Don't lie to me

You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Apr 15 2019 | Archive Date Not set
Buoy Media | Mystery Series

Talking about this book? Use #Dontlietome #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

When twelve-year-old Sophie Williams went on a Girl Scout summer camp, she never returned home.

Three months later, her body is found inside her sleeping bag in the most frequented area of Cocoa Beach, and the town is outraged.

The girl isn't just any child. She's the town's most beloved surf idol, and it was believed that she could be the next Kelly Slater.

As another child, the son of a well-known senator is kidnapped, and the parents receive a disturbing video, FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas — who has just returned to her hometown, divorced and out of a job — plunges into the investigation, breaking her promise to her children not to do police work again.

Local law enforcement, with her old flame Matt Miller in charge, are the ones who ask for her help in a case so unsettling that only she can solve it. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier it becomes for Matt and Eva Rae. Soon, everyone she holds dear is in grave danger as this case hits a little too close to home.


DON’T LIE TO ME is the first book in the Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Series and can be read as a standalone.

When twelve-year-old Sophie Williams went on a Girl Scout summer camp, she never returned home.

Three months later, her body is found inside her sleeping bag in the most frequented area of Cocoa...


Advance Praise

More than 5000 five-star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.

More than 5000 five-star reviews on Goodreads and Amazon.


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781094710969
PRICE $15.99 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)

Average rating from 134 members


Featured Reviews

Good book! I really enjoyed reading this book! This book had suspense, action ,drama, intrigue and a great storyline! I'm going through all willow rose books now lol this is only my second one but I've loved them both! I definitely recommend reading this book and series! They're well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Was this review helpful?

I loved the mystery and suspense of this story. Getting to know a new character is always a plus. So many twists and turns that you don't expect. Another great story by Willow Rose.

Was this review helpful?

Don’t lie to Me has you from the moment you pick it up. You’ll be entertained with suspense, thrills, twists and unexpected turns. Just when you think you figured it out, Willow Rose throws something ew at you.

Was this review helpful?

Don't Lie to Me is the first in the series with Eva Rae Thomas as the lead character. Eva Rae is moving to CoCoa Beach to be closer to her parents after her soon to be ex-husband up and walks out without a word. She is FBI but has recently quit due to a case that went badly. Trying to get her act together with the kids new schools, and activities, she stumbles into a missing child case taken from Girl Scout camp three months prior. More children will turn up missing before the kidnapper/murderer is revealed.

I have previously read other books by Willow Rose and have enjoyed each of them. I was pleased to see this available and was not disappointed. The story was easy to read, although there were a lot of characters pulled into the storyline, but it was well worth the read. I highly recommend it and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Was this review helpful?

Fast paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I am a huge fan of this author and look forward to any release of her books!!

Was this review helpful?

Eva Rae Thomas is a former FBI profiler who teams up with her childhood sweetheart Matt, a local cop in Cocoa Beach, FL to solve the mystery of the disappearance of a local child surf star from a Girl Scout camping trip.

I'll just stop right here and say that I chose 4 of Willow Rose's books to review, never having heard of this author before, but always a fan of a good law enforcement story. Wow! I was hooked immediately. I then discovered that Ms. Rose is a prolific writer and proceeded to order all her books from 3 of her series so I could read the WHOLE story. I had a reading marathon. I am hooked and can't wait to read more. Highly recommend anything by this author!

I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Reading the first two chapters of this novel will rip out your heart. We can all identify with being left out and feeling socially awkward, and your heart will ache for young Sophie knowing what her fate will soon be. Fast forward to Eva, a newly single down on her luck mother of three, trying to pick up the pieces of her life since her husband took off. Sophie's murderer was never found, and now the same saga is happening again with young girl named Maddie. Will she end up like Sophie? With short chapters, mostly first person narrative, and alternating time lines, you will fly through this book. Have your schedule cleared because once you start, you will not be able to put this book down to see how it ends.

Was this review helpful?

Former FBI profiler, Eva Rae Thomas latest case is very personal. No longer with the FBI divorced and a single mother of three very challenging children, she is thrust into the case of a 12-year-old surfing sensation – a future female Kelly Slater – who had vanished three months earlier. Her remains have now been found but…This a page turner and Eva Rae is a credit to all women who work to solve crimes. An excellent read. Thank you to NetGalley and Buoy Media. #Dontlietome #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

A gripping suspense story by a new to me author.
Great plot and characters, a story full of twists and turns.
Can't wait to read another book by this author.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Was this review helpful?

