5 stars! This was an excellent audiobook. I binged it in one day. The narration was perfect, and the podcasts segments really worked. I did figure out the end a little early, but it didn’t dampen my interest in the story. I loved that Lucy was such a complicated character, but it was still easy to root for her. A really solid mystery/thriller. I highly recommend it.

𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝗺𝐞 𝐜𝗼𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝗼𝐮 𝐭𝗼 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝗼𝗼𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝗼𝗺𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝗼𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝗼𝐭 𝗺𝐲 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝗼𝐧 𝗼𝐫 𝗺𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝗺𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡...

“I was finding penises in my hair for hours .”🤣😂

“OH MY GOD, my period is so bad today.” 🤣😂 (this isn’t what you think and it still makes me laugh hours after reading it)

“I am not fu&king your grandma.” 🤣😂🤣

“I’ve stopped pretending that I’m going to make good choices.”

I love how close the MC, Lucy is with her grandmother. I loved both of their characters. I also enjoyed podcaster, Ben he was sort of charming. Savvy (unalived girl) was a force to be reckoned with and I loved her vibe. Actually, to be honest I think I liked all of the characters. The author did a nice job of defining each key member of the story. The pacing was perfect. I was totally invested.

I was a little bit confused at the end and wished there was more closure, but overall this was a solid, read, and very entertaining.

I have been (and will continue to) raving about this book to anyone who will listen.

So Listen For The 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐓𝐇 and read this book because it’s awesome. No BS. This is one of the best audiobooks I’ve listened to.

I love, love, LOVED this audiobook! The narration was amazing and added such a bonus layer of intrigue and excitement that I am so glad I listened vs. read it. The book featured chapters from the viewpoint of the main character, with podcast episodes mixed in between, which, in my opinion, sometimes works and sometimes doesn't, but this time IT WORKED!

Listen for the Lie follows main character Lucy as she returns to her hometown, where she was a suspect in the murder of her best friend Savvy several years ago. Lucy's return is due to Savvy's murder being featured on the upcoming season of famous podcast "Listen for the Lie". While back home, Lucy has run-ins with her ex-husband, sees old friends from high school, and manages the awkward relationship she has with her parents, all while the town is abuzz with the podcast investigation and Lucy being back.

Author Amy Tintera did a fantastic job of creating relatable dialogue that kept the book in constant motion. I read this in one day, and didn't want it to be over. Lucy's sarcasm was a highlight of the book, as was her eclectic grandmother. It was one twist and turn after another, and it was worth the ride!

Thank you for providing me with an early preview of this book. It has so far ranked among my favorites of this year, and I will be recommending it to all of my patrons/coworkers/friends/family!

Note: I don't often listen to audiobooks, but I read this book while listening to the audio, because I heard such great things about the narration. And it's true! While I like to create a character's voice in my own head, I loved the dual narration. January LaVoy perfectly captures the snarky inflection of Lucy's many tongue-in-cheek remarks. And while the inner voice that Lucy hears telling her to kill can be annoying to read, Ms. LaVoy made it sound fiendishly haunting. Will Damron did a great job of distinguishing the male voices. Also, this book includes snippets from a podcast, and it's so fun to hear it portrayed as an actual podcast.

On to the story: I can't get enough of books about amnesia after trauma books, and Tintera gives us a real feeling of what it would be like to lose your memory. Are those scenes playing in your head bits of real memories...or are you just recalling what people have told you? I wasn't sure what to do with the character of the podcaster Ben - was he a good guy, out to prove Lucy innocent, or was he just there to capture a story? The other character that stands out and will surely give you a chuckle is Grandma Beverly. She seems to be the only one who can tell the truth in this book!

Read or listen to this. It's the author's debut foray into writing novels for adults and it will bring a smile to your face :-)

Thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for advanced copies of the eBook and audio files.

WOW ! I loved this audiobook so much ! I really enjoyed the podcast episodes and the flashbacks of Lucy's memories. This is my first time reading a book by this author and it will not be my last. I highly recommend this if you enjoy a fast paced thriller with a good twist at the end. It was also really funny at times. I could not put this one down.

Thank. you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

True Crime podcasts are all the rage and what a clever angle for Amy Tintera to use to tell a story in Listen for the Lie. Thank you @celadonbooks for an advanced copy - this one comes out March 5th!
Lucy's life has gone sideways ever since her best friend Savannah was killed. The crime remains unsolved so it's the perfect case for Ben Owen's true crime podcast.
Under the guise of a birthday party, Lucy's grandma convinces her to come back to her hometown in Texas - then introduces her to Ben. Lucy becomes involved in the podcast and trying to regain her memories from the night Sav was killed. Not only was Lucy Savvy's best friend- she was the prime suspect and everyone in her town, including her family, thing she was the killer...
& This thriller was just what I needed to get me out of my reading slump. It kept me interested and moves at a fast pace. Thanks also to @netgalley for an audio of this book.
I love being able to read a physical copy and to use the audio for walks or when I'm active!

Engaging, twisty mystery! However, I don't think the podcast-style really benefitted the story. It's becoming a crowded genre so it's harder to stand out.

Thriller is not my typical read, but this one was more of a whodunit mystery and I really enjoyed it! With its recent release combined with being a March BOTM pick, I feel like this one is everywhere and rightfully so!

Lucy is such a dynamic lead and I was captivated by her right away; her perception of herself, her past and her inner dialogue all had me dialed in. Just when you think you know who did it, new information slips out and everything changes. This one was such a fun read, plus it has the most supportive, hysterical grandma and honestly who doesn't need a little of that in their life?!

Got this one on your list? Definitely do the audio for the true podcast experience!
Thank you @NetGally and @MacmillanAudio for the advanced copy of this one, it was so fun to step outside my norm and experience this book!

I've always believed that a good author can write any story and make it worth reading. In recent years, numerous YA authors have proved that point by successfully transitioning into writing adult thrillers. The likes of Rachel Hawkins, Kate Alice Marshall, Kiersten White, and Ashley Elston have achieved notable success in this shift. Having appreciated the works of these authors, I eagerly accepted the publisher-provided audio version of Amy Tinera's latest book. With Listen for the Lie, she endeavors to join the ranks of fellow YA authors who have made a mark in the thriller genre for adults.

Lucy and Savvy were inseparable in the close-knit Texas town they called home. The epitome of "it girls," they were admired for their beauty and intelligence, the envy of their peers. After high school, Lucy entered a seemingly perfect life, marrying her dream man and residing in a grand house with a sizable engagement ring to match. On the other hand, Savvy embraced a more carefree existence, befriending everyone in town, including, according to rumors, many of the men. Their unbreakable friendship took a tragic turn when Savvy was brutally murdered, and Lucy was discovered wandering the streets, drenched in her best friend's blood. Without any recollection of the night's events, Lucy grappled with the haunting question of whether she was genuinely responsible for Savvy's death. With the entire town convinced of her guilt, the truth didn't even matter.

Years have passed since that tragic night, and Lucy remains haunted by the blank spaces in her memory. All she knows is that she lost her best friend, and the town she once called home turned against her. Her seemingly perfect life has crumbled, and her husband is no longer in the picture. These days, she resides in Los Angeles, finding success as a romance novelist under a pseudonym. Given the shadow of being an accused murderer, writing under her real name is simply out of the question. Lucy's past comes rushing back when Ben Owens, the creator of a popular true crime podcast, dedicates his second season to solving Savvy's murder. Despite the risks, Lucy agrees to return to the small Texas town to participate in Ben's investigation. Driven by a desperate need to uncover the truth about Savvy's death, even if it means facing her own potential guilt, Lucy takes on the challenge.

Using a podcast format to unravel the threads of a murder mystery has become a prevalent device in modern crime fiction. When executed successfully, it leaves a lasting impact, and Amy Tintera employs this technique to its fullest potential in this instance. She skillfully shifts between flashbacks, present-day interactions, and podcast episodes, intricately weaving a narrative of suspenseful intrigue. The audiobook version of Listen for the Lie, narrated by January LaVoy and Will Darmon, vividly brings the main characters, Lucy and Ben, to life. Grappling with the allegations against her, Lucy emerges as an unreliable narrator, easy to sympathize with yet prompting constant questioning. The standout character, however, is Lucy's grandmother—a scene-stealing, unfiltered Southern belle who adds authentic charm and levity to the murder investigation. The book unfolds as a classic whodunit, enriched by a diverse cast of characters that keeps readers guessing until the very end. With Listen for the Lie, Amy Tintera again demonstrates that a skilled author can adeptly navigate various genres. I, for one, am eager to see what she comes up with next.

Amy Tintera's "Listen for the Lie' is a murder mystery that will have you laughing. Characters from 30-ish Lucy to her 80 year old grandmother are realistically brought to life by veteran narrators January LaVoy and Will Damron.

Ben Owens is a true crime podcaster investigating the death of Savannah Harper. While never charged, her best friend Lucy Chase was assumed to have killed 'Savvy' since she was found wandering around, covered with her friend's blood. Lucy doesn't remember a thing and desperately wishes she could. Most of Lucy's friends in California had no idea she was a suspected murderer but when Ben's podcast went viral, she lost her job and her boyfriend kicked her out. She moved away from her small Texas hometown to California and only returned for her grandmother's birthday party at her grandmother's insistence. Lucy's ex-husband still lived in Plumpton and had remarried.

Ben is cute but Lucy is unhappy with grandmother Beverly having thrown them together. She is afraid he will learn she really did kill Savvy but at the same time, she WANTS TO KNOW. This was a fun book to listen to, even with it's dark moments. Lucy does have some secrets she doesn't want to come out and it turns out her parents as well as may other Plumpton citizens do as well.

Even if you think Lucy may have killed Savvy, you'll enjoy getting to know Lucy (and the voices in her head). Ben works to solve the crime and romances Lucy at the same time. If you enjoy the Stephanie Plum series by Evanovich, you'll enjoy this one too.

Note: I listened to an ARC of the audiobook, courtesy of NetGalley.

This was SUCH a good binge read and the audio is absolutely the way to go! You get a full cast with chapters linking back to the podcast discussed in the book and it was done so well!! I always appreciate audiobooks that are put together like real life!

I will say this book felt very similar to other podcast-y thrillers so definitely was predictable. But still a great execution of the story that’ll have you excited to get to the end while not wanting it to be over!

Thank you Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for my free ARCs of Listen For the Lie by Amy Tintera — available now!

Read this if you:
😹 like to laugh while reading!
🍿 enjoy a twisty, fast-paced thriller
🎙️ love the combo of mystery and podcast

Lucy left her tiny Texas town after the murder of her best friend, mostly because everyone in town thought she did it. And truthfully, Lucy can't remember anything about that night so she can't even push back against the accusations. But a popular podcaster is dredging up the past, and when Lucy flies home for her beloved Grandma's birthday party, she'll get roped in, despite her best efforts.

This book is currently EVERYWHERE, and it definitely lived up to the hype! The characters are hilarious (especially Beverly), and my attention was riveted the whole time. I had an audio version, and the narration was excellent — I loved the podcast bits with all the different characters and their voices! The reveal didn't shake me to my core, but I absolutely loved the ride. Highly recommend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Loved, loved, loved it! This was such a fun and witty thriller. I like to think that I would be like Lucy if I was accused of murder - she is so sarcastic and ultimately doesn’t care what other people think of her. While many of the side characters were trash people (but entertaining!) Grandma Beverly immediately became my favorite. I definitely recommend the audio because it has January LaVoy narrating and really brings the podcast parts to life with Will Damron’s narration and different effects.

Hey Booksta Besties! Have I got a great book recommendation for you guys that's coming out on March 5th, 2024.
Narration by January LaVoy and Will Damron who did a phenomenal job with the voices!

It's been a while since I've listened to such a good murder mystery. With some added snark, darkish humor, and a podcaster looking for the truth added into the mix, you have a totally bingable novel.

The main focus is on the the first person POV of Lucy.
She's such a relatable character, and her dry wit, snarky, sarcastic attitude towards those she didn't trust was refreshing. I loved her and couldn't help routing for her throughout the story.

Normally, I'm not a fan of the amnesia trope, but this was extremely well executed, unlike other books I've read.
And speaking of well executed, the twists had me all twisted up inside. I was so wrong about who the baddie was, even though I changed my mind a few times! Maybe I am just a terrible detective 🕵️‍♀️ 🤔

The chapters are short and sweet, alternating with the podcast interviews, which were so entertaining.
There are secrets, dysfunctional families, lies, and gaslighting . Everything you could possibly want in a mystery thriller, and I wholeheartedly enjoyed everything about it.

A definite 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ recommendation.


Thank you to Netgally, McMillan Audio, and the author for allowing me the advanced copy. My review was voluntary, and all opinions are my own

Lucy finally returns home after years of avoidance. It's finally out - a podcast announcing her name and connection to her bestie's mysterious death.
Lucy's grandmother is the best - loved, loved her.
Creepy, mysterious, tension.
I love this book has been chosen for Good Morning America's March Book club selection. Angry women - righteous and victimized, must have more attention. Well earned acclaim.

🩸 🩸 🩸 🩸 🩸/ 5

I devoured this book in 24 hours! I basically listened to it before work, on my lunch break and all evening! I was immediately hooked and highly recommend the audiobook! I am a big podcast fan so this book was really appealing!!

The book is about a woman who everyone thinks killed her best friend and she even wonders if she did, but did she? The story is really well done - I loved the different point of view from Lucy perspective and the crime podcast! It is so unique and fresh!! It kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end! I did manage to guess the killer but it was hard!

The narration by January LaVoy and Will Damron was sensational!! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the digital advanced listeners copy!! Add it to your TBR! It is out March 5, 2024!

"Listen to the Lie" by Amy Tintera is a very enjoyable book! It is a modern day murder mystery and dark comedy. The chapters alternate between the main character, Lucy, and the true crime podcast for which the book is titled, Listen for the Lie, with Ben Owens. It is set in a small town in Texas.

Expertly narrated by Will Damron as Ben and the other male parts, and January LaVoy as Lucy and the other female parts.The podcast begins and ends with interesting tones and clicks.

This book will keep you interested and guessing. There is an unreliable narrator in Lucy, because she has amnesia about the murder of her best friend, Savvy. Most everyone in her hometown thinks she did it, but she really doesn't think she could have. She does seem to keep hearing voices telling her to "kill him", though. As the podcast goes on, different characters seem to have the motive or the opportunity to have committed the murder, and we are continuously guessing different suspects.

Characters 5/5 complicated
Writing 5/5
Plot 5/5
Pacing 5/5
Unputdownability 5/5
Enjoyment 5/5
Narration 5/5
Cover 5/5

Highly recommend for people who like murder mysteries, thrillers, and a sarcastic sense of humor. The audiobook was especially good. Trigger warning for domestic violence.

Thank you to Netgalley, MacMillan Audio, and Amy Tintera for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

There has been tons of buzz about this book, and I was eager to read this. I have to say, I was not disappointed at all.

Here, you are following Lucy who returns home (small, fictional Texas town) for her grandmother's birthday. The town is definitely not welcoming due to the fact that she has been accused of killing her best friend 5 years ago. The problem is Lucy does not remember anything from that night. Also in town is Ben, who is doing a podcast on the murder and Lucy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I really loved the Podcast element of the story. Every other chapter is a podcast episode. I also really loved some of the characters. I enjoyed (and laughed out loud) at Lucy's snarky-ism. She definitely doesn't behave like she is innocent, but it made me laugh. I also enjoyed Savvy popping up in the book. Having said all of that, my favorite character was the grandmother...I strive to have her "i don't care" attitude when I'm 80. Overall, I loved that dark comedic elements that these characters brought to the table.

Overall, if you love a good murder mystery that can make you laugh, then you will love this one. At 4.5 stars, I highly recommend you grab a copy.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

Absolutely wonderful. Snappy, sarcastic, enjoyable characters and motives for days. I loved every turn that I got.
The narration was also spot on for anyone doing audiobook:. interchanging male and female narrators who really helped bring an amazing story to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook.

Happy Pub Day @amytintera 🎧🩸

If you’re looking for a mystery thriller to binge this spring, Listen For The Lie just might be for you! I thoroughly enjoyed this one and was definitely doing a lot of gasping, talking to the air about the plot while listening, and even laughing at some of the main character’s sarcasm & wit! 😮🫢

• Podcast element
• Small hill country Texas town (shoutout to all my fellow Texans out there)
• Amnesia
• Intrusive thoughts
• Some pretty unlikeable characters
• Badass grandma
• Female, Millenial main character
• Solid narration by January LaVoy (one of my favs) & Will Damron

*content warnings for domestic abuse, violence, & alcoholism

If you give this one a try, let me know what you think!

Thank you to @netgalley @macmillan.audio & @amytintera for the ALC! 🤝

#bookstagram #audiobookreview #alcreview #netgalley #mystery #thriller #listenforthelie #gmabookclub