Cover Image: Hiding Lies

Hiding Lies

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

๐—ง๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ธ๐˜€ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ก๐—ฒ๐˜๐—š๐—ฎ๐—น๐—น๐—ฒ๐˜†, ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฎ๐˜‚๐˜๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฝ๐˜‚๐—ฏ๐—น๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ถ๐˜€ ๐—”๐—ฅ๐—–. ๐—œ ๐—ฎ๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ฝ๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐˜๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ถ๐˜๐˜† ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ ๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ฑ ๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐˜ƒ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐˜„ ๐—ถ๐˜ ๐—ต๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜๐—น๐˜†.

Camping has become unsafe for tourists as a murderer is on the loose. The police and the FBI are on the hunt for the killer, but the search is proving difficult as they have yet to identify a clear pattern and his signature to catch him.

Lydia is a forensic photographer who loves all things true crime, Adam is a book dealer and lover. Both live in Portland and their paths are about to cross in a unique way.

Is Lydia ready for this encounter? Can Adam finally be free and act as he desires?

โ›บ ๐Ÿ”ช ๐Ÿฉธ โ›บ ๐Ÿ”ช ๐Ÿฉธ โ›บ ๐Ÿ”ช ๐Ÿฉธ ๐Ÿ”ช โ›บ ๐Ÿฉธ ๐Ÿ”ช โ›บ ๐Ÿฉธ ๐Ÿ”ช โ›บ

This was an extraordinary reading experience. The book is written from two perspectives. We have the female main character, Lydia Walker, and on the other side, the male main character, Adam Collins.

As different as the two are, they are connected by much more than one might initially suspect.

For me, the book was a celebration of being weird and/or different. At some points, the two main characters' behaviours felt as if the author wanted to show us, that every form of existence and โ€˜behaviourโ€™ is essentially โ€˜rightโ€™โ€ฆ even if it results in deaths.
After all, strictly speakingโ€ฆ arenโ€™t these killings just collateral damage to balance out the world?
And regardless of whether one is morally right or notโ€ฆ isnโ€™t morality sometimes a matter of perspective? Arenโ€™t there gray areas in how one can interpret โ€˜morally rightโ€™?

A note on the side characters like Detective Frank Morris, FBI Agents Michael Harshaw and Jonathan Yates, as well as Heather Carlson and her son Jacobโ€ฆ they fell a bit flat for me personally, but it wasnโ€™t too bad while reading the book.
Also the depth of both Lydia and Adam made up for that!

This book was a mix of thriller and love story, and this blend worked quite well for me, to be honest.

7.8 out of 10 for this quick read.
Publishing Date is the 29'th of October 2024!

๐‘ฐ ๐’“๐’†๐’„๐’๐’Ž๐’Ž๐’†๐’๐’… ๐’•๐’‰๐’Š๐’” ๐’•๐’ ๐’•๐’‰๐’๐’”๐’†, ๐’˜๐’‰๐’ ๐’…๐’ ๐’๐’๐’• ๐’Ž๐’Š๐’๐’… ๐’‚ ๐’•๐’˜๐’Š๐’”๐’•๐’†๐’… ๐’๐’๐’—๐’† ๐’”๐’•๐’๐’“๐’š ๐’˜๐’‰๐’Š๐’๐’† ๐’‚ ๐’”๐’†๐’“๐’Š๐’‚๐’ ๐’Œ๐’Š๐’๐’๐’†๐’“ ๐’Ž๐’–๐’“๐’…๐’†๐’“๐’” ๐’‘๐’†๐’๐’‘๐’๐’† ๐’Š๐’ ๐’•๐’‰๐’† ๐’ƒ๐’‚๐’„๐’Œ๐’ˆ๐’“๐’๐’–๐’๐’….

Was this review helpful?

I wasnโ€™t a fan of this book, I just couldnโ€™t quite immerse myself in it. I didnโ€™t relate or like the main character at all or Adam which just made it a flat novel for me.
The plot, told from different POVs wasnโ€™t very original and the killers reasoning wasnโ€™t great for me either, descriptions were vague but I did like the idea of the picturesque settings being some peopleโ€™s final scene.
It was quite well written and the storyline was clever but just not my cup of tea unfortunately.

Was this review helpful?

๐Ÿ“‚๐Ÿฉป๐Ÿ“ท๐Ÿท๏ธReview๐Ÿ•๏ธ๐Ÿฅพ๐Ÿ”ช๐Ÿฉธ

Title: Hiding Lies
Author: Stephanie Rose

Rating: โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ/5

Thoughts: Im so back and forth on what I'd rate this one. It starts out like stoping and catching a serial killer. Then morphs into a dark and twisted love story. The transition wasn't bad and I enjoyed how the story evolved. I really loved how macabre this one was as a whole.
However, the evolution left aspects of the story behind and a lot was just up in the air with the final scene.
There was sooooo much I adored about it though... I connected with the FMC and I could rationalize the MMC. Their relationship throughout the story developed into a "good for you two" vibe and I wanted their happiness.
Then again, the big reveal to the FMC was very uneventful and that kind made me feel like I was standing awkwardly with my hands in my pockets while reading it.
Over all this was a solid concept and I hit a point where I just could not put the damn thing down because I had to know what was going to become of the plot and the characters. But again some really important aspects got left behind and made the story feel rushed at certain points. I also craved a bit more from the ending, so I'm sitting here debating where this leaves me and I think if an author has me this invested in their book than they deserve the higher rating.

I would really love to see what this author comes out with next.

Was this review helpful?

This serial killer gave ALL of the Ted Bundy vibes. He was so charming and helpful to those around him and he was someone you would never suspect.. I also loved that we got both POV's from the protagonist as well as the serial killer. The different POV's gave the book such an intense and fast pace that had me unable to put this down. I will now read anything Stephanie Rose writes! 4.5/5 for me!

Was this review helpful?

Title: Unraveling Dark Secrets: A Gripping Review of "Hiding Lies" by Stephanie Rose

As an ARC reader of "Hiding Lies" by Stephanie Rose, I found myself drawn into a gripping and unrelenting tale of darkness and intrigue that left me breathless from start to finish.

The story centers around Lydia Walker, a forensic photographer haunted by a traumatic past. Assigned to a case involving the gruesome murder of a camping couple, Lydia's personal and professional worlds collide as she delves deeper into the investigation. With each new revelation, she uncovers a personal connection to the case that forces her to confront her own demons.

Rose's writing is unapologetically brutal and relentless, plunging readers into a world where darkness lurks around every corner. From the chilling descriptions of the crime scenes to the complex psychology of the characters, "Hiding Lies" pulls no punches in its exploration of the human psyche and the depths of depravity.

What sets this novel apart is its compelling protagonist, Lydia Walker. As she navigates the murky waters of justice and morality, Lydia grapples with her own inner turmoil, torn between her desire for truth and the darker urges that threaten to consume her. Her journey is both captivating and deeply unsettling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The praise from fellow authors is well-deserved. CJ Leede aptly describes the novel as "brutal, unrelenting, and pitch-black," while Clay McLeod Chapman warns readers to "tread carefully" through its pages, as the darkness within "stains their fingers, their eyes, their very soul." Brian McAuley's comparison to a thrilling episode of "Hannibal" is spot-on, as "Hiding Lies" delivers a visceral and unforgettable reading experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.

Overall, "Hiding Lies" is a masterfully crafted debut that will leave readers clamoring for more from Stephanie Rose. With its chilling atmosphere, complex characters, and relentless suspense, this is a novel that demands to be read with the lights on and the doors locked. Highly recommended for fans of dark psychological thrillers, "Hiding Lies" is sure to leave you questioning the true nature of justice and the depths of human darkness.

Was this review helpful?

Wow, this was brilliant ! So completely unique it was amazing the banter ๐Ÿ”ฅ
I adored this twisted evil amusement story which some amazing characters.
I adored the whole thing I couldnโ€™t put it down it was one of a kind!

Was this review helpful?

Hiding Lies" by Stephanie Rose is a gripping novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Rose weaves a tale of secrets, betrayal, and redemption with skillful storytelling and richly drawn characters. As the plot twists and turns, you'll find yourself deeply immersed in the lives of the protagonists, rooting for them as they navigate through layers of deception. With its blend of romance and suspense, "Hiding Lies" is a must-read for fans of thrilling, emotional stories that linger in your mind long after you've turned the final page.

Was this review helpful?

"Hiding Lies" by Stephanie Rose is a gripping tale of redemption, resilience, and the search for truth in the face of darkness.

At the heart of the novel is Lydia Walker, a forensic photographer whose past haunts her every step. When she is assigned to a case involving the brutal murder of a camping couple, Lydia's world is turned upside down. As the bodies pile up, Lydia finds herself drawn deeper into the investigation, uncovering chilling connections that hit closer to home than she ever imagined.

Rose masterfully crafts a narrative that is as compelling as it is chilling, weaving together elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological intrigue. As Lydia grapples with her own demons, she forms a connection with Adam, a kindred spirit whose tortured past mirrors her own. Their burgeoning relationship adds layers of complexity to an already intricate plot, as Lydia wrestles with her own morality and the darkness lurking within.

What sets "Hiding Lies" apart is its exploration of the human psyche and the lengths to which one will go to seek justice and redemption. As Lydia navigates the murky waters of her own past and the twisted paths of the present case, she is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about herself and the world around her.

Rose's prose is both evocative and atmospheric, drawing readers into Lydia's world with its vivid imagery and palpable tension. With each twist and turn, the stakes escalate, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final, shocking revelation.

In the end, "Hiding Lies" is more than just a thrillerโ€”it's a thought-provoking exploration of trauma, resilience, and the search for redemption in a world gone dark. With its unforgettable characters, taut pacing, and spine-tingling suspense, this novel is sure to leave readers breathless until the very last page.

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

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this ARC . I really liked this book but the only part that was upsetting was talk of animal abuse.. I enjoyed the book the carrot and the plot. I also really liked how the book came together at the end. This is a new offer for me, but I would definitely read more from them and I would recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

TW: murder, violence, rape, arson, animal abuse, and more. Please check for a full list of them.

3 stars -- I liked the twisted ambition of the plot and general un-higned nature of the characters in this. It is a short novel that follows Lydia, a crime-scene photographer who is true crime-obsessed and Adam, a burgeoning serial killer. The premise is: what happens when these two who have so much ideaology in common cross paths? The hint of romance and entanglement here was a bit insta-love which isn't really my cup of tea. I wished this had a bit more depth to hash things out, since some parts felt a bit too convenient. I think part of the point of this book is to show how off she is to think in the same headspace as the killer. I also wish all of the "liars" in the scenarios weren't women (except for the last one) because it felt a bit one sided....

Overall an interesting concept! Read this if you like Mindhunter, You, or Silence of the Lambs.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced readers copy. This did not affect my review in anyway. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley & author Stephanie Rose for an eARC of this book. Publishing date is October 29, 2024.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I was originally drawn to it because of the cover & I was not disappointed! Iโ€™m a huge fan of shows like Criminal Minds & The Mentalist, so if you are too, thereโ€™s a good chance youโ€™ll enjoy the premise of Hiding Lies. Such a unique storyline with alternating POVs of the serial killer & the forensic photographer working the case. The psychological aspect is fascinating but also so REAL; early childhood trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, feeling โ€œnot normal,โ€ relationships & friendships or lack of, dark thoughts. I will definitely read anything this author publishes! 5/5 stars for me!

Was this review helpful?

What theโ€ฆ.?!!! This book was CRAZY GOOD! It was a serial killer story like no other I have ever read! If you like this type of story this book is definitely going to be a must read for you! I was sucked in from the start and held on for the wild ride. I only wish the book could have continued. I would love to see what would take place even more in the future.

Was this review helpful?

This was such a thrilling read overall. It kept me gripped and guessing all the way through, a very captivating read.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this read. I am a huge true crime and horror fan so reading a book about a serial killer and a forensic photographer is right up my street!

I thought this book was very easy to read. It covers two POVโ€™s: the forensic photographer and the serial killer. I love how much detail went into to crime investigations and the crimes themselves and the fact that you get to read them from both POVโ€™s made it that much more interesting.

I only wish this book was longer so we got to experience more from these characters. If you like true crime and thrillers with a little romance then I definitely recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

3.5โญ๏ธ

Thank you Netgalley, Stephanie Rose, and Mad Axe Media for an ARC in return for an honest review!

Lydia is a forensics photographer who is obsessed with true crime who most donโ€™t get. She enjoys her job and the work she does. I loved the aspect of her job! This is dark and graphic at times. CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS.

What was not my favorite it? I feel like there wasnโ€™t much character development and the romance in this was insta love. Where was the substance? Why were things rushed?

Read if you like:
โ€ข Books like: Butcher and Blackbird and You
โ€ข dark and twisted
โ€ข alternating POVs
โ€ข quick paced read
โ€ข TV shows like: Dexter, CSI, Forensic Files

Was this review helpful?

Fantastic quick thriller read!!

Main characters Adam, a troubled man whoโ€™s had a thirst for kill, and Lydia, a forensic photographer whoโ€™s got her own dark past, meet in a great dual perspective story line that is imaginative and detailed from the start! I loved the โ€œYouโ€ (Netflix) vibes I got from this book!

I took off a star for an abrupt ending that left me needing more, but overall I really enjoyed this campsite thriller!

Was this review helpful?

Dexter meets Joe Goldberg

Imagine a positive Version of Joe and Love!

I loved that the book got straight to the point. I was gripped from the very first sentice.

Itโ€™s like a merge of Criminal Minds, CSI, You and Dexter.

The only issue I had was that the ending felt rushed but on the whole it was a fast paced thriller.

Was this review helpful?

2 stars for this debut.

Lydia is a forensic photographer with the Portland Police and loves her job. So much so that crime scene photos hang in her house and she feels like she understands killers. Having had an incredibly rough childhood growing up in the foster care system, she can stomach quite a lot. When Lydia is called to the scene of a gruesome crime in the woods of the PNWโ€”two campers slain outside of their tentโ€”she is excited to get to work and track down the person who did it.

I really thought that I would love this book. People have been comparing it to Dexter and I love Dexter!! I liked that <i>Hiding Lies</i> was told in dual timelines; books with two POVโ€™s are the bees knees because it leaves readers with more information. Itโ€™s also a story that is incredibly fast paced.

I, unfortunately, am struggling to come up with anything else that I actually liked about this book. Some plot points were quite underdeveloped and others were way too conveniently written. This story lacked depth which made it a quick and easy readโ€”regardless of the subject matterโ€”but it left me feeling unsatisfied. I feel like there are different genres within the horror genre aloneโ€ฆ Some horror builds tension and fills you with this chilling sense of unease and some horror is there to try to shock you and this story was the latter. If thatโ€™s your jam, you may just love this book but I prefer the former type of horror so, for that reason and the reasons listed above, this book didnโ€™t do it for me.

Regardless, I want to show my gratitude to Mad Axe Media and NetGalley for the digital copy. Out 10/29/2024.

Was this review helpful?

Are you looking for a thrilling novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than this upcoming release!

The story follows a forensic photographer who is pulled onto a massive case, which could be a huge win for her career. As more and more buzz surrounds the case, she realizes that she might be dealing with a serial criminal. Her unique point of view and participation become crucial to her team, as they work tirelessly to uncover the truth.

But this isn't just any crime novel. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with personal struggles and traumas that add depth to the story. The protagonist must balance her family's past, her trauma, her love interests, and her career, all while trying to solve the case.

As the plot unfolds, the tension and suspense build to a crescendo. Just when you think you know what's going to happen next, there's another unexpected twist. The ending will leave you breathless and wanting more.

Was this review helpful?

This book is deeply dark and immensely compelling. It explores an intensely menacing side of human nature and is disturbing in so many ways. I wasn't taken with the narrative and found it difficult to get into. It is thrilling in places and very tense.

Was this review helpful?