Great start to the series! I was drawn in right away by the main character, Eva Rae Thomas, and the way the events in her life over the last few years have changed drastically and how she is handling it. Her background is important in the events of the murders that she ends up investigating especially how it affects her children. Great suspense with an unexpected twist. I will be reading the rest of this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book in a new series featuring former FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas. Eva Rae has returned to her hometown with her children newly divorced and out of a job. She quickly becomes involved in a murder and then a kidnapping when her old flame, Matt Miller a local law enforcement officer, asks for her help. Her character is not believable as ex FBI making bad decisions not only as a trained profiler but as a mother as well. Usually when I don’t connect with the main protagonist I don’t enjoy the book but in this case I still really enjoyed the novel and look forward to reading the series.

Was this review helpful?

I discovered Willow Rose on NetGalley and cannot wait to read each and every one of her novels now. Don't Lie to Me" is a light, easy read but full of suspense. I loved this novel so much, and highly recommend you find her novels and sit down for a long read!

Was this review helpful?

DLtM by W. Rose is an Eva Rae Thomas Mystery, the firt book in this series, published by Buoy Media. I'm so happy I gave this book a try. I started reading and connected immediatedly with the characters, fell in love with Eva and their children, even the secondary charaters are exquisit.
Eva and her children just moved back in her hometown after an unpleasant separation from husband and father. Eva, the former FBI Profiler, now writer, has to sort out her life, her workaholic days seem over now. What she didn't expected is that just being a mom is trying to put it nicely. Her stay at home husband had a lot on his shoulders and now its her solely job.
The story is told in a multiple povs, jumps between past and present and has a plottwist I never had dreamed of.
A fantastic read, complex, unputdownable, highly recommendable, 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

The book was great, interesting characters, fast changing and twisting plot- exactly what I love! I would recommend this book to my friends and family!

Was this review helpful?

Eva retired from the FBI and now is a newly single mother of three kids. She finds the body of a little girl that went missing from a summer camp. Eva comes out of retirement to help Cocoa Beach Detective Matt Miller to solve this murder. Honestly this is the first book i've read by Willow Rose, Will be reading more soon.

Was this review helpful?

The plot of the book was such a great page turner. The plot of the book was very well written. I truly cannot wait to read another wonderful book from this author. This was a truly great book.

Was this review helpful?

This was a good book. The characters were well fleshed out, the plot kept moving at a good pace and the ending was unanticipated. The romance was a little underdeveloped though. I would like to keep reading the series to find out what happens next.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This doesn't impact my opinion in any way.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I have read by Willow Rose. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to read more by this author. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed!

Was this review helpful?

First time reading this author - definitely won't be the last!

This book had me from the first chapter - a kidnapped Girl Scout! As a former GS employee I was hooked!

Willow does a great job in character development. Totally felt the characters were relatable, real people. The plot developed at a pace that was easy to keep up with and kept me wanting to turn the page. It was a fast read - maybe because of the short chapters that kept things moving.

Did not see the villain and was shocked! Can't wait till Eva's next!+

Was this review helpful?

I'm trying to read everything Willow Rose has written. She has really captivated me. This is from the Eva Rae Thomas series, but there are other characters who each have their own set of stories. Eva Rae is sometimes likable, sometimes not likable, sometimes sympathetic, sometimes not so much. She will leave you wanting to read more, though!

Was this review helpful?

Wow, what a great start to a series! This is my first Willow Rose novel and I can promise you it won't be my last!I definitely didn't see that surprise ending, my two guesses on the bad guy were wayyy off lol I really enjoyed the twists and turns on this ride. Getting to know Eva Rae was an entire experience in itself; I feel like she's going to make a great detective for all her future cases/novels and I can't wait to prove my theory correct - there's like 10 more books in this series just WAITING for me to devour, so if you'll excuse me... 😘😉

As always, thanks so much netgalley for giving me the pdf so that I can share my thoughts and opinions with y'all 🧡

Was this review helpful?

Don't lie to me by Willow Rose is the first book in the Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Series. Willow Rose does not disappoint. I love everything I read by her, and this is no exception. Although it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the complete series in order. You will get so much more out of it by knowing the background of each previous book.

