I love this cover. Thank you to Netgalley for the arc. I enjoyed this book a lot. It was very entertaining and interesting. It had me hooked throughout the whole book.

[Snack-Size Review] Tell Them You Lied, by Laura Leffler

Quick Bite: The frenemy thing is way overdone, but this one surprised me.

(*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*)

What It’s About: In art school, Anna is the quiet middle class girl deeply in thrall and deeply envious of wealthy, glamorous Willow. Willow who takes, uses, and discards whatever or whoever she needs to. But after school, living in New York City, Anna thinks she has found a way to even things out. What she couldn’t anticipate is that the day her trap will be sprung is September 11, 2001. And then Willow disappears.

A Word From The Nerd: This might be a big spoilery, but here goes: A big theme in this book is the ways in which women are used for art by men - that women are considered most valuable by artistic men when the women display pain that the men can exploit. I’m not arguing that point at all. But I feel like the writer did the same thing with 9/11. Although certain elements of the plot are affected by the terrorist act, it doesn’t actually play that big a role in Anna & Willow’s story. So in the end, the author kind of does what she is accusing others of doing - using other people’s trauma to add drama and color and tragedy to her own work, whether or not it belongs there. I’m not exactly sure how I feel about that one, because although it does feel like the author takes advantage of 9/11, it definitely did affect all of us in some way. Putting that aside, however, this was a fun, twisty mystery with a gut-punch ending that I devoured in a day. So even though I feel conflicted, it wasn’t ALL bad.

The Nerd’s Rating: THREE HAPPY NEURONS (and an overpriced bowl of tomato soup.)

Tell Them You Lied is a suspenseful thriller that bounces between the present (September 11th, 2001) and four years prior, from the day of Willow's mysterious disappearance to the day she first met Anna in college as art students. The characters of this story are not the easiest to like - they're immature, selfish, jealous, and lack redeeming qualities. The friendship between Willow and Anna is fatally-toxic at best (when you orchestrate a "prank" mugging to take your friend down a peg or two, there's really nowhere else for the relationship to go but downhill). Many times, I felt like screaming into the book, "Stop being friends with each other!"

The backdrop of this story was interesting. As someone from New York City, Leffler captures the chaos and horror of that day with haunting accuracy as well as the years prior. There's just something mystical about the time period between Y2k and 9/11 that hasn't quite been captured - the punch-drunk optimism that comes with the ushering of a new millennium, the buzz and excitement around the world wide web, the feeling that anything was possible until, suddenly, it wasn't anymore.

As a novel, I would have liked for the characters to be more well-rounded and mature. It became difficult to be immersed in the story when I felt like yelling at them or babysitting them on every other page.

This book was not my cup of tea. It wasn’t poorly written & the description of it really drew me in at first. Once I got started I couldn’t connect to the characters the way I wanted to.

I went into this one blind, with no expectations. I found myself having a hard time pushing through and connecting with the characters. I wish I had more to say about this book but it wasn’t my favorite.

I appreciate the opportunity to read an advanced copy from NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue.

4 stars.*

Wow. This book was bananas.

It is the story of a young woman just out of a fictional prominent art school who moves to New York City with her frenemy college roommate and colludes with the roommate's boyfriend to "prank" her by hiring someone to "Scare" her (threaten her with violence) after years of her manipulation. The morning of the prank dawns, and she watches in horror as the Twin Towers are brought down. When the roommate doesn't come home, she has to come to terms with the fact that the prank might have escalated, she may have been in the subway beneath the twin towers, and she might have joined colleagues for breakfast at The Windows of the World at the WTC.

As the search intensifies and NYC struggles, Anna has to figure out what is real and what is potentially crafted by her insane and highly manipulative roommate.

The twists in this were amazing. I loved the way the story was outlined and was believable FOR it taking place on 9/11.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Laura Leffler’s Tell Them You Lied is a suspenseful and engaging psychological thriller that grabs your attention from the very first page and keeps you hooked until the last. With its gripping plot, compelling characters, and unexpected twists, Leffler delivers a thrilling story that will resonate with fans of psychological suspense.

