Little Liar by Clare Boyd is being marketed as a psychological thriller but to me it read more like a domestic drama during the majority of the book with a slight hint at a psychological thriller to it. Regardless of what you want to call this one I did find it incredibly compelling to read.

Gemma is a mother that is doing the best that she can for her kids but her daughter, Rosie, has started acting out. Rosie’s attitude can go from 0 to 100 in a split second with tantrums becoming the norm for the family. When Rosie is amidst one of her outbursts the neighbors can overhear her screams which leads to a call to the police.

This story had my attention right from the start and I wasn’t really sure why other than plain curiosity of where it would lead. The neighbor, Mira, was one that really drove me crazy sticking her nose into other’s business without much reasoning. And then I also went back and forth on Gemma since it seemed that obviously her tactics with Rosie weren’t working. But don’t even get me started on what a terror Rosie actually seemed to be. What A Mess!

The further the book got the more engaged I became when things start escalating for Gemma. There are secrets and lies uncovered from about everyone in the story and even times the POV would change to young Rosie as she writes in her diary. Even though this one really bordered more on drama than thriller it still kept my attention waiting to see just how far thing would go. I will say though they did a horrible job with the synopsis on this one though as it gives away things incredibly far into the story but not enough that I knew the outcome.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

A good build up to this story but a very disappointing ending

I really enjoyed Little Liar, it was tense and suspenseful throughout the story, and was well-written, with a decent pace and good characterisation. This one has been on my TBR for a long time and it did not disappoint. I will be looking out for more of Clare Boyd's books in the future.


Overall, the plot of Little Liar was very thrilling, gripping me from start to finish. However, there is one difference, this doesn't really have plot-twists, it's partly predictable, but even when it's not, it's more the suspense building towards the next event, rather than a sudden change in plot. However, the suspense is brilliant and keeps you hooked, everything just gets worse and worse, and the characters get into more and more problems. That being said, the ending wasn't great, I was a bit disappointed, as I knew exactly what I needed from it to wrap-up the story for me, and it just didn't deliver. I can't go any further, as this review is spoiler-free, but it didn't quite do it for me.
The characterisation was a highlight of this novel, Boyd created some characters which could be extremely unlikeable, and yet you were still invested in them, keeping your interest in the story even more. For instance, at times I was confused over what I even thought about Rosie's character, was I rooting for or against her, I honestly don't know? I was also left with so many questions about her when the book ended, and she felt somewhat unresolved. Gemma was creepy at times, but I liked the darker side to her, and Mira was just quirky and completely unlikeable, yet you still appreciate her point of view and still find her extremely interesting.


Overall, I would recommend this book, if you're looking for a slow burning, steady and suspenseful thriller. The characterisation was very well done and the writing contributed to the gripping plot-line. I will be looking out for further Clare Boyd books.


I received this E-Arc in exchange for an honest review and would like to say thank-you to Bookouture for providing me with an advanced-readers-copy of this book.

If ever a book were to cement my feelings on the subject of motherhood and why I just won't do it, this book is probably it. From the very beginning this book had me on edge and had my lips curling as I watched the action unfold. The whole scenario would be every parent's worst nightmare and author Clare Boyd has done a brilliant job of recreating a darkness and an utterly tense storyline which it seems impossible for protagonist Gemma to find a way out of.

But where to start with this review? With Gemma, the mother who has the unconditional love of her son, and yet who has an altogether different relationship with her daughter. It is hard, at first, to see why other than the fact that her daughter, Rosie, is very ... high-spirited, and perhaps has a few issues that need the help of a psychologist to sort out. Then again, Gemma is a very busy career driven woman who has struggled with being a mother it seems, and the more we learn about her and see what happens, tha harder it is to know how much of her situation is of her own making. It's hard to be fully sympathetic, however the way in which the who situation seems to turn against her did make me feel for her, my frustration levels rising as those around her failed to see the wood for the trees.