This is a thrilling suspense, full of lots of twists and turns. Eva Rae is trying to put her life back together after her divorce. She resigned from the FBI as a profiler and moved back home with her 3 kids. A child is missing and eventually found dead. Eva Rae ends up helping the Sheriffs Dept in the investigation. Soon another child, the daughter of a senator comes up missing. Can Eva Rae save her before it’s too late?

This is a fast-paced, unputdownable book that will keep you reading into the night. It’s full of suspense, action and lots of drama. A very intriguing read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Buoy Media for this free eARC.

Was this review helpful?

After Eva’s husband walks out and leaves her and her 3 children, she picks up and moves home. Without a husband who stayed home and cared for the kids, she has her hands full. When the body of a dead little girl turns up can she keep from getting involved with her history?


I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Was this review helpful?

I liked this book. I really liked this book. If I could rate a plus five, I would. The protagonist is brilliant at solving murders. This one is really a mystery. Red herrings abound...secrets. I did not guess the ending. I was surprised. Family and friends. Love and romance. Children with their delightful ways...yet the children have problems. Divorce and all that goes with it. Willow Rose is an innovative author who has written a cannot put down novel. I was intrigued with this story. It is fiction but reads like nonfiction and would make a terrific television show. A series really. There is no offensive language...the time line is pretty easy to discern. The characters are likable, most of them...too much so at times. Get comfy in a cozy chair...grab a cup of steaming herbal tea...don't think this is a light mystery...it is not...it is frightening and worrisome...it could happen. Get lost for an afternoon in the lives of these characters. This book was sent to me by Netgalley electronically for review. Thanks to the publisher and to this author for this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is the 1st book in the Eva Rae Thomas series. It was a great read that I couldn’t put down. The ending was full of surprise & ‘I didn’t see that coming’. Highly recommended👏🏻❤️

Sophie Williams is a 12 year old surfer with a very promising future. She disappeared from her Girl Scout camp and is found dead three months later. Who would have killed this little girl?

Eva Rae Thomas is a former FBI profiler who has returned to her childhood hometown of Cocoa Beach, FL with her kids. She’s left her FBI career and is writing a book but can’t seem to put the job behind her.

When another child goes missing, the police realize they need help finding the perpetrator. Her old friend and sometimes boyfriend, Matt, is now a detective & is desperate to find this killer before another child dies. Can Eva Rae help him before it’s too late?

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Oh wow! This was the first book by Willow Rose that I have ever read, but it won’t be the last. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t wait to get to the end! What a surprise!

Was this review helpful?

A serial murderer trying to make their point that the divorce of parents has adverse effects on children in the same family.

Moving back to her hometown after separating from her husband, ex-FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas gets involved in one murder investigation, which then progressively explodes into other murders and abductions, as well as having to deal with her own personal battle of being a newly single parent to her three kids.

Is there also a potential romantic subplot? Maybe in the next book it will come to fruition...

I quite enjoyed the twists in this story, as I have found that, with serial mysteries, the killer is easy to pinpoint from fairly early on. This one, however, I didn't see coming, so well done, Willow Rose - you made my day! Can't wait to read the next book in this series.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This is my 1st read by Willow Rose and I could not put it down.

FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas and her children just moved back to her hometown.
Matt Miller, her old flame, is on the local law enforcement team.

Only days into her move back, Eva Rae nearly hits a Woman running down the street screaming with her child. The story begins, it’s full of mystery, crime, and so much more that you will not be able to put this book down.

It’s a fast paced, action thriller, full of suspense and who dun it’s to make you want to know more!

The characters are very relatable and even loveable. I’ve got to read this entire series. This can be read on its own.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Willow Rose for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed it immensely.

Was this review helpful?

Children are missing and Eva Rae, formally FBI, has just moved back to her hometown to be close to her family and write a book. However, she can’t help but be pulled into the investigation and she starts questioning everyone! This was a definite page-turner. I read it all in one day because I couldn’t put it down…my kind of mystery!

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed the main character Eva Rae Thomas, she is down to earth and has faults. She’s trying to start over with three challenging children after her husband runs off. Moving back home is the first step but after being the breadwinner as a profiler, while her husband took care of the home and kids, she is way out of her comfort zone at home now.
When children start disappearing the local law asks for her help. She is now thrown back into work leaving her parent to help with the kids. She must find the kidnapper/killer before more children die.
The story is fast-paced and keeps your interest. Willow Rose is an amazing writer. So get the book and hold on to your hat you won’t want to put it down. I recommend all of her books and feel you will enjoy this one as much as did. Thank you NetGalley, for the chance to read this book. This is the second time I've read this book so you know it good!

