Two wannabe art students share a room. Willow from a wealthy family and Anna from a poor family. Poor Anna is so determined to become an artist that sometimes she loses sight of Willow and her manipulative ways. The story starts 4 years previously, and gradually moves to the present.

Willow manipulates all their fellow students, but Anna gets caught time and time again believing in her only to recognize later she has been deceived. Willow is all about Willow. Most of the characters are not likeable and as time goes forward Willow shows her true character. It is worth a read and the author has done a good job of keeping the audience guessing how everything will turn out.
I give it between 3.5 and 4 stars.

This is a twisty story of 2 women who are " friends" but due to jealousy are more like enemies. One friend might be responsible for the disappearance of the other, all while 911 is the back drop for the story. It had a few twists and keeps you engaged. At times it does drag a bit.

this is a fast moving, twisty story of two very damaged women, in a codependent friendship. set during their college days and then young adulthood during 9/11. Both very ambitious artists, both very wounded. while it sometimes felt like it went too far, we were drawn into their world of beauty, power/powerlessness with men and in one case wealth. I found it interesting, and did get involved with the main character.

It is interesting to read this during the worst fires in Ca, to watch the devastation, part of this book is set in 9/11 and those descriptions amp up the mystery. I think my students will like this one, two timelines a toxic friendship over the years and one goes missing. The details about art might be interesting to some students but might be too much for most who aren't into art, but the ambition might be more relatable.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hyperion for the opportunity to review the ARC for this book that is publishing May 27th. This novel highlights the struggles, obstacles, and short-lived victories of two young women coming of age in the competitive art scene in the early aughts. Anna is a bright, ambitious and determined young adult from a modest background who befriends Willow, a wealthy, manipulative up-and-coming artist that she meets in college. They become roommates and struggle with what it means to be suffering artists, the notion of who becomes a 'muse', and how value in art is determined. Themes of sexual violence, exploitation, and the ways in which female relationships often buckle under the pressure of trying to succeed in a male-dominated world are also explored with great effect in the pages of Tell Them You Lied.

The writing was great and the characterization was okay (I didn't mind the 'unlikability' of the characters, but felt there was a shallowness and lack of exploration into some of the deeper mental health struggles they were experiencing, and their motives were, at times, too unbelievable, weird even for my taste). Themes of the patriarchy, sources of female toxicity, money and class were fleshed out enough in this high stakes world artist endeavour, and I also liked the narrative structure of two timelines drawing closer together until the intersection in the third act. What I'm unsure about was the author's effectiveness in using 9/11 as a backdrop, and I also wasn't invested in some of the plot twists because they seemed too unbelievable, or rather too convenient.

Undoubtedly, this book will find a readership as it is interesting, entertaining, and unique.

Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler is a captivating and suspenseful psychological thriller that keeps readers hooked with its well-paced plot and strong character development. The story follows a woman, Maddie, whose life begins to unravel after a lie she told spirals out of control, pulling her into a web of secrets, betrayal, and danger. Leffler expertly blends suspense, tension, and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that kept me turning pages.

The character of Maddie is complex and relatable, and Leffler does an excellent job of exploring her internal struggles as she deals with the consequences of her actions. Her emotions, fears, and motivations are depicted with authenticity, making her journey both believable and engrossing. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, and their interactions with Maddie add layers of intrigue and uncertainty to the story.

Leffler’s writing is sharp and engaging, with a knack for building tension and creating an atmosphere of unease. The pacing is generally strong, with the plot moving steadily forward, although there are a few slower moments in the middle where the narrative could have been tightened. The twists and turns are satisfying, though some are more predictable than others. Still, the book keeps you invested with its gripping suspense and well-timed reveals.

While the book is generally well-executed, the resolution left a few questions lingering, and the ending, though fitting, felt slightly rushed. I also would have liked to see a bit more depth in the exploration of certain plot points, but overall, the book delivers a solid and engaging reading experience.

In conclusion, Tell Them You Lied is a strong 4/5 star read. It’s a psychological thriller that blends suspense, emotion, and mystery in a way that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. While it may not be the most groundbreaking thriller out there, it’s a highly enjoyable and gripping story that fans of the genre will appreciate. Leffler has crafted a novel that is definitely worth reading, with memorable characters and a plot that delivers on its promises. I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.

This book had an intriguing premise, but I struggled to connect with it. The characters felt unlikable, and I found myself uninterested in their outcomes. Set against the backdrop of the September 11th tragedy, the plot seemed trivial and lacked emotional depth, failing to resonate with the weight of its setting. Not for me and kind of disappointing.

This book sounded so interesting and had such promise, but I just could not get into it. I found all of the characters unlikable and I had no interest in finding out what happens to them. When set against the backdrop of the incredible tragedy of September 11th, the plot felt inconsequential and trite.

An interesting premise, although kind of hard to follow. I kept picking it up and putting it down but towards the last 25% I whizzed through it. This sometimes happens with this type of book for me, so it's probably a reader thing and not a book thing. Id def love to read more by this author.

Willow is a master manipulator when it comes to more than just her photographs. When Anna reaches her breaking point, she resorts to a dangerous collaboration that leaves her with a potentially much bigger problem than a toxic friendship. Loved this behind-the-scenes look at art school and the ambition and competition that go hand-in-hand with the pursuit of a career within that rarified world. The lines between art and reality, friendship and animosity, truth and deception, past and present blur beautifully in this twisty tale that had me guessing right up to the end. I'm looking forward to Laura's next novel!

I REALLY enjoyed this book! I was interested at the start, mainly due to the reader connection to the artist characters. I also love a book that follows characters from college to young adult. I also think that this book was unpredictable. Even if I thought I knew who was what, etc., I was mostly incorrect in my assumptions. I felt that the pacing was on point and the writing style was exactly what I enjoy...smart people talking smartly. No conversation between characters was fluff and stuff in my opinion, which I appreciated.

This started off a little hard to follow. The big secret was one it took me about half the book to fully understand and what its implications were. I loved the setting of the story and the use of 9/11 as part of the plot. Complicated characters made the story unfold nicely.

It took me a very long time to get into this book. Probably about 60% of the way until I was excited to pick it up. And even then I was still kind of dragging. I was wondering if the twist would’ve been something darker with Anna and what seemed to be her obsession with willow or that willow would’ve surprisingly showed up again. I was mostly frustrated that Anna stuck around in this type of relationship and didn’t stick up for herself. I appreciate the ARC read, but the time jumps back and forth and the big deal about 9/11 that ended up really having nothing to do with the story until the very end was just confusing.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of “Tell them you lied” by Laura Leffler. I would really have loved to say I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book because from the blurb I thought I would. There was just something about the characters I simply couldn’t attach myself to in the way that made me care about them. I felt very bleh about what happened, it just didn’t live up to the hype, but maybe if I ever were to get around to re-reading it I might find myself enjoying it. As of right now I think 3/5 is a generous rating, especially since it took me almost a month to read and something this size usually only takes a couple days at most.

Tell Them You Lied was enjoyable and I liked the premise, but the unreliability of the characters made it a confusing read at times.

It did take me some time to adjust to the changes in time and point-of-view, but after about the 25% mark, the story really got going for me and I was wholeheartedly invested from that point on. Strong characterization; everyone feels real - especially the two leads. I had no idea where this was going, but was ultimately satisfied with Part One. Part Two had me cheering! Overall, I think the quality of the writing is really fantastic and the structure serves its purpose. Told straightforward, the ending would’ve had less impact. Fantastic debut with a message! I’m excited to see what this author does next.

This book was written beautifully. Full of art, angst, and uncertainty- it's a piece of art on its own.

This is a story about friendship above all else. I think to be a young woman is to be a friend like Anna or Willow. It isn't always pretty and it isn't how we choose to remember it looking back but it's normal, especially for the time. This felt so raw and real. There is an atmosphere that exists only in the late 90's and early 00's that is difficult for authors to capture. It often feels cheap due to the nostalgic stereotypes. This has the right vibe. I felt stuck in that era. Nothing made us feel more uncertain and unstable than 9/11, so to add a missing friend under these circumstances was too much mystery to bear sometimes! I didn't take any notes reading this book and now, for the review, I wish I had but I was living in that moment.

Anna and Willow meet at college and immediately click. Anna is from a small town, looking for her place in the world. Willow seems older and more cultured and Anna wants what she has. Anna likes taking up the same space as Willow. They're extensions of each other.

When Willow turns up missing on 9/11, Anna doesn't know what to do. You see, Anna had set up a nasty prank on Willow. Not to actually hurt her, but to knock her down a few pegs. Why? Well, that's what we figure out along the way. Alternating between the present(in this case 9/11) and the past(4 years ago up until the day before), we witness the violent tornado of a friendship these two girls have.

Where is Willow? Is she pranking them back or is she hurt? Could she have been near the towers that morning? It'll take a while but eventually we will find out.

This was a unique and interesting book. Even without great knowledge of the arts, you can appreciate the many moving parts of this story.

Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler is a must-read for the girlies who love a twisty, toxic tale. Set across two contrasting backdrops—pre- and post-9/11 NYC and a small, cutthroat art school in Ohio—this novel introduces Anna and Willow, the most dysfunctional best friends you’ll ever meet.

Anna seems perpetually torn between wanting to be Willow and wanting to be with Willow (who is like...kinda the worst). One thing she’s sure of, though: she wants Willow to suffer. Case in point? Anna’s brilliant (read: deranged) idea to have her best friend mugged as a "lesson"—only for 9/11 to completely derail her plans. Yes, it’s as wild as it sounds.

Leffler’s stunning prose masterfully explores themes of toxic friendship, envy, and the complex dynamic of women as muses. The result? A beautifully written and deeply unsettling novel that will linger in your mind.

Fans of "Girl, so confusing" by Charli XCX, [book:Looking for Alaska|99561], and [book:My Year of Rest and Relaxation|44279110]...this one is for youuuu.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC <3

**Home Is Where the Lies Live** immerses readers in the complex dynamics of a seemingly ordinary street, where each family hides dark secrets that threaten to unravel their lives. The story unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters, allowing us to delve deep into their hidden truths and internal struggles, creating an intricate web of relationships that keeps readers guessing.

This novel is a standout example of a slow-burn drama thriller, which is particularly effective given the multitude of characters involved. By taking the time to explore the unique stories and backgrounds of each family, the author skillfully builds tension and suspense throughout the narrative. Hints and clues are strategically revealed, leading to gradual uncovering of secrets that add layers to the story. As a seasoned reader of mystery and thriller genres, I often find myself predicting outcomes, but Wilkinson managed to surprise me at every turn—particularly with the jaw-dropping conclusion that left me reeling. The character development is rich, and the shifting points of view enrich the narrative, providing insight into each family's inner workings and motives. This technique makes the story feel much more dynamic, setting it apart from similar offerings in the genre. While I appreciated the deliberate pacing that allowed for this depth, there were a few moments where the narrative dragged a bit longer than necessary; however, these instances did not significantly diminish my enjoyment of the book.

I want to extend my gratitude to Bookouture Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. I assure you, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This engaging and scandalous drama is overflowing with intricate secrets and lies that personify the complexities of suburban life. Set against the backdrop of the Huntington Grove neighborhood, every neighbor carries their own burdens and hidden agendas, which contributes to the mounting tension that defines this slow-building mystery. The narration elevates the experience by adding an extra layer of suspense and emotional resonance, transforming this intricate domestic drama into a gripping tale that kept me focused and entertained from the very first chapter to the last. A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with this audiobook!

I would give this a 2.5 if that was possible. I didn't hate this book but it just plain old didn't keep my interest. The main character is boring and the other one is a bitch... plot was ok. Nothing to distinguish from any other in its genre.