Then there is Mira, the next door neighbour. God that woman. The very definition of nosy neighbour, she thinks she is acting in Rosie's best interests and yet, as her own story unfolds, you realise that her concerns are not all completely selfless. She is a very complex character but one which I came to dislike a lot. Clare Boyd has played a blinder in the way she has developed this character, the source of some of the biggest gah! moments for me in the book.

And then there is little Rosie. The narrative is littered with sections from her secret diary, ones which as the story progresses become ever more telling and also make the reader feel very conflicted about what is going on. Without this, it is hard to know where the truth ends and the lies begin. There are times when I wanted to scream at the book for Gemma to just break into the sodding diary and yet she never did, respecting her daughter's boundaries. There are reasons for Rosie acting up but whether they fully justify her actions ... well you need to read and judge for yourself. Needless to say Rosie pushes her mother to the limits, to a point where you could perhaps understand, if not forgive it, if Gemma truly were to snap.

The story confronts some very key issues, especially in a world in which child rights and the laws on 'punishment' of children are rapidly evolving. Would any behaviour make violence against a child, accidental or otherwise, forgivable? Are we moving into a world where it is guilty until proven innocent when it comes to child welfare. Does the punishment that Gemma faces fit the crime? This book has a kind of personal edge for me and yet part of me still could not believe how easily the police sided with Rosie without any true or clear evidence against Gemma. It certainly makes you think ...

This is occasionally a difficult book to read in as much as it will drive you crazy. The actions of all involved suspect and there is not a single character who elicits full sympathy, even though you can feel elements of it for each of the three central characters at some stage. But more than that it is a book which made me angry. Angry because of certain characters behaviour. Angry because people were blind to the truth. Angry because so many secrets had been kept which were unnecessary and exacerbated the issues Gemma and her family were facing. And any book which can get under my skin that much and make me feel that angry ... Well it's a pretty bloody well written story in my eyes.

A very involving plot, with a gripping end. Sags a little in the middle but overall a well-written page turner.

It took me a while just to get into this book but I persevered and eventually couldn't put it down. The story builds up to what should be a great ending but ...... I thought I’d missed some pages!

Fascinating book that deals, in a no holds barred way with the subject of a Mum and her daughter and how a couple of lies can ultimately lead to shocking consequences........

Interesting and well crafted characters, believable and liked and loathed im equal measure

A disturbing story that will make you think, make you annoyed and make you glad you dont have kids, if you dont😃........well it did me!!!!

Its a good story and kept my ettention.........and then jts over!!! I actually thought I had missed some pages and went back to check, it goes from full on in the story hurtling towards the end but then stops and your left with the epilogue which explains nothing

Apart from this it IS a really good read but marking it as a 7/10 3 stars due to the ending and thats a shame but when you’ve invested time and thought into a story you need a decent ending

This book was not what I was expecting. A nosey neighbour who calls the police when she overhears an argument between Gemma and her daughter Rosie.

Rosie is not a nice child, keeping secrets and lying to get her own way. Gemma and her husband work long hours. They have a secret that they are keeping from Rosie too.

I did like this book but not as much as I had hoped. There are a lot of unlikeable characters and some of the story felt unrealistic.

Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinions

This would have had an extra star but I think the ending let it down a bit - the story really builds up to what would be a great ending but there is a big piece of the story that’s brushed over at the ending. I even thought I’d missed some pages!

Gemma Bradley appears to have it all. A successful career, a loving husband, two wonderful children and another on the way. But she is a mother at her wits end, with her daughter Rosie who is more than a little bit of a handful.

When next door neighbour Mira hears screaming from the Bradley household she assumes the worst and calls the Police. She doesn’t trust Gemma Bradley and sees no reason why she should keep her nose out of her neighbours business.

Gemma hasn’t done anything wrong, Rosie can throw a tantrum that any self respecting two year old would be mightily proud of.