Was this review helpful?

Book Title: Don’t Lie to Me
Series: Eva Rae Thomas Mystery #1
Author: Willow Rose
Publisher: Buoy Media LLC
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: April 15, 2019
My Rating: 3.6 rounded up

This is my first Willow Rose novel and she has written over 70 novels!.
When I saw this 2019 novel highly recommended by a reader on one of my Facebook books group and saw it was available- I downloaded it.

Our protagonist Eva Rae Thomas an ex-FBI profiler returns to Cocoa Beach her hometown with her three children after her divorce. There appears to be serial killer on the loose and she believes her experience can be of help!
Three months ago twelve-year-old Sophie Williams went on a Girl Scout summer camping trip; she was taken from her tent in the middle of the night. Now her body is found in her sleeping bag in the middle of the street near a popular area if Cocoa Beach.
Sophie was an up and coming competitive surfer. Her mother tells Eva Rae that Sophie had a stalker. He took pictures of her at competition. She believes he is the one who kidnapped and killed her daughter.
Eva Rae teams up with Matt Miller a Local law enforcement office and an old flame.
There is more to this case than what was first suspected.

The ended was a twist I did not have a clue. I knew the ‘Then’ stories were big clues and I did have a strong suspicion. Ha-ha~ Wrong!
Okay I read plenty of thrillers and know that authors like to lead down a path and isn’t always the correct path!

In the ‘Afterward’ Willow Rose tells us her inspiration for this story.
A friend of hers was going through a tough divorce and the children were caught in the middle. The
husband is refusing to let them see her and is telling lies about her.
In her research she discovers that this is something that often happens.
Ms. Rose then allowed her imagination to take over and she created this story.

Want to thank NetGalley and Buoy Media LLC for granting me this eGalley.
Publishing Release Date was April 15, 2019

Was this review helpful?

This book was so not one I would consider my usual cup of tea. But I'm so glad I decided to give it a chance because with this being the first book in the series, I have a feeling that I just started a new series I will be continuously waiting for the next one to come out each time. On top of this being a new series, Willow Rose is also a new author for me. So I was really taking a chance on this one. And I'm glad I did!

Eva Rae is a newly single mom who is also an ex-FBI agent and has decided to return to her hometown. She has also promised her kids that she is all done with investigative work and police work in general. But we all know that lifestyle doesn't end so easily or clearly cut. Especially when there is a serial killer on the loose in that hometown. Eva is a great investigator and with things hitting that close to home, there is no way she isn't going to get involved.

I'm glad that this is the start of a new series because the author had a lot going on in this book. And while everything came together exceptionally well, there is so much room for so many more books in the series. I found the twists and turns to be unpredictable and exciting. There was plenty of action going on to keep me hooked and I loved the character development as well. I strongly recommend this book! I received and ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

Was this review helpful?

This was the second Eva Rae book I had read, and it blew me away. The ending was once again, something I never saw coming and something I will not soon forget. The author has a genius for dropping little hints here and there, that make the reader think that maybe this person is the killer, but then the next hint drops for a different person, and so on.

Eva Rae Thomas has recently divorced, is unemployed and has come home to regroup. A much loved young surfer who had won awards had been missing for months, and then is found dead. Then a second child is missing and a hideous video is sent to the parents. The new chief (an old boyfriend) asks for her help, since her previous job was as an FBI profiler.

I recommend this book and the whole series to any one who enjoys a good mystery that keeps you guessing. I've already bought several books in this series. Thanks to the publisher Buoy Media and NetGalley for the review copy. It was a pleasure to voluntarily read and review this book.

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I have read from Willow Rose but it has made me want to read more from this author. A fantastic cross between a crime and thriller storyline which was in places, so emotive it was uncomfortable to read. When multiple children are found murdered in the most horrific ways, it becomes a race against time to find the perpetrator and reasons in order to save lives. Although I guessed the ending, it didn't take anything away from the overall read.

Was this review helpful?

An awesome book with so many twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages until the end!

Eva Rae is a separated mom of 3 and an ex FBI agent who returns to her hometown to write a book. While there, children go missing and murdered and she is asked to help by the local police.

There are several characters that could be behind the crime but you will never believe who the murder is!

I recommend to anyone who likes thrillers with many plot twists!

