Society of Lies was a suspenseful, twisty, and crazy ride! If you have any interest in secret societies and elite “clubs” at prestigious schools then this is a book for you. We have two sisters, Maya and Naomi, who both attend the same Ivy League school but about 10 years apart. Both become part of a secret society while going through their college experience. The story is laid out by jumping back and forth between both sister’s point of view in past and present day. Theres secrets, lies, murder, and betrayal. It’s a wild ride that has you guessing (and second guessing) until the very end. Definitely pay attention at the start of every chapter to see whose point of view and whether it’s past or present or it can get a bit confusing. Overall, this book is SO worth the read!

What everyone is saying:
4.1 ⭐️ Rating on Good Reads!

ABOUT SOCIETY OF LIES

When a young woman is found dead on her college campus, her sister doesn’t believe it was an accident—and her search for answers leads her closer to home than she ever would have imagined in this thrilling debut novel from an exciting new talent.

My Review:

This story is extremely unique in that it covers many important topics all amidst a deep complex story. Topics of socioeconomic and race discrimination were thoughtfully reflected throughout the story, giving the reader a feeling of "being in another's shoes". It is unbelievable what people have to do, in some cases, to achieve their life goals. To be a part of the Ivy League, when your family has not been a part of it, is a daunting task. But what if there was a secret way to get all of the generational wealth and success? Well, it may be possible, but it definitely comes at a cost. 2 sisters find themselves in the deep trenches of wealth and greed, only to find themselves drowning in the consequences. Is it worth it? You'll need to read to find out. 😉

This was an okay dark academia thriller. While dark academia is probably my favourite subgenre, I definitely prefer one with speculative elements. So I'm adjacent to but not perfectly within the precise demographic for this book.

What are this book's strengths?:
I found it to be very easy to read and that it goes quickly. It's an excellent palate cleanser between denser fare, you can really turn your brain off and just go along for a quick ride.

What are the weaknesses?:
I found the plot and conclusion and twists rather pedestrian. It honestly didn't make sense to me why these wealthy, elite characters ended up in these situations in the first place other than that the story wanted them to.

And as much as I can tell that the story is modeled on the author's experience at Princeton and with its eating clubs and being biracial (Chinese and African American), I felt like the commentary on those subjects -the elitism and feeling of being an outsider for your money and your gender and your skin color- was really tame.

"Society of Lies" by Lauren Ling Brown is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller that masterfully combines elements of suspense, conspiracy, and moral ambiguity. Brown's novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through the shadowy corridors of power, where secrets lurk behind every corner and trust is a rare commodity.

At the heart of "Society of Lies" is a riveting mystery that unfolds with precision and intrigue. Brown's skillful plotting keeps readers guessing until the very end, as layers of deception are peeled back to reveal shocking truths and unexpected alliances. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels readers to keep turning pages late into the night.

The characters in "Society of Lies" are richly drawn and compelling, each with their own motivations and secrets. Brown deftly navigates the moral gray areas that her characters inhabit, challenging readers to question their assumptions and confront uncomfortable truths. The protagonist, in particular, is a captivating figure whose journey from naivety to disillusionment is both relatable and deeply affecting.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of timely and provocative themes, including the nature of truth in an era of misinformation and the corrupting influence of power. Brown's prose is sharp and incisive, tackling complex ideas with clarity and insight. Through the lens of her characters' experiences, she offers readers a thought-provoking meditation on the ways in which lies can shape society and the individuals within it.

"Society of Lies" is also notable for its richly imagined world-building, which seamlessly blends elements of contemporary politics and speculative fiction. Brown creates a dystopian landscape that feels eerily familiar yet disturbingly plausible, inviting readers to reflect on the parallels between her fictional society and our own.

In conclusion, "Society of Lies" by Lauren Ling Brown is a riveting and timely thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its gripping plot, complex characters, and provocative themes, it is a novel that resonates long after the final page is turned. Fans of suspenseful fiction and thought-provoking storytelling will find much to admire in Brown's masterful debut.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

How far would you go to uncover your sisters death?