The novel follows the protagonist, who becomes entangled in a web of lies and deceit after a seemingly innocent situation spirals out of control. As the story progresses, Leffler masterfully builds tension, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and paranoia. The pacing is tight, and each chapter introduces new layers of intrigue, ensuring that readers are continuously hooked.

One of the strengths of Tell Them You Lied is Leffler’s ability to develop complex characters. The protagonist, in particular, is relatable yet unpredictable, making her journey both captivating and emotionally charged. The supporting characters add depth to the story, with motivations that are often shrouded in mystery, further enhancing the suspense.

The twists and turns throughout the novel are well-executed, keeping readers guessing about who can be trusted and what the true motivations of the characters are. While some of the plot twists may feel familiar to fans of the genre, Leffler does a commendable job of executing them in a way that feels fresh and satisfying.

However, there are moments where the story could have delved deeper into the emotional complexities of the characters, as some motivations and actions could have been better explored. Nevertheless, the novel’s strong pacing and engaging writing style help to keep the focus on the suspenseful elements of the plot.

In conclusion, Tell Them You Lied is an enjoyable and fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep readers on edge until the very end. Laura Leffler’s skillful writing and knack for building tension make this a solid choice for fans of thrillers and suspenseful stories. While it may not be groundbreaking, it’s a highly satisfying and entertaining read.

So atmospheric and told in multiple POV’s which I love. The writing was well done and the plot was very entertaining. I love the toxicity of friendship and the mystery.

I was 22 and living in NYC on September 11, and this book brought back so much of the feelings that era--both the the good and the bad. Leffler did a fantastic job making that horrible day a character in the book, one vitally important to the pacing of the story. Without the day being September 11, the story couldn't exist. Anna and Willow's on-again/off-again boyfriend decide to play a prank on Willow because they are so tired of her behavior. But the prank happens to be on the darkest, most chaotic day of NYC's recent history and all their plans go wayside. "Tell Them You Lied" is a masterful book in insecurity, manipulation, and toxic friendships.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Coming of age stories - it's tender, it's painful, especially about obsessive and toxic friendship. A cruel prank that one friend is trying to pull, to get even on her manipulative, glamorous, has-it-all friend, spirals out of control when it happened in New York on the morning of September 11, 2001. The book is about friendship, art, manipulation and it's perfect for fans of thriller, girl friendships and art scene.

I dare say this book is a masterpiece. It had everything I could want: toxic female friendships, morally grey characters, coming of age, New York, and art. It also had enough hints of a thriller to keep things exciting.

The writing had a dreamlike quality, which I love. Originally I wasn’t sure about the past chapters being in third person and the present in second, but it ended up working. It created distance from the “old” Anna and immediacy in the new. I was also skeptical of setting a large part of the book on 9/11 but it worked.

Recommended if you enjoy books where people behave badly.

4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the advanced copy of this title.

This story has a great premise, and I enjoyed the dynamic between Anna and Willow. Anna (Willows' best friend in the loose sense) and Milo (Willows’ on-again, off-again boyfriend) have orchestrated this elaborate prank to scare Willow. Why? To put her in her place and show her that her friends aren’t objects to be used to work out your shit.

I can’t say that she didn’t have it coming. There’s no excuse for bad behavior; humans always have a breaking point so that this bubble will burst. The plan was going to be great, but it just so happened that said plan was to go down on September 11, and the events of that day would be something the world would never forget.
.
New York is upside down. People are in search of loved ones and friends. Pooling their resources and trying to make sense of the devastation. This doesn’t change the fact that Willow is a narcissist. She’s played on everyone’s emotions, including her parents. You want to love her, you want to trust her, but she buries that knife in your back each and every time and will then say, “Babe, you're bleeding”.

Anna met Willow at Baldwin College, and Lizzie, Tom, and a few others were a close group. They were all art and photography students, and being one myself, I remember the beautiful relationships I had when everyone was hungry and lived for their art and creating. Nothing else mattered.