Thank you NetGalley and Buoy Media for the chance to review this book. I submitted review to Amazon .
#NetGalley #Buoy Media #Don’t Lie to Me

Was this review helpful?

this book is great and thrilling! I was at the edge of my sit most of the time. so brutal and true, so heartbreaking. a story of lost children and trauma and hurt. it actually is so graphic so if you're not ok with violent scenes this one is probably not for you. an amazing plot twist at the end and all and all a very good strong read. this was my first read by the author but I'm gonna read all her work for sure!
thanks to NetGally for providing my copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

Don't Lie To Me is about Eva Raye, a single mother who has moved back to her hometown after being abandoned by her husband.
After children keep disappearing and being found murdered, she goes back to work as an FBI agent to help catch the culprit.
Despite the main character's profession, you don't get to see much of the police. This story had me hooked from the first page.
The ending was satisfying, but felt a bit rushed to me.
If you are going to pick up this book, be aware that there is a lot of violence against children. It was much more brutal than I would have expected from a summer read.
All in all, it was a great book that I thoroughly enjoyed! I believe this will be a series, so I definitely pick up the sequel.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Buoy Media!

Was this review helpful?

The characters were well-developed, and I found myself invested in their lives. The plot was well thought out and had enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat. I appreciated the attention to detail, and the author did a great job of creating a vivid world that was easy to picture in my mind.
The themes explored in the book were thought-provoking and gave me a lot to consider. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with well-developed characters.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with this book and would definitely read it again. It was a great addition to my reading collection, and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.

Was this review helpful?

Great thriller that will leave you guessing. Great read that went by quickly because it was so well done. Definitely recommend this one if you enjoy a thriller/ who do it type book.

Was this review helpful?

Exactly what i need in a thriller. i have to get blown away at the end and can’t predict what’s going to happen. I found it hard to connect with the main character at first but after i past the first half i was so into it.

Was this review helpful?

While this book was in the romance section, there wasn't a whole lot of romance. Becuase of that, I will highly recommend it to people in my bookclub who prefer suspense with light romance instead of vice versa. Eva Rae Thomas was an FBI agent who specialized in serial killer profiling. She had to move home becuase her husband left her with three kids. So, she "retired" and is writing books. While she is having trouble acclimating to civiian life, she works on recouping old friendships including a police investigator who is in the process of solving a missing child case. Well, when Eva rolls into town - all the pieces start popping up and it is up to her to step on toes and get the crimes solved. This book is book 1 in a book of series of 5 so far on KU.

Was this review helpful?

When a young teenage girl goes missing it’s the worst nightmare of any parent. Three months later, young Sophie is found dead in her sleeping bag. Former FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas takes on the investigation to catch the monster who did this. Will she find out who did this before another child
gets hurt? The clock is ticking…..

Eva Rae moved back home with her children. She promised them that their lives would be less eventful. As soon as Sophie is found Eva Rae knows that, as a mother herself, she has to do everything in her power to catch the killer. She never expected it to hit so close to home.

Don’t Lie to Me is a dark ride and I couldn’t put it down. Author Willow Rose surprised me with some exciting twists and turns which kept me glued to the pages. If you’re looking for a fast paced, thrilling story I’d certainly recommend this first book in the Eva Rae Thomas series.

Was this review helpful?

She is not a stranger to me. I've read several books. This was one was just as entertaining as the others. Very interesting.

Was this review helpful?

I was surprised how much I liked this book. This book was so creeoy because it was so plauible and relatable because it is every parent's worst nightmare. Each character's story is related but how..... hmmmm. The twists were well placed and I thought this book was going to be a predictable mess; it was not!

I have never read anything by this author prior but if her next book is as good as this one, I am here for it. Definitely recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley, Willow Rose and Buoy Media Mystery Series for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already available.

Was this review helpful?

"Don't lie to me" delivers a gripping and suspenseful thriller that plunges readers into a world of crime, abduction, and high-stakes investigations. The story opens with a haunting mystery as a beloved young surfer idol is found dead in Cocoa Beach, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

The author wastes no time in setting a tense and engaging atmosphere, as the abduction of a senator's son adds another layer of urgency to the unfolding drama. At the center of it all is Eva Rae Thomas, an FBI profiler with a complex past who is drawn back into the world of crime-solving against her own promises.