Maya has been done with Princeton for a decade and her younger sister Naomi was supposed to be graduating from Princeton but instead of watching her sister walk across the stage Maya now has to uncover who sent her sister to the grave. As Maya continues to dig she sets her sights on a secretive society that Maya was once part of.

Society of Lies was well paced with a bit of a slow down in the middle, nothing terrible. I liked all of the characters enough and thought they were all well written. My only issue with this book was the POVs between Maya and Naomi, they sounded so much alike I sometimes struggled with remembering which POV I was reading from. Overall, I'd recommend this book for any fans of dark academia.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

Good book that I really enjoyed. The story was well done and well planned out. I loved the way all the characters played off each other.

How much is your silence worth? What if your silence is what sets off a chain of events that leads to the unthinkable. How many times have you thought about your silence protecting you and your family but in the end uncovering it puts everyone in danger?
What is the right option? I bet joining a secret society sounds fun…. But remember that secrets ALWAYS come back to hurt someone.
This book was fun and exciting especially since I live close to the Princeton area and know the landmarks. I found whimsy in the description of details and loved the twists.

An excellent, page-turning debut by Lauren Ling Brown. This dark academia thriller captivated me, especially in the format of counting down up until the sister's death. I enjoyed the premise of the secret societies with the investigations, the journalism, the reunions, and the intense relationships. Keep in mind that this is a slow burn, especially in the middle, where the pace slowed and a build up happened. Then, there was a moment of "Oh, shit!" which I love! And the twist at the end was unexpected!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Maya and Naomi are sisters who have both attended Princeton. Maya is in town to attend Naomi’s graduation when Naomi is found dead. As Maya struggles to figure out what happened to Naomi, she uncovers her sister has been investigating a death of classmate of Maya during her Princeton years. Both sisters were part of a secret society called Greystone, a very powerful group of individuals that can help it’s members become powerful as well. Maya uncovers more than she ever realized, will this put her in danger like it did her sister?

Told in alternating voices of Maya and Naomi, this story has plenty of twists and turns. The characters that were present during Maya’s Princeton timeframe are still in play during Naomi’s time at Princeton. This element adds to this well woven story, trying to figure out who is being truthful and who is lying. The characters are realistic and it did take me time to figure out who the killer was. This is a well- developed storyline and the mystery is engaging. Don’t miss this story, you’ll regret it if you do.

Society of Lies gave me every bit of the dark academia vibe promised; and left me blown away by the ending.

The story beings just like any other novel. Maya has returned to see her little sister graduate from Princeton, and is excited to see her old social club friends. After arriving on campus, Maya receives terrible news; her little sister is dead. While the police say it's an accident, Maya knows Naomi would never be so careless.

Namoi's life is a puzzle, but Maya is able to make sense of the picture by investigating her friends, and their social club. What Maya finds is darker than she could have ever imagined, and has been going on for longer than she realized. The more she digs, the more she learns and what Maya finds could bring more trouble for her, too.

A bit of a cat and mouse mixed with a traditional who done it, Lauren Ling Brown spun a web of darkness that no one could see coming.

Maya's younger sister, Naomi, is found dead right before graduating from Harvard. Both of them belonged to a secret society, Greystone, and Maya thinks they were involved in Naomi's death. 10 years ago, when Maya was in school, a girl died on a Greystone event and Maya may have been involved.

The story is told with 3 narrators - Maya in the present, Maya 10 years ago, and Naomi 7 months ago leading up to the present. There wasn't enough differentiation from Maya and Naomi as narrators and it got muddled. Especially in the beginning, I kept having to go back to the beginning of the chapter to see who the narrator was.

The mystery was interesting. The author gave small clues about who was involved. It was the right amount of giving clues without giving it away.

Overall, it was an interesting story. It wasn't bad, but it was a bit forgettable.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advance review copy.