Willow has spun this fantastic tale that she’s just like everyone else, but she’s much more than that. Coming from money, her circumstances were different.

Anna was from a small town and is one of the thirstiest characters I’ve seen in a long time. A sheep in the herd. She tries so hard to emulate everyone that she’s lost herself. She wants to be famous, she want to be loved and adored…ok boo freakin hoo. ⛆ You have to get to a point (even in your young adulthood), where you stop being the flock.🐑

These characters are not despicable but immature. The story is about unraveling Willow and Anna’s relationship (and their group of friends). Oh, the manipulation. Once into the story, Anna drove me crazy. How many times does a dog have to bite you before you leave it alone? Even children know that if they touch the hot stove, they should not touch it again, but not this one.

I felt like screaming into the book. She wanted everything Willow had because she envied her. I’m not sure she wanted Willow's life, but just the attention. However, once you get it, what will you do with it?

One of the things I really love about this story is the depiction of New York during this time. It’s resilience. The grittiness and passion for New York lives in this story. That underbelly and fire of the art scene still burns hot to this day.

It's what we used to read about in our art textbooks. The clubs and dives where …if you know, you know. 😜 And it's one of the things I enjoyed about this story. People came together during 9/11, and this captured the beauty of the human spirit one frame at a time.

I love taking a break from my horror titles for this mystery-thriller novel. Great story! I highly recommend it.

**Review of *Tell Them You Lied* by Laura Leffler**

*Tell Them You Lied* is a gripping debut novel that dives deep into the complexities of friendship, the boundaries of art, and the secrets we keep buried, especially when those secrets could destroy us. Laura Leffler’s taut writing and intricate character development make this story a thrilling ride, one that stays with you long after the final page.

At its core, the novel revolves around Anna and Willow, two New York artists whose friendship was once full of promise but has since become increasingly toxic. Anna, initially swept up by Willow’s mysterious and magnetic persona, has grown disillusioned as Willow’s true nature—a manipulative and self-centered force—becomes painfully clear. Anna’s internal struggle is palpable as she attempts to reclaim her own identity and artistic integrity in the cutthroat New York art world, where survival often takes precedence over creativity.

The novel begins with a disastrous prank—a staged mugging meant to bring Willow to her senses. Anna believes it’s the push Willow needs to realize the damage she’s caused in their relationship, but the prank goes horribly wrong. On September 11, 2001, after the mugging, Willow goes missing. The narrative shifts between Anna’s past with Willow in art school and the aftermath of Willow’s disappearance, revealing Anna’s growing unease and guilt as she starts to question whether her actions were truly as innocent as she initially thought.

Leffler’s writing is sharp, dark, and emotionally charged. She expertly explores the complexities of female friendships, particularly those that are toxic and manipulative. The dynamic between Anna and Willow is so engrossing because it’s not simply about betrayal—it’s about the slow, creeping realization that a bond you once thought was genuine was nothing more than a power struggle, each person trying to outmaneuver the other. Anna’s struggle to understand her role in Willow’s disappearance is at the heart of the novel, and Leffler keeps the tension high by making readers question who is really at fault—Anna, Willow, or both of them.

The setting of New York, especially during the aftermath of 9/11, adds another layer of poignancy and urgency to the narrative. The tragedy of that day hangs over the characters, adding an emotional weight to the already tense and fraught relationship between Anna and Willow. The timing of Willow’s disappearance on such a monumental day amplifies the confusion and chaos that Anna feels, both about her friendship with Willow and about the world around her.

*Tell Them You Lied* is also a fascinating meditation on the nature of art and the role it plays in the lives of its creators. Anna’s journey as an artist parallels her emotional journey, and Leffler skillfully explores how art can be both an escape and a prison. Anna’s art school days were once filled with boundless ambition and idealism, but the harsh realities of the New York art scene have shattered those illusions. The tension between the purity of artistic expression and the corruption of the art world is at the heart of the story, making it not just a thriller but a thoughtful commentary on creativity, ambition, and authenticity.