Hays skillfully weaves a web of intrigue and danger, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Eva Rae Thomas and local law enforcement, including her old flame Matt Miller, race against time to solve the case. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it nearly impossible to predict the outcome.

One of the strengths of this novel is the character development, particularly with Eva Rae Thomas. Her internal struggles, personal sacrifices, and determination to solve the case make her a compelling protagonist. The supporting cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations, adds depth to the story.

The pacing is well-executed, with a perfect balance of investigative work, suspenseful moments, and emotional depth. As the investigation deepens, the danger escalates, and the stakes get higher, drawing readers further into the story.


"Don't lie to me" is not just a thrilling mystery; it's a story about resilience, redemption, and the enduring bonds of family and love. Willow Rose has crafted a captivating tale that will keep readers hooked from the first page to the heart-pounding conclusion. If you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, this book is a must-read.

Was this review helpful?

Synopsis (From Netgalley, the provider of the book to review)
*******************************************************

When twelve-year-old Sophie Williams went on a Girl Scout summer camp, she never returned home.
Three months later, her body is found inside her sleeping bag in the most frequented area of Cocoa Beach, and the town is outraged. The girl isn't just any child. She's the town's most beloved surf idol, and it was believed that she could be the next Kelly Slater.

As another child, the son of a well-known senator is kidnapped, and the parents receive a disturbing video, FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas — who has just returned to her hometown, divorced and out of a job — plunges into the investigation, breaking her promise to her children not to do police work again.

Local law enforcement, with her old flame Matt Miller in charge, are the ones who ask for her help in a case so unsettling that only she can solve it. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier it becomes for Matt and Eva Rae. Soon, everyone she holds dear is in grave danger as this case hits a little too close to home.

I am 99.99% sure that I read this when it first came out in 2019 but it was wonderful to return to it and read it once again. The first in a series, I recommend picking upas it is a great stand-alone book and thrilling mystery. Highly recommended.
#shortbutsweetreviews

Was this review helpful?

I had never heard of WIllow Rose, but I like a good detective/murder/suspense book. I'm glad I gave this book a chance! It was fast paced and was a quick read. I was excited to find out this is the first in a series - I'm sure I will check out more in this series! I liked Eva Rae - she was smart and seemed to know what to do under pressure. I will say that I thought there was a lot happening in this book. Would it have been possible to have removed some of the details without compromising the story? I don't know, but I felt like there was a lot going on. But in the end, it didn't matter because I enjoyed this book. Can't wait to read more Eva Rae adventures! Thank you NetGalley and Buoy Media for a digital arc of this title.

Was this review helpful?

This was a good one that left me completely surprised. Eva Rae quit her high profile job as an FBI profiler and moved with her children back to her home town after her husband left her. She has a book to write but she is struggling as a single mother who had not previously been responsible for keeping schedules straight. When a second child disappears from her small town she can't help wanting to be involved in solving the crime and eventually her old flame in the local law enforcement requests her help. This has the possibility of a good series and I will look forward to sequels. Thanks to NetGalley for and arc and for not influencing my review.

Was this review helpful?

You Just Never Know About Some People

Former FBI Agent Eva Rae Thomas has a hard time adjusting to being just a regular mom in Willow Rose’s psychological thriller, “Don’t Lie to Me,” after her husband leaves her and their three children for another woman.

Returning to her small Florida hometown of Cocoa Beach—where at least she has parents nearby to support her emotionally—Eva Rae finds that not only aren’t her children safe there, all children are at risk because a child serial killer is on the prowl.

Before long, Eva Rae is consulting as a profiler with local authorities trying to identify and track down the perpetrator(s) of these heinous attacks on area youths. What ties the crimes together? What messages are being sent? The explosive and unexpected surprise twisted ending is a real shocker.

JoyReaderGirl1 graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Willow Rose, and Publisher Buoy Media for this advanced reader’s copy (ARC) for review.

Was this review helpful?

Willow Rose did it again with this suspenseful page turner based in Coco Beach Florida. The sleepy surf town hadn’t seen anything like what rocked their world in this book. Eva Rae got more than she bargained for when she moved back home after her divorce to be closer to her parents. She never would have guessed who was the killer and I bet you won’t either!

Was this review helpful?

I was hooked on this one from the beginning. What an amazing book! The chapters were short and kept me wanting more. I didn’t like the font at the beginning of each chapter though. It overlapped with the other words too much

Was this review helpful?