I really enjoyed reading this debut novel. Highly recommended for fans of dark academia novels.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam for the ARC to enjoy.
This is the story of Maya and Naomi, 2 sisters (10 years apart in age) who lose their parents at young ages. They have a complicated relationship that was most interesting to follow. Like in most families honest communication can be difficult.
On the cusp of Naomi's graduation from Princeton (where her sister also attended) she is found dead. Maya is certain that this death was no accident or suicide.
Through alternating perspectives the reader learns of what led up to Naomi's death, what happened to Maya as a student at Princeton and Maya's attempts to find out the circumstances of Naomi's death. The author deftly deals with this format and it shows the parallel experiences of the sisters.
I could hardly wait to find out what had happened, at the same time not wanting the story to end. It seems so chillingly possible.
The book deals with elitism and exposes a darker side of academic attainment. How the wealthy stay wealthy and the moral degradation in the process. It makes for a fascinating and thought provoking read.
I felt a few holes in the plot and a few almost unbelievable scenes but overall this was a great read. Most entertaining!

My Rating: 4.5 ✨

WOW, what a debut!! This will be a thriller of the summer and it is well deserved! I literally read the Prologue and was so intrigued that I stopped reading another book I had just started 🙌🏼 If you love dark academia focused thrillers with whodunit vibes then SOCIETY OF LIES is for you! The story is told from 2 alternation points of view and seamlessly navigates through three different timelines and explores much deeper themes than your average thriller - themes including identity, privilege and race.

At Princeton, the most prestigious (fictional) eating club is the Sterling Club and within the Sterling Club is an even more elite and powerful secret society, called the Greystone Society. The Greystone Society is so covert that most people at Princeton don’t even know they exist and the only way in is if you get “tapped”. Sisters Maya and Naomi are both book-smart, practical, biracial girls who both are searching for a sense of belonging as they attend Princeton, ten years apart. That sense of belonging is exactly what the Greystone Society offers them, but at what cost??

SOCIETY OF LIES is a well written, gripping, action packed dark academia thriller with exclusive secret societies entangled in blackmail, collusion, the requisite of drugs & alcohol, and two dead bodies. Maya and Naomi find themselves in the heart of the drama and corruption as they realize certain members are willing to do whatever is necessary to keep secrets safe and the money and influence flowing. The best thriller books, in my opinion, are the ones where multiple different characters are looking guilty and I’m trying to piece together the who, why, when and how along the way. This book does exactly that and I can confidently say I did not guess the twist at the end even though I had my suspicions… 👏🏼👏🏼

My only critique is I felt there were a few loose ends with how the book ended - a few characters dropped off the map and were never heard from again. This is also a book with many characters and timelines so you definitely need to be paying attention!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC! 💜

Thanks to Netgalley, Lauren Ling Brown, and Bantam Publishing for this e-ARC. ,

I enjoyed this book a lot. It had a lot of things going on, and was a little dragged out at times. However, it was very suspenseful, and that always keeps me hooked.

It’s been a decade since Maya graduated from Princeton, and she’s excited to return for her class reunion, especially as her younger sister Naomi will be graduating from Princeton this year. But when Naomi doesn’t show up and no one can find her, Maya becomes frantic, worried something has happened to her. She’s afraid that Naomi’s disappearance may have something to do with the secrets that lurk at Princeton, secrets she’s tried very hard to forget. Because Naomi isn’t the first girl connected with Maya to go missing from Princeton, and Maya knows she will have to revisit her past to gain answers about the present.

The premise of this book is fascinating, especially since it involves secret societies at prestigious schools. I enjoyed the setting and how well it was incorporated throughout the book. The pace of this one is quite slow though and is much more of a mystery than a thriller. Prepare to sit back and take some time before getting to the suspenseful parts.