What makes *Tell Them You Lied* so compelling is how Leffler blurs the line between victim and villain. Anna is not a clear-cut heroine, and Willow is not entirely a villain. The nuances of their friendship, the way they both manipulate and use each other, make them both sympathetic and deeply flawed. This moral ambiguity makes the story all the more engaging and leaves the reader constantly questioning the truth.

In conclusion, *Tell Them You Lied* is a dark, engrossing thriller that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. It’s a story about the messy, sometimes painful realities of friendship, the search for truth, and the consequences of our actions. Laura Leffler has crafted a debut novel that is both compelling and thought-provoking, making her an author to watch in the future. Highly recommended for fans of complex psychological thrillers and character-driven stories.

*Tell Them You Lied* by Laura Leffler starts with an intriguing premise, blending psychological tension with themes of truth and manipulation. The writing is engaging, and the mystery keeps you turning pages, but the execution feels uneven. Some character development lacks depth, and the pacing drags in places, making it hard to stay fully invested. While the novel has its gripping moments, it doesn’t quite deliver the impact it promises. A decent read for fans of slow-burn psychological dramas, but not as compelling as it could have been.

Tell Them You Lied
Laura Leffler
05/27/2025
Hyperion Avenue

Tell Them You Lied is full of arrogant, self-centered, toxic characters. The kind you love to hate, and simultaneously can’t get enough of. The book centers on the turbulent friendship between two artists, Anna and Willow, who meet in art school. Their individual struggle for dominance spirals out of control when a prank goes sideways, and Anna arranges for Willow to be mugged at knifepoint to make sure she knows who is on top.

This psychological thriller explores the destructive power of secrets and deception. Leffler excels at creating a sense of unease throughout the novel, with well-crafted twists and a pacing that keeps the reader on edge. The characters are complex and multidimensional, particularly the protagonist, whose internal conflict adds depth to the narrative. Issues such as trust, guilt, and the consequences of dishonesty, making the novel not just a thriller but a reflection on human nature. If you are ready to change up the pace and get a little Mean Girls action, add to this to your TBR!!

I was looking forward to reading a thriller, so I was surprised by the storyline related to 9/11. I think I should probably move away from books that are heavily focused on academic themes, whether they’re aimed at art students or not. Thank you for providing an early copy to read; I realize this book isn’t really meant for me, but I hope others enjoy it more!

The unraveling of tumultuous friendship that gets turned on its head on fated 9/11, when one friend goes missing and the other may be to blame. A taut slow-boiler that will appeal to readers who enjoy alternating timelines and unreliable narrators.

Will include in BookTrib Chill Quill monthly round-up in May 2025.

I was really excited for this book. The concept sounded very interesting. However, I just ended up not loving it.
The characters were too unlikeable. Pretentious art school students are normally intriguing to me, but these ones were just written in a way that had me not caring about a single thing that happened to them.
The writing overall was not my favorite. The plot devices did nothing for me. Even getting to unveil all the truths in the end had me feeling dissatisfied.
As much as I was excited and wanted to read this one, it was an unfortunate miss for me. I think that others would definitely like it, just not me.
Thank you NetGalley!

I don’t understand the art world and I do not claim to but dang does it make for some good, dark, twisted drama. On paper, I didn’t think this book was a good fit for me. I’m not a huge fan of academia or art. However, I was willing to take a chance and I’m so glad that I did. I could NOT put this book down. The secretive, obsessive, incestuous circle of friends was so entrancing. I also think the format of the book helped keep my interest piqued the entire time with its dual timeline and short chapters. I went through all of the emotions when traveling alongside willow and Anna. I hated them, felt sorry for them, liked them, all of it. I think that characters are really what sets this apart from your average thriller.

this book simply wasn't for me. i was hoping for a thriller, not a 9/11 book. i think the topic is overdone and it is rare someone has something new to say. i will not be recommending this to my followers but i will also not be discouraging them from reading it as i feel as though i'm just not the target audience for this kind of story.