This was a beautifully written book, with a feel good factor. The book would make a great holiday read, be prepared to binge read and become absorbed into the storyline. I am biased as love Willow Rose books and was so excited to receive this copy.. thank you netgally and publishers

Was this review helpful?

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

Was this review helpful?

Wow - what a page turner! This is about a serial killer dad and was truly a thrilling read. It was very well done and had me continuously captivated with solving the mystery. Overall it was a great fast paced thriller.

Was this review helpful?

I was so hooked on this story from the start, I couldn't put it down. And when life made me put it down(ugh), I couldn't stop thinking about it. The whole time my heart was racing. I didn't realize this book is a series, so I definitely wasn't expecting a cliffhanger. That was my mistake and didn't take away from how much I love this story. I will definitely be reading the next one!

Eva Rae has recently moved back to her hometown in Florida with her 3 kid's after freshly getting divorced. Her husband had decided he was done with his marriage and kid's, and moved into a fresh new relationship right away. Eva is a former FBI agent, but soon circumstances quickly make it clear she's not finished.

Children have gone missing, more and more in a very disturbing and gruesome way each time.the victims are found. The kidnapper is sending out video's through YouTube and Facebook, to send a message. It seems they are very persistent about sending a message about the effects of divorce.

There are multiple POVs from children and from Eva Rae. There are many disturbing and uncomfortable scene's and topics, so definitely check trigger warnings.

I highly recommend this book if you love psychological crime thrillers with some big twists thrown in.

Was this review helpful?

A very interesting read. I found the flashbacks both helpful and a slight hindrance as you were unsure chronologically where the story of the boy and his sister fitted into the storyline. It did explain things that happened and the killer's actions later in the book.
I will more than likely carry on reading this series as I found it well written with likeable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this book.

Was this review helpful?

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Don't Lie To Me is the first in the Eva Rae Thomas series by Willow Rose. Little did I know is that this is the start of a 16 book series. It's a great popcorn police procedural thriller. A bunch of kids are going missing and being murdered, which is super dark, but I really got into this story. I wanted to know why these kids were being taken and what was the reasoning behind the murders.

I really liked Eva, even if she really was a pretty terrible parent. She put her job first which - good for you lady, I personally have no desire to do that in my life, but her all the power to you. I liked Matt as well. I felt that the two had great chemistry and really enjoyed watching the two work together in order to solve this crime. I felt like the pacing was spot on - I flew through this one in a night and really couldn't put it down. The twists were placed perfectly and kept me wanting more. I didn't see the ending coming at all and honestly, I really like where Rose went with this.

I was able to listen to this one and read on my kindle. The audio was narrated by Kendrea Lee Oberhauser and she did a phenomenal job at bringing this one to life. She really packed the suspense into this one and managed to kept me on the edge of my seat with her performance. I really enjoyed being able to listen to this one while reading.

This book was first published in 2019 and I was granted an eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review! Definitely recommending this one to any of my popcorn mystery/thriller/police procedural friends. This is available on Kindle Unlimited which is a huge plus! Definitely looking forward to picking up the rest of the series and seeing where Eva Rae Thomas ends up next. Huge thank you to NetGalley, Willow Rose, Buoy Media, Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media for the eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

Page turner 🙌🏻

I had the hardest time putting this down. The way it flowed, blending two stories into one was seamless! And she was very careful to not use the persons name in the second story. I bounced back and forth thinking it “it’s another victim” to “maybe it’s the killer” I don’t know how many times !!
The layout and thought process behind each victim was almost unnerving. I never would have seen it that way at all.

Only receiving a 4 star because it was a slow start. But once your through the first few introductory chapter, it was so much better !

Was this review helpful?

Willow Rose always leave me wanting and need more of her work and this is no different. From the characters to the plot it’s amazing

Was this review helpful?

Just finished reading this intense crime thriller! An ex-FBI detective, recently divorced, is thrust back into action when a series of chilling kidnappings and murders rock her town. With relentless suspense, shocking twists, and deep emotional layers, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The story explores themes of family trauma, divorce and the long-lasting effects on the children.

The detective's personal connection to the case and her familiarity with the locations and clues made it a bit convenient for her to solve the mystery. Or maybe it's a possibility that the author wanted to emphasize the detective's skills and intuition. It's just a matter of perspective.

Even after predicting the plot twist, the journey to go there was still engaging and satisfying.

Was this review helpful?

