A well written story that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
The characters draw you in and keeps you flipping the pages.
They are realistic and very well developed.
I really enjoyed the writing style. I found myself hooked, turning the pages.

4
I really did not expect to cry reading this one but it really got to me.
Also loved the faithful representation of mormons if you get what I mean.
But back to the book, it was interesting, horrifyingly interesting. Topaz is such a sweet main character and I love seeing her perspective on things. At first I found her reactions a bit unrealistic but then I remembered the hours and hours of interviews that I listened to where mormons described their way of thinking at such young ages and everything made sense again. I mention Mormonism because it has everything to do with the story and how the characters react to traumatic events.
In short, its quick and packs a punch, I even wished it was longer just to spend more time with little Topaz.

For a story told from the perspective of a fourth grader, this story has teeth.

Topaz is the youngest of four sisters in a religious home in a town where several children have gone missing. The people who live there are terrified their children are next.

Somehow the fact that the religion and their beliefs were basically only alluded to made the evil current underneath even more sinister. What religion is it? What do they believe in? We know they can’t swear and that they call each other brother and sister, but that could be anything.

In the interest of not giving spoilers, I won’t say much about the plot or the twist. But while reviewing the synopsis, I realized very little actually happens in this story; it follows one plot line over a seemingly short timeline. This makes sense to me looking back as the story is written from the perspective of a child. As children, we don’t know what’s going on much outside of the small radius of our personal experience.

Even though the storyline was simple, I was still totally hooked. This story had me itching to get to the ending, the tension building with each chapter.

Definitely recommend for lovers of tense, “what’s going to happen” stories.

I’m not sure why this isn’t classified as a horror story, but don’t approach it hoping for a literary masterpiece. To me, horror stories don’t have the same level of intricate plotting, and they rarely end in happy endings where everything’s answered and explained with satisfaction. Consider that if you decide to read this, and don’t expect it to be very plausible, because it’s far from it!

Topaz is a young girl in the 1980s with an older sister, Ruby, who’s rebellious and seemingly always in trouble. But Topaz thinks she’s really not that bad down deep until Ruby tells her a terrible secret. That horrible person who’s been going around taking and killing children is in their house, right now. Ruby got him and threw him into their root cellar. Of course, she doesn’t believe Ruby until she brings her down to the cellar and shows her. It’s a man from their church, Brother Johnson. He’s alive and conscious and pleads with her that Ruby is wrong, he’s not a killer, and can she please set him free. From there, it gets even more preposterous until you have no choice except to go along for the ride.

Now, if this were a horror movie, it would be pretty cool, but it would still strain credibility like those movies do, and it just goes too far. There’s no way to explain without spoiling what happens, but it’s so ridiculous that it’s almost frustrating. I loved the atmosphere of the story, and it had definite potential, but it just didn’t work.

I feel like this book is about sisterhood to a T. You may fight and "hate" each other, but at the end of the day, you will do whatever you need to protect one another! This thriller is told from the point of view of a 10 year girl and she becomes the unsung hero of the family. The dynamic between the sisters was my favorite even though I felt bad for Topaz most of the time.

I really couldn't put the book down, the plot had me hooked instantly. I was trying to figure out who did it and if everyone was really who they said they were, but I sure didn't get it right. The ending of the book was kind of disappointing to be honest. There was a ton of build up and then the ending felt rushed almost. What happens to the pastors family? Does no one ever find out anything?? I just have too many questions. Overall a good book though!

A strong thriller with unlikable yet interesting characters. I enjoyed the claustrophobic atmosphere as the plot unfolded, and the choice to have a child narrate the story worked in its favor. The ending felt a bit rushed and really tested my suspension of disbelief, but overall, it was an entertaining read.

Started with a great premise, but between the boredom, cringy religious overload, and implausible plot, I bailed at 20%.
I couldn’t speed the narrator up enough to power though.

Thank you @NetGalley, Brilliance Audio, and Little A Books for this book in exchange for my honest review.

𝟐.𝟓☆|
I did like this book in the first half but, towards the end I found myself skipping through sentences, reading only 4-5 words in each paragraph, just for the sake of finishing this book. I will point out why I disliked and liked this book, respectively.

I think the story was dragged unnecessarily. The narration was annoying, I mean what do I expect? It was led by a 10 year old. Personally, not a fan of this idea. I'm sure I would love to revisit this idea again through a different format of narration.

However I did like the way each chapter ended - always dropping a reveal, leaving you excited to start a new chapter. The suspense was written so well! The author did a great job in writing the characters, especially Brother Johnson, you will find yourself imagining to be in Topaz's shoes.

I am not going to say it was bad...but I did almost DNF it several times. I did read it though, so I will leave this review.

I felt that this was a totally unbelievable plot line. I found myself getting bored by the repitition and I was continually rolling my eyes at the absurdity of the situations. Finally, the end was ridiculous. I am really not sure what the author was trying to write. Whatever it was, I didn't find it.

2 stars is pushing it for me.

Laura Lee Bahr's *Who Is the Liar* is eerie, horrifying, and utterly original. She knows exactly how to bind a reader's heart in twin ropes of worry and terror. This is a fantastically creepy tale that cuts close to the bone. The suspense is palpable from beginning to end, and the plot twists will keep you guessing until the very last page. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a dark, unsettling atmosphere, this book is a must-read.

I loved the Satanic Panic undertones of this one! I was very much alive and kicking when all the talk show hosts were spewing vitriol around backwards metal music, satanism and the occult, and its connection to certain games or music. Anyways, ya had to be there! Books set in time periods I've been around for are always a delight for me to delve into and compare to my actual real life experiences. I think if you can find relatability in a book, you've won automatically. Sadly, despite the exciting premise and time period, this one fell SO short and so flat for me. Reading from the perspective we are given makes it read for a younger audience, so I struggled with that. There is a real lack of any "action" happening, so it feels rudderless at times. While I don't think I'm the audience this one was made for, thanks so much to the author and Little A for the eARC!

Who is the Liar is different from any other book I've read lately. The fact that it was told from a child's point of view sets it apart from other books. I'm still a little on the fence as to whether I'm 100% sold on this method, but it works in regard to making it memorable! It almost felt like a child's book but one that talked about dark subjects and that makes you kind of uncomfortable. There are times when you need to give some leeway with reality when reading this one. I did also find the ending a bit dissatisfying and abrupt.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Writing an adult fiction book from the perspective of a child is really tricky. It made this book read like a Middle Grade book (besides the context). I also had several issues with this story, even though I can usually let myself believe in almost anything while I’m reading.

SPOILERS
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How in the world did Ruby manage to tie up, kidnap, and hide a grown man in her family’s cold room?

Why did the author keep talking about religion? I mean, I get that this book makes religious people look bad, but it still seemed like religion had way too much of a leading role.

Why would the serial killer and sexual assaulter have entered the girls’ house in the middle of the night? Did he think he could somehow kill 10 girls without the parents hearing?

Love and death are really complicated. It seemed odd that the killer’s daughter didn’t cry at all when her dad was killed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. This review contains my honest, unbiased opinion.

This was such a strong concept and how in the genre, it had that element that I was hoping for and enjoyed the overall suspenseful atmosphere that I was looking for. I enjoyed the idea of protecting the ones we love. The characters were so well written and i was hooked on the the way they acted in this storyline. Laura Lee Bahr has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this and am excited for more.

Wow! What a ride!

I went into this book completely blind and I was intrigued to read it based on the title and cover alone. This isn’t your typical thriller novel as it is told from the perspective of Topaz, a ten year old little girl. The dynamic of story like this being told from a child’s point of view was interesting and definitely different. There are twists, turns and several what the heck kind of moments but I COULD NOT stop reading!

It is a little disturbing but that’s what makes it even that much more interesting to me. There definitely are a few plot holes that are a bit of a stretch but then again, I think that’s what makes this book so entertaining. Sometimes aspects of fiction do not always have to make sense to every reader. Sometimes they are purposefully placed into a storyline purely for entertainment and to make us go “say what?”

Who’s The Liar is a book I can see being very divisive. If you’re expecting a standard thriller or horror novel, the narration might throw you. It’s told from the perspective of a 10-year-old girl, and the voice reflects that. But I really enjoyed it. I appreciate when authors take risks with voice, and in this case, I think it worked.

The narrator, Topaz, feels believably childlike - not overly precocious or wise beyond her years. I think the book captures how a kid might try to make sense of something disturbing and confusing. I also found the group dynamics between the children compelling, especially in the way they responded to an adult situation with limited tools and understanding.

The plot kept me guessing, and the tension held my attention throughout. It was creepy, gross, and emotionally intense. The themes are disturbing, and the ending was, in my opinion, satisfying. There’s real growth in the characters, and by the end, the family dynamic has been deeply altered; especially for Topaz, who loses what innocence she had.

The 80’s setting was perfect for the story’s tone, and the imagery felt right out of that era. It was nostalgic but also grimy and strange. Some of the prose was choppy or awkward in places, and while I think that was a deliberate stylistic choice, it might come off as clunky to some readers if they’re not tuned into the intent.

Overall, it’s not a book for everyone, but it really worked for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Who is the Liar.

The premise intrigued me and I was pleased my request was approved.

A series of child murders has a small town on edge in the 1980s. When Topaz discovers her oldest sister, Ruby, has trapped and secured the monster in their cellar.

But is this bloodied man the bad guy Ruby says he is or is Ruby lying?

Ruby is the troublemaker in the family and torments her younger sisters, especially Topaz, on a regular basis.

Who can Topaz trust? Her sister or a stranger? Or herself?

The narrative had promise but it didn't draw me in as I had hoped.

First, I didn't like the writing style or Topaz and her family.

I'm not a fan of young main characters and I soon found Topaz's voice grating and whining, which I know is not her fault. She's just a kid!

The premise easily strained credulity and forced readers to suspend disbelief as the story wore on.

The only thing that was believable are how the characters lie to themselves to protect themselves from the truth because it's too horrible to comprehend, the lies and hypocrisy the villain's family spouts to the neighbors and society.

There is some suspense with a potential child killer in the basement but the narrative dragged.

It seemed more focused in the religious rhetoric, misconceptions, and strict upbringing the family are raised in.

The Stone family is a mess—four daughters, a strict religious mom, and Topaz, our ten-year-old narrator, caught in the middle. Her older sister Ruby is manipulative, terrifying, and might’ve chained up the town’s child killer in their basement.
Things spiral when Topaz realizes the man is Brother Johnson—a rich, respected church leader. No one believes her, and Ruby’s track record doesn’t help. What follows is a tense, twisted back-and-forth over who’s telling the truth.

The child POV works here—offbeat and unsettling in the best way. I saw the ending coming, but getting there was half the fun.

solidly suspenseful and pretty interesting, though prone to a few eye-rolling suspensions of disbelief here and there. would recommend. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

'Who Is the Liar?' features one of the best opening lines I've ever read, and every chapter's end is a cliffhanger. Tense, terrifying, and heartrending, the book alternately made me want to quickly flip the page to see what happens next, or run screaming from the room. Skillfully revealing the story through the eyes of a 10-year-old, the youngest of four girls, Laura Lee Bahr invites us to explore more life questions than simply the titular one. What would you do to protect your family and friends? Neighbors? Yourself? Can innocence be preserved when it sits on a foundation of violence?