3.5 *s. I always find Clare Mackintosh's novels to be very readable. They pull me in and keep me reading. This is a slow building thriller, but I enjoy the slower pace that allows for more character building. I would say that much of this book was a 4 * read for me. It has lots of twists and turns. Unfortunately, since I read a lot of this type of novel, some of the twists felt a bit too familiar. I was okay with the ending until the author dropped one of those final sentences that added ambiguity. I'm not a fan of that at all. Still, the overall read was quite enjoyable for me.

Anna Johnson's parents have both committed suicide and on the anniversary of her mother's death, she receives a not questioning if it was suicide. She gives the note to a retired detective who starts an investigation. Things are not what they appear to be. As in Ms. Mackintosh's other books, there are twists and turns and unreliable people thrown throughout. I loved, loved, loved I Let Go and enjoyed I See You but this one moved a bit too slowly for me. I kept wanting to get to the point already. I was suspicious of everyone, which is good in a mystery. And the ending will make you go hmmmmm...

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

If plot twists were swooshes, this book would give Nike a run for its money. Just when I thought I had it nailed, the next chapter came along and forced me to think again.

The whole thing starts on a faulty premise: Anna Johnson's parents, Tom and Caroline, committed suicide seven months apart (each waiting for high tide before jumping off a cliff into the ocean). Anna is devastated, but she's beginning to deal with the heartbreak with the help of her new baby, Ella, and Ella's father, Mark Hemmings. She's never been convinced that her loving parents would have done themselves in, so a year later when she gets an anonymous note telling her that the deaths weren't suicides, she becomes even more determined to find out what really happened.

Needless to say, that ruffles some feathers; for sure, Mark (who's a mental health counselor) isn't pleased, and neither is Tom's brother Billy, co-owner with his brother of a once highly profitable car dealership. Despite their misgivings, Anna takes the note to the police, where it ends up in the lap of retired detective Murray Mackenzie, who's still with the department but relegated to a desk job. He's got personal issues as well, in the form of a much-loved wife who is in more than out of a mental rehabilitation facility. In fact, Murray no longer has any real authority to investigate, but something about the case piques his interest and he forges ahead while skirting official channels.

Much of the focus is on what's going on with Anna and Murray (the latter of whom I'd love to read more about). Chapters shift from Anna's and Murray's perspectives to that of an unknown person familiar with the situation, as the TV news wonks are fond of saying. Each chapter adds tidbits of new information, culminating in an exciting, and for the most part surprising, final chapter.

Notice I didn't use the word "ending;" that's because what it actually means isn't clear (I think I know, but then what do I know, <i>really</i>)? And if I'm honest, much as I loved the book, even though we see Anna grow more and more paranoid, some of her reactions somehow didn't seem to "fit."

But hey, it's the sum of the parts that make a whole, and this book is a whole lot of good. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review it.

After reading Clare Mackintosh's first two books, which stayed with me long after I finished reading them, I was looking forward to reading this one. It sucked me in right away, but lost me in the middle when the twist was very Gillian Flynn-esque. However, the book managed to bring it back around and ended up surprising me after all.

Detective Murray and his relationship with his wife was my favorite part of this book. I felt empathy for Anna with her struggles. All the twists in this story just didn't work for me and just became a confusing mess.

I loved this book. So well written. I found this book unputdownable!!

When I was first approached about reviewing Clare Mackintosh’s newest release, Let Me Lie, I initially hesitated. I love psychological thrillers, and her last novel, I See You, was enjoyable and engaging, but not entirely original (in my review I mentioned how I kept thinking of Law & Order and that the book could easily work as an episode). Still, Mackintosh is a genre darling and I finally caved and accepted.

Anna recently lost both her parents to suicide – her mother’s being an exact replica of her father’s. Her father was seen weighing down his pockets with rocks and placing his few belongings on the cliff edge at high tide. Mere months later, her mother’s death echoed her father’s, leaving Anna heartbroken. With the anniversary of her mother’s death rapidly approaching (along with Christmas, her mother died on December 21st), Anna isn’t shocked to see letters and notes in the mail. What does catch her eye, however, is a rather celebratory ‘happy anniversary’ card. A good intention that missed the mark, perhaps? Inside reads “Suicide? Think again,” convincing Anna there was more to her parents’ deaths than she originally thought.

Told in alternating voices: Anna; Murray, a semi-retired detective who decides to look into the case; and Anna’s mother, desperately missing her daughter and wanting to visit her once more, Let Me Lie is another intense and entertaining thriller that certainly held me captive until its final pages.

Rereading my review for I See You, it’s apparent Mackintosh seems to go for younger-woman-with-an-older-man. In Let Me Lie, Anna is 25. Grieving, she makes an appointment with a counselor and a few sessions later, Mark confesses he can no longer see Anna, his feelings for her have gone past professional. Less than a year later, Ella arrives. Mark is in his early 40s, Anna in her mid-20s. It could be a complete coincidence, but something interesting I noticed.

While the mystery aspect didn’t do too much for me (toward the end it became cheesy and a bit over the top – and the final page had me rolling my eyes), Let Me Lie put a HUGE emphasis on mental health that I thought was refreshing and handled really well. Not just Anna’s postpartum experiences, but Murray’s wife’s depression and BPD. Nearing 60, Sarah has good days, days where she’s alert and joyful, curious about Murray’s work and eager to help him solve the puzzles to crack the case. But she also has days where she can’t get out of bed, days where food just doesn’t seem to factor in, and over their 25-year marriage, Sarah has tried several times to commit suicide. Currently admitted to a hospital, Sarah doesn’t want to leave, she feels safe surrounded by the doctors and attendants and even the thought of a simple walk outdoors causes her to panic. Yet Murray deeply loves his wife and diligently visits, always hoping that today will be the day she wants to come home – he never knows for how long, but having her home with him is always something he looks forward to. Murray’s chapters were by far the best part of Let Me Lie – I would actually read an entire book that focused just on him he was that great.

The beginning of the novel was a bit slow-going with Anna trying to convince Murray to take another look into her parents’ deaths, but once he begins to wonder at the possibility of murder, the story took off and it was difficult to put this one down. That said, I do feel this one was just a mediocre read, particularly with the Big Reveals that dipped into trope territory. I feel that someone completely new to mysteries will find Let Me Lie absolutely riveting. In my review for I See You, I mentioned with that novel, Mackintosh didn’t exactly bring anything new to the genre, and the same could be said here. Still, I’m positive this one will be loved by many readers – and will make an excellent beach read come summer.

*I just want to let you guys know that going in to this book you really shouldn't read the plot of the book. The plot of the book ends up giving away a major spoiler.*

I am sad to say this book ended up being my first Clare Mackintosh book. I solely picked it up because I've heard nothing but amazing things about her previous two books. I am so happy to get an arc of it.

This story ends off starting off slow but I promise you that sticking with it is paid off. It gets very action packed in the end. I honestly had no idea how anything was going to turn out. Clare left me completely shocked even until the end of the story. Usually I'm not a very big fan of slow starting books. This book kept me engaged because the writing was so good. Clare does a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat. I had to know what happened.

This book was the only time I was conflicted with if I felt it was really necessary for the story or not. I did really enjoy Murray's character. He is the retired police officer that agrees to help Anna figure out what really happened to her parents. I have to say I did really enjoy him as a character. He is so compassionate. He also doesn't really have the authority to investigate this case but he decides to anyway. He wants to get to the bottom of it just as much as Anna does. Plus the relationship with his wife was very touching to see. I just was a little unsure if his p.o.v. was necessary. I could see it being the case if she decided to turn the book into the series and make him a reoccurring character. I would really enjoy that. I would like to see more with him.