Don't Lie to Me is the first book in Willow Rose's Eva Rae Thomas series. Eva Rae is an ex-FBI profiler who moves back home after her ex-husband decides to leave her and their children for a younger woman to start a new family.

After arriving back in her hometown, Eva Rae is pulled into a murder mystery that hits a lot closer to home than she is originally aware of, and when her younger daughter goes missing, she is afraid the killer has her in his cross-hair.

The story comes to a dramatic climax, making Eva Rae and her mother realize just how much pain and unresolved trauma can shape a person's life, and sometimes, regardless of how much a person may think otherwise, you can never really know a person.

Ms. Rose uses the topics of divorce and some of the consequences as the major theme of the Don’t Lie to Me. While the book is very easy to read, the topics are quite serious; some might even say brutal. Willow Rose did a great job treating these topics with respect, and making them easy to handle regardless of how disturbing they are, and how much they could in fact trigger some people if not treated carefully enough.

Was this review helpful?

"Don't Lie to Me" by Willow Rose is a gripping and fast-paced mystery that sets the stage for the compelling Eva Rae Thomas series. As the first installment, it introduces us to former FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas, who is drawn back into the world of crime-solving when a young girl goes missing in her hometown. The plot is a masterclass in suspense, that kept me on the edge of my seat.

What makes "Don't Lie to Me" particularly captivating is the characters. Eva Rae Thomas is a strong, relatable protagonist whose personal struggles add layers to her relentless pursuit of justice.

It's no wonder that after finishing this book, I couldn't resist diving into the rest of the series. Reading all 16 books within a week is a testament to the author’s ability to create a world so compelling and addictive that it becomes impossible to put down.

For fans of psychological thrillers and detective stories, "Don't Lie to Me" is a must-read.

Was this review helpful?

Don’t Lie to Me, is the first book in the Eva Rae Thomas series. This is a non stop thriller! It had me guessing who the killer was from beginning to end! The ending was a shocker! I will be reading the rest of this series! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Was this review helpful?

Wow!! This was a great thriller. You'll never guess who the killer is!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed the first book in the Eva Rae Thomas series! I loved the characters, the suspense and the twist that I never would have guessed. I am now looking forward to reading the next instalment and beyond! 5 stars.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed this book. This was the first book that I have read my Willow Rose but it will not be the last! This book had me on the edge of my seat, always wondering what was going to happen next.

Willow Rose has a way with her writing that makes you think you are right there in the book and like you have known the characters for your whole life. She keeps you intrigued throughout the whole book with all of her twists and turns.

Don't Lie To Me is the first story in the series that has Eva Rose as the main character. This story brings us into the realm of child abuse and the repercussions stemming from that. There are a few subplots in this book, that I think will be connected in the following books in the series.

This is for sure a book that you won't be able to put down. I promise you, you won't be able to guess the ending (which are the best kinds of books). you will be turning pages throughout the night and putting off all other responsibilities just to be able to finish and find out what happens at the end.

Was this review helpful?

Don’t Lie to Me by Willow Rose is a gripping and fast-paced thriller that pulls you in from the very first page. The story follows FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas as she investigates a chilling case of a missing child in a small Florida town. The plot is full of twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat, with moments of suspense that build up the tension perfectly.

What I really enjoyed about this book is how well Eva Rae’s character is developed. She’s strong, determined, and her personal struggles make her relatable. The mystery itself is well-plotted, though at times it felt like there were a few too many twists that could have been simplified. However, the pacing is excellent, and it’s the kind of book that you’ll want to finish in one sitting.

If you love crime thrillers with strong female leads and an engaging plot, Don’t Lie to Me is definitely worth picking up.

Was this review helpful?

Willow Rose's Don't Lie to Me is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the complexities of trust, deception, and the hidden truths that can shatter lives. The story follows a protagonist who finds herself entangled in a web of lies as she seeks to uncover the truth behind a mysterious disappearance in her community.

Rose's writing is taut and suspenseful, skillfully building tension with each chapter. The characters are richly developed, each harboring secrets that keep readers guessing. As the plot unfolds, the protagonist’s journey becomes increasingly fraught, making it difficult to discern friend from foe.

The pacing is expertly handled, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Themes of betrayal and the consequences of dishonesty resonate throughout, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of truth in their own lives.

Overall, Don't Lie to Me is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers. It’s a compelling exploration of the lengths people will go to protect their secrets and the devastating effects of lies.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: