I felt as though the characters in this book were childish and immature as both teens and adults. I did not really connect to anyone in the story, and thus I wasn't too involved in the plot.

Four Camp friends reunite to face the consequences of a prank played on a staff member at their beloved camp.

Blakely, Grace, Meg and Thera have sworn to never tell their shared secret, even when the secret ended up causing a murder! When the 4 receive unsigned threatening cards in the mail they decide to meet for the first time since Camp. It's been 20 years, and the four are all adults with successful lives and very much invested in keeping the secret safe.

As always, Lucinda Berry is able to utilize her psychologist background to create realistic issues and complexities that add tension. Her ability to seamlessly move between scientific facts while creating strong backstory for her characters always draws me in! . This is a fun twisty thriller for everyone who had a mean girl friend! #thomas&Mercer #ifyoutellalie #lucindaberry

Lucinda Berry never disappoints! Her newest thriller is full of the well-delineated characters you’ve come to expect if you’re as big a fan as I am. The story line contains lots of twists and turns and her usual deliciously disturbing events. Another winner!

Publication date: July 23rd, 2024
Page count: arc 243
Genre: domestic thriller
Setting: several including summer camp, prison

4 girls who do not fit in at their schools create a special bond at Camp Pendleton. A secret lie that they share results in murder, leading to the girls not speaking to each other for 20 years. 20 years after camp another murder brings all of the friends back together.

While I enjoyed the book, I did not like it as much as her other books. I felt like the book was choppy.It was hard for me to connect with the characters.


Thank you to author, publisher, NetGalley for advanced copy. This is an honest voluntary review.

Lucinda Berry's "If You Tell a Lie" is a gripping and chilling psychological thriller that explores the dark consequences of peer pressure and the haunting secrets of the past. The story follows four friends - Blakely, Grace, Meg, and Thera - who share a sinister secret from their senior summer at Camp Pendleton, a haven for gifted children.

The book opens with a glimpse into the aftermath of a murder, hinting at the dangerous events that are about to unfold. Blakely, always the influential leader, convinces the others to keep their secret, and they part ways, never speaking to each other again. However, twenty years later, a mysterious note arrives, claiming to know what they did. This unexpected development forces the group to reunite, and Blakely once again takes control of the situation.

Berry skillfully weaves the narrative between two timelines, allowing the reader to unravel the events of the past and the consequences they have on the present. The dual timeline adds depth and suspense to the story, as the reader is kept on edge, eager to uncover the truth behind the murder and the secrets that have haunted the characters for years.

The author delves into the psychological aspects of peer pressure, showcasing the power dynamics within the group and the lasting effects of their actions. The characters are flawed and complex, each carrying their own burdens and struggles. Berry's portrayal of their internal conflicts and the manipulation they endure is both disturbing and thought-provoking.

The pacing of the story is expertly crafted, propelling the reader forward with each twist and turn. The tension and suspense build steadily, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome. The bone-chilling twist at the end is unexpected and adds an extra layer of shock to the narrative, leaving a lasting impression.

Berry's writing style is immersive and atmospheric, effectively capturing the dark and haunting atmosphere of the story. The author's attention to detail and ability to create a sense of unease heightens the overall reading experience.

"If You Tell a Lie" is a gripping and unsettling psychological thriller that delves into the dangerous consequences of secrets and the power of manipulation. Lucinda Berry's masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this book a must-read for fans of the genre. Prepare to be captivated and disturbed until the final page.

The summer camp thriller of my dreams! This follows 4 girls soon to graduate at their last summer of sleepaway camp when things take a gruesome turn. Flash forward 26 years, they haven’t spoken since when letters turn up at their doors saying they know what they did that summer. This book has me yearning for summer!! It felt a little disjointed at times until everything came together at the end to make sense of it. A bit different and dare I say… more normal? Than other Lucinda Berry books I’ve read! TW for child SA and descriptions of dog abuse/death. Pet death is muddy territory for me and was enough to leave me with a pit in my stomach (not in a good way) but overall it played a small role and this was a fun read!
* Thank you Thomas and Merced via Netgalley for the ARC!

I received an advanced copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was so excited to read another Lucinda Berry book and this didn’t disappoint!
Multiple POVs with a dual timeline that I couldn’t put down; definitely would recommend to all thriller lovers that enjoy a fast-paced read, wild plot and the ending was mind-blowing!

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of If You Tell a Lie by Lucinda Berry due to be published July 23, 2024.
Four girls who were best friends in Cabin Naomi at Camp Pendleton for gifted children – Blakely (the leader), Grace, Meg, and Thera – swore themselves to secrecy after what happened. Twenty-six years later they are getting back together. Will any of them give in to peer pressure and tell what happened or keep their horrible secret?
I love Lucinda Berry books, dual timelines, and twisty endings – so what’s not to like! From “Seven seconds. That’s all it took to kill you” I was hooked!
And, oh, Lucinda Berry’s done it again. These girls made “Mean Girls” look like churchgoing angels. The plot kept my interest in the entire book, and I couldn’t wait to see who was guilty and how it ended.
They all had distinct personalities, but Blakely was definitely in charge of all of them.
Speaking of the ending – I think there could be a sequel – I need the story to continue!
.#NetGalley #LucindaBerry #Thomas&Mercer #IfYouTellALie