" offers a blend of dark humor, suspense, and character-driven drama. While it may not appeal to those seeking wholly likable protagonists or pristine small-town morality, its fast-paced narrative and intriguing plot twists make for an engaging read.

Almost didn’t read this one because it was getting too much hype but so glad I jumped on the bandwagon.

As a true crime podcast listener, naturally I loved the podcast plot line. I thought it was well done and always enjoy when the narration is broken up by some transcripts.

Best part was the playful writing style!

5⭐️

A few years ago my husband and I stumbled upon true crime podcasts while we cruised around with our happily headphoned & distracted kids in the back of our suburban. It became apart of our long road trip traditions to fall into a trance with the soothing voices of popular podcast hosts. Even if they were discussing murder weapons and ALL of the trigger warnings. 

When I saw Listen for the Lie being teased on NetGalley I had to contain my excitement because I knew without a doubt that this book was in fact written for me. 

A small town murder, a suspect that has no memory, and a true crime podcast host determined to uncover the truth no matter what it takes. 

This fantastic read is for the book besties that love:

* Single POV
* Podcast transcript + interview 
* Sarcasm & witty banter
* A little spice
* Epic plot twists
* A little paranormal fun
* Small town Texas vibes
* Fast paced, bingeable read

I am jealous of anyone who is sitting down to read this book for the first time. I am jealous of the reader who is just discovering this book. It is thrilling, addicting, relatable, binge-worthy and so much fun. When I say I ate it up, I’m talking devoured.

If you are in the mood to sit and lose yourself in a book, this is the one. 

Thank you to the author @amytintera, @celadonbooks and @netgalley

I've read a fair amount of thrillers and this has to be one of the best! I was immediately engrossed in this nail-biter of a story! I couldn't turn the pages quick enough in this fast paced murder mystery.

Lucy Chase returns to her hometown five years after the murder of her best friend, Savvy. Everyone thinks Lucy killed Savvy, including Lucy herself, but the problem is no one can prove it and Lucy can not remember a thing. Ben Owens, a handsome and enigmatic podcaster, thinks he is going to crack the case as he leads Lucy back to that horrific night.

It can be hard to bring this level of suspense across an entire book, but it was brilliantly done. I loved the podcast episodes - they lead to more questions than answers and leads to more twists and turns in the story. Brilliantly done! I loved it!

Dark and hilarious at the same time, Listen For The Lie has completely exceeded my expectations. I loved every second of this book and it's now quite firmly the one to beat for 2024! I was already a big fan of a 'True Crime Podcast' trope but this story dealt with the medium in a really fresh and exciting way. The characters were such a laugh and that's not easy to portray in a crime novel but the story also dealt with some difficult topics and I thought that this was a really sensitive way to bring in the subjects that could be quite harrowing. I would be so happy to read a sequel and really hope there is one on the cards!

This is the best thrillerI have read in a while. Were the characters believable--not really, but the plot was suspenseful and I was guessing until the end.