Overall I felt like this was a great read. It had a lot of shocking moments that I did not see coming. I really enjoyed Murray. I do wish the book was based on him over Anna. I will be checking out more of Clare Mackintosh's books because I've heard such amazing things. If they are anything like this book I know I'm really going to enjoy it. Clare has an amazing writing style that I can't wait to read more from.

Clare Mackintosh is an author I would follow anywhere. If Mackintosh wrote a book about drying paint, I would read it. Mackintosh consistently delivers stories which are compelling, thrilling, and leave you impatiently awaiting her next release. Let Me Lie has done what I thought impossible. It has dethroned I Let You Go as my favorite novel by Mackintosh.

Anna Johnson has suffered a terrible loss in the form of her parent’s suicide. First her father, then seven months later her mother meets the same fate in the exact manner as her father’s suicide. Almost two years later Anna still struggles with grief and confusion. On the anniversary of her mother’s death, Anna receives a cryptic message suggesting her mother’s suicide was actually murder. Anna has always had doubts about the death of her parents but this message confirms her suspicions. As Anna digs deeper into the lives of her parents, she uncovers secrets, lies, and begins to question her relationship with her parents and everyone in her life.

Anna is a character I could completely relate to. I felt an enormous amount of sympathy for her. On top of losing her parents in such a terrible manner, she is also a new mother. The level of stress and sadness she has to contend with is unimaginable. There were so many times I just wanted to reach in and give her hug. Mackintosh makes sure readers will be able to sympathize with Anna, but she gives her strength, resilience, and determination. While I was sad for Anna, I did not pity her.

Mackintosh’s writing is as thrilling in Let Me Lie as her previous novels. The story is packed with twists and turns, and even a paranormal element. Also included in Let Me Lie is a shift in the plot, which I have coined “The Mackintosh Mark”. In I Let You Go and Let Me Lie, there is a point in the book, where the perspectives change and everything you thought you knew about the story is turned on its head. You have to rethink and go back over all your opinions as well as where you thought the story was going. It’s awesome and it’s the reason Clare Mackintosh is one of my favorite authors. However, Let Me Lie pulled at my heart strings much more than her previous novels, I See You and I Let You Go. Mackintosh addresses the aftermath of suicide and those left in it’s wake. The betrayal and abandonment felt by Anna is palpable. The affects of Anna’s parents suicide are felt by some outside of Anna’s family.

In Let Me Lie Mackintosh dives into the issue of mental illness. When Anna receives the message suggesting her mother’s death was not suicide, she enlists assistance from Murray Mackenzie. Murray is a retired Detective Constable working as a civilian with the police department. During his career Murray was respected and considered to be one of the best investigators in the department. His wife Sarah suffers from borderline personality disorder. Murray is completely devoted to Sarah. I found it very refreshing to read a story in which the person suffering from mental illness was not vilified. In fact Sarah was my favorite character and was often very helpful to Murray in his investigation.

The way Mackintosh is able to take on such sad and sensitive subject matter with respect, grace, and sensitivity is nothing short of impressive. Once again Mackintosh has delivered a novel which has raised the bar for my future psychological suspense reads.

Clare Mackintosh is one of those “blow my mind” authors. One of the queens of the psychological thriller genre, I found myself completely gripped with her previous novels from the fast paced plots to the “real word” situations, I loved her full of suspense writing style and dynamically developed characters.

Unfortunately, for me, Let Me Lie, the newest publication by Clare Mackintosh left much to be desired.

For starters, this one was a sloooooooooow burn. I found myself unable to read more than a few chapters at a time without feeling the need to put this one down. It just didn’t have the same “grip” as some of the previous work I have read by Mackintosh. I like to think I have a pretty solid attention span but this one tested me!

I did appreciate the final twist in the end and was intrigued by the last 15% or so of the novel, but, truthfully, I was expecting more!

I know that I shouldn’t compare one work to another but I cannot help it! I feel like fans of Mackintosh will be a little disappointed by this one but, if you are a new reader to her work, you may be more entertained!

I, of course, will continue to read more from this author but this particular book was a miss.

Clare Mackintosh is one of my favorite suspense writers. I read her books in two days, usually because I can’t put them down! This one was no different: a protagonist who is trying to get to the bottom of her parents’ deaths as she knows something just is not right. It kept me guessing right up to the end!

Thank you for my e-copy via Net Galley!

My Highly Caffeinated Thought: An emotional and slow revealing thriller filled with twists and wonderfully imperfect characters. Not to mention an ending which can be called nothing short of killer.

Claire Mackintosh did it again! LET ME LIE brings together so many elements of the author’s previous books while infusing it with a whole new theme. The blending of social issues, mental stability, and addiction with the mystery of what happened to Anna’s parents was expertly done.

As a slow-burning psychological thriller, this book eases the reader into the investigation. Though at times I wanted the pace to be a bit quicker, the author would throw in tidbits and reveals to keep my interest. In truth the complexity and nature the story allows for the pace. I was able to grasp more of the content as well as delve further into the web of lies, secrets, and duplicity of the characters.

This is the third book I have read by the author, and I must say that I was not disappointed. I love her deeply flawed characters. Mackintosh always manages to bring to life the honesty and grit of the human condition. There is never anything cut and dry with her books. The multiple facets to a situation is the cherry on top of an already a clever and addictive mystery. Fourth book please…

We start out meeting Anna, a young woman who is learning how to be a mother while simultaneously mourning the loss of her parents. It seems that her father committed suicide, and, overcome by grief, her mother follows suit. Her partner, Mark, is supportive but he is getting used to his role as a first time father while also still getting to know Anna. The two weren't dating long when she got pregnant and their relationship got off to a strange start, seeing as he's her former grief counselor.

Immediately, I started off uncomfortable. Anna's grief is palpable and the whole situation feels off. Then, on the anniversary of her mother's death she gets a card in the mail that says suggests that her parents' deaths may not be suicide after all. Panic-stricken, she takes the card to her uncle who immediately dismisses it. The police have long ago ruled out any signs of foul play, but she takes the card to them anyway and we meet Murray.

Murray is a retired detective who still works at the station on civilian duty. He loves his wife and would like nothing more than to spend all of his time with her, but she suffers from borderline personality disorder and is often in the hospital. I loved reading about Murray and his struggle with transitioning out of the job, as well as his love and relationship with Sarah. Mackintosh discusses mental illness with frankness and respect. These sections were the high points in the novel, for me.

Clare Mackintosh is a master at creating tension and crafting a compelling police procedural narrative. She's also a master at crafting shocking twists and I found myself flying through the book to get to the end. I was questioning everybody. Just as I thought I knew what was going on, another piece of the puzzle would fall into place and I'd be left guessing again. I will say, this is a slow burn that felt rambling in sections and it felt like the characters got backed into a corner. I can't say much more than that without spoilers, but in the end this wasn't my favorite by the author. Still, I would recommend because of Murray and the cliffhangers. If you're a fan of the author or crime thrillers-give this a go. It's entirely possible that my expectations have been set too high by her other books!

This book takes off running, so the reader need not worry about being bored. Anna has been coming to grips with both of her parents committing suicide at separate times. She receives a mysterious note telling her that suicide may not be to blame after all. Without giving too much away, Anna receives help from a kind detective named Murray, and then there's a huge twist that makes the jaw drop, but it's not over. There are more shockers to come as this book rolls on. In the acknowledgments section, the author admits she took some liberties, but there were a couple that felt a little too unrealistic. Still, it was a great thriller!

Let Me Lie is a true psychological thriller. The suspense, the mystery, the secrets all feed into the story keeping the reader guessing as to what will happen next. There were so many twists and turns that I found myself wanting to skip ahead and see where they were heading. And oh the lies… so many lies. Lies on top of lies on top of lies. Sounds like it could get confusing but it was just the opposite. They all played into the story perfectly.

The story is told from multiple points of views. I loved that one of the points of view was unidentified. This kept me guessing as who was telling their story without revealing themselves. From the different voices it was fun to try to tell who was lying, who was telling the truth, and who was telling the story as they knew it whether truthful or not.

If you are looking for a psychological thriller full of twists and moment that will make you stop and think…Let Me Lie is the book for you.

My first read for author, Clare Mackintosh...(will obtain her previous novels) unable to recall when last I picked up a crime fiction novel. The subject matter on suicide and murder would yank on the heartstrings of any human being. I felt Anna’s loss of both her parents. She exhibits strength in dealing such deep human tragedy and dark life experiences.
Thank you net galley for the opportunity to get acquainted with this writer’s work.
LM

crime/police investigations/death

Let me Lie is an intriguing read about a woman who suddenly discovers that her parent's suicides may not have been investigated properly. With the help of a retired, volunteer cop, Anna attempts to uncover the truth of her parents disappearances. There are some truly excellent twists to the book and I know on more than one occasion I was sure that I had it figured out, only to be wrong. By the end of the book, everything fell into place and it was a satisfying conclusion. Most of the characters are well fleshed out, the ultimate resolution is believable, and most of the suspects are red herrings.

Clare Mackintosh’s Let Me Lie was my first read by her and let me tell you it was a crazy ride. This psychological thriller had so many twists and turns and kept me captivated! The blurb gives you just enough to get you interested but once you dig in, you want to see how it all ends.

Anna has lost both her parents. Though the police think they committed suicide, Anna believes they were murdered. After her father’s death, she was devastated and cannot believe her mother would put her through it again. Now with a child of her own, Anna is missing her parents and wants answers. But what will be the cost of those answers?

Though I enjoyed the story, Murray and his wife were the best part of this book. I loved them. Their support and love for each other was amazing. This was my first read by this author and I loved the story and the mystery. The story was a bit slow in the beginning, but it seemed to be setting the groundwork, because once it picked up, I was captivated. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!

Clare Mackintosh knows how to write a mystery that is riveting from page one to the very last sentence. A couple, Tom and Caroline Johnson commit suicide and leave their adult daughter behind to pick up the pieces. In the aftermath, she falls in love with her therapist and they have a baby. Through out all of this she misses her parents immensely wanting them to be there for the whole thing.

The story starts when Anna is left a suspicious note and takes it to her local police department where she meets a retired police detective who is now working more of an admin like job at the station and he decides to take the note and investigation on himself. And from there it is a fantastic ride.

It has twists and turns and I may have predicted one or two, but I was not in the least bit disappointed when I did, the story was that good! I think Clare Mackintosh knows how to unveil bits and pieces at the right times to keep the reader reading at the fastest pace. Be warned once you hit the last 80 pages, you won't be able to put this one down!

I like that Clare Mackintosh books are all self contained, so you can read one and be done. I have read all of her US releases and will read all of her future ones!

Thanks to Berkley Pub for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Who else is a Clare Mackintosh fan? I loved I SEE YOU when it released last year and I couldn't wait to see what she came up with next. LET ME LIE is on the lighter side when it comes to a suspense novel with a slower build to it. So if you're going into it expecting a crazy thriller, then you may come out disappointed.

Tom and Caroline Johnson committed suicide just two years ago. They couldn't live without the other, so they went together. Anna, their daughter, is trying to come to terms with their deaths, but she has so many questions. Why did they take their lives? She begins to investigate into their suicides more, but there's someone that wants the past to remain buried.

"The police say it was suicide. Anna says it was murder. They're both wrong."

There's absolutely no denying that Clare Mackintosh knows how to write a story. The way she develops the characters and weaves the events always amazes me. So for the writing alone this was a great read. If you're in the market for a slower burn read then this will be perfect for you! I can see this being one that Mackintosh fans will be divided on, but that's what keeps this community so fun!

That last portion of the book will sink it's teeth into you and you won't want to stop reading!

I give this 3.5/5 stars!