I can't believe this was the sequel to Bittersweet in the Hollow, I liked it infinitely times better. I feel like the writing matured a lot, or the character was just way less focused on boy/relationship drama. The setting was more atmospheric too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue is a riveting, atmospheric YA contemporary mystery with fantastic characters and a darkly enrapturing plot.

I had such a good time with this one. The romance was *chef’s kiss. The character development and world-building were amazing, and I loved the haunting, almost gothic aspects to the story. The inclusion of myths and dark magic was wonderful. This book kept me on my toes with its splendid pacing, fascinating mysteries, and beautiful writing. I have not read Bittersweet in the Hollow (LotST is the companion novel), so I will dive into it as soon as possible. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ARC!

“It’s the people you trust that are close enough to stab you in the back. Because everybody lies.”

Thank you Penguin teen for an advanced readers copy!
Lies on the Serpents Tongue is the frighteningly mysterious, gothic thriller I needed! In this compelling sequel we follow Rowan, the James sister with ability to smell when people are lying. The people of Caball Hollow start losing important things like a watch, and a necklace, but then start to lose their memories. Is this due to a new creature stalking th e forest? Another murder, a John Doe and poachers aren't the only mysteries Rowan must figure out, there's a crack in the bone tree. The return to this Appalachian Practical Magic was as good as; if not better than Bittersweet in the Hollow. I didn't want to leave Caball Hollow after finishing and immediately downloaded the first book in audio
I'm only sad the book won't be out until January. Kate pearsall is now an auto-buy author for me!

The quote I've used is from an uncorrected copy and may not be in the completed version