I had a bit of a difficult time because Maya and Naomi's voices sounded quite similar. This made the swapping between characters and the jumps between Maya's present and past become difficult to keep track of if I set down the book in the middle of a chapter. Not to mention since it all took place at Princeton, there wasn’t anything in the setting to help differentiate the POVs either. However, I did like the characters overall. The secondary ones weren’t anything special, but they didn’t detract from the read. I did like the exploration of sisterhood and how that can be changed by age differences and pressures for responsibility (some self-imposed). Getting to see both sisters’ POV concerning their less-than-ideal relationship was insightful and added depth to their characters and relationship.

If you’re interested in a slower mystery about sisterhood and secret societies, you’ll likely enjoy this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for allowing me to read this work, which will be published August 14, 2024. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

This was a DNF for me. I may come back to it eventually, but the story wasn't holding my attention. I found it to be too repetitive and the differing POVs were too similar.

Thanks to NetGallery for an advanced copy of this book. I wish I had liked this more - it was too "all over the place." Timelines and characters went back=and-forth too much; it was very disconnected. It seemed as if the author was trying too hard to include too many topics (some extraneous) and create suspense. Disappointing as there are so many good review.

First of all, a HUGE thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read this ARC! This is Lauren Ling Brown's debut novel; she did an excellent job presenting Society of Lies!

Maya and Naomi are sisters who attend Princeton ten + years apart from each other. When Maya learns her sister has died right before graduation, she is confident this wasn't an accident. She knows too much about the secrets and lies from her own time at Princeton. As Maya begins to investigate Naomi's college life, she learns her sister was hiding more than she led on. Throughout the story, we learn about the corruption and lies of Princeton's secret society, the Sterling Club, and how money can attempt to sweep their secrets under the rug. Maya will stop at nothing to find answers and get the justice Naomi deserves.

How did Naomi die? Who can be trusted? Did Maya's involvement with the secret society lead to her death?

4 solid stars for this debut album!
Wow- this was a gripping, fast-paced page-turner from start to finish! A book rarely hooks you in from the beginning, but this one surely did! The second half of the book had twist after unexpected twist! I almost want to reread some parts because there were some twists that I didn't pick up on initially and would love to see the clues that brought us to the ending. I thought I knew exactly what was happening, but I did not predict the ending (I love when this happens)! I thought this story was creative and unlike most suspenseful books I have read. I am impressed this is Brown's first novel! I am excited to read more from her in the future!

My only critique of this book was that I occasionally found the dual POVs and alternating timelines a little confusing to follow. There were several characters and I found myself thinking, "Wait, is this Maya or Naomi's point of view?" "Is Amy Maya's friend or Naomi's?" or "Was this in 2011 or 2023?"

Overall, very well done! Congratulations on your first novel, Lauren!

This book has everything you could think of for a thriller: dark academia, secret societies, money flowing, intense relationship problems, drugs, and a dead body. Following in her sister’s footsteps, Naomi gets into Princeton. Not only does she get into Princeton, she gets into the same eating house: Sterling. But when the Greystone society starts to reveal too much, Naomi thinks it’s time to investigate. Was that the reason she was found in the lake days before her graduation? It’s up to her sister Maya to find out.
I tore through this book in just a couple of days. Brown does such a good job switching back and forth between Naomi’s and Maya’s perspectives, between the past and the present. The short chapters kept me going at a breakneck pace, and I couldn’t put it down until I knew exactly who did what. If this is what Brown’s first novel is like, I sooooo look forward to seeing what the future looks like for her! Thank you to NetGalley and Bantam publishing for allowing me access to this ARC!

Well, I didn’t see that coming. Oh, the amazing things people will do to protect the lives they are living or desire to live. But there is always karma to deal with in the end. No spoilers but this book is more than just a murder mystery—it’s about privilege and greed and ethics and racism and love and friendship, as well, all in the context of one of the Ivy League schools—Princeton. Ivy League schools are changing but they certainly are renowned for their privilege, and therefore, racism. Also, there are some wonderfully drawn characters and great dialogue. All in all, a wonderful debut novel from the editor of numerous documentary film and television projects for HBO, Netflix, and Disney, among others.