The problem is that Rosie is Ten and should know better.

Gemma struggles to control her daughter, afraid that every time Rosie pushes her to her limits she is going to reveal the secret she has been fighting so hard to keep for the sake of her family.

Mira’s interference threatens to tear the Bradley family apart and expose Gemma’s secret, but Mira has her own secrets that she has kept from her husband for the best part of twenty five years.

And the more she meddles in the Bradley’s lives, the more she runs the risk of destroying her own.

It was okay. I just couldn't seem to get fully invested in the book. I was very 'take it or leave it'. I liked it well enough but it just wasn't anything special to me

As soon as I read the description for “Little Liar” I was itching to get my hands on it. When writing my reviews, I usually use a book’s description as a sort of guide as to how much I say in my review. However, the description for this book actually mentions things that happen quite late in the novel. If you haven’t read the entire description, don’t worry I won’t ruin anything.

“The perfect family... or the perfect lie?”

Gemma Bradley has just gotten home but she doesn’t want to go inside her house yet. She needs a few minutes. Just a few minutes before her ten-year old daughter, Rosie and six-year-old son, Noah demand the rest of her time. Gemma is exhausted after a long day at work and she doesn't know how she'll get through what's likely to be a drama filled evening. Of course she feels guilty for these thoughts. She imagines all other mothers are perfect. That they handle all things calmly and patiently.

She feels like she's doing it all wrong.

The moment she walks in the door the children are there clamoring for her attention. Work may be stressful but at work she knows what's going to happen. At home all bets are off. It doesn’t help that her husband is often late coming home. Bedtime is usually a struggle and often ends with Rosie having a tantrum. Rosie has even started getting physical with her mother. Gemma feels like she’s losing control and it’s terrifying her.

How will Gemma get control of Rosie? What will happen if she can’t?

Meanwhile their next-door neighbor, Mira Entwistle is trying to relax in her bath, but she can't with the screaming coming from next-door. Mira works with children and is used to being around them, but she can't handle the sound of a child screaming. Mira’s devoted husband, Barry tries to reassure her about the noise from next-door. He says it's just family life. But Mira’s not so sure…

She feels like she needs to protect the girl from next door. She thinks Rosie needs her. What should she do? What will she do?

As the screaming continues, Mira feels it bringing up feelings from her past that she doesn’t understand. She’s not exactly sure what her memory is trying to retrieve….and she’s not so sure she wants to know.

“This horrible business next door had triggered something deep down inside her, and it was bringing to the surface things she’s rather forget.”

Where the thoughts real? Or were they nightmares?

Was she going mad?

We all know that secrets from the past always have a way of coming out….

This was an intriguing read. I'm not sure I would classify this as a thriller, although it had its moments. It's like a very intense family drama with a few good twists. The author does know how to crank up the tension. I do wish that there was a bit more to the ending as I felt like a few things were sort of glossed over.

I’ve seen mixed reviews of this novel and just like with any other book, some people will enjoy it and some won’t. I thought it was an interesting read and look forward to seeing what Clare Boyd comes up with next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Troubled woman decides to seek revenge in a twisted way through her neighbours daughter. Seeking justification and retribution through the lives of others, for wrongs that have befallen her. This story got me, how easily are thing misinterpreted. No one really knows what goes on behind closed doors, apart from the ones behind them! Well worth ready, had me on the edge of my seat a few times.

This is by far the best book I have read in a long time. So sad all the way through. My heart broke for Gemma and Rosie . I thought it would never end. How do you decide to leave be or meddle. It’s a difficult one with repercussions either way. Can’t wait for Clare’s next book. Well done

I wasn't sure what to make of this, it was pretty dark, and I didn't like the characters very much, but wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen, once again I don't know if I should simply admire a brave writer who creates unlikable characters or wonder if it was just me who didn't like or connect with them.It was pretty twisty and kept my interest so I have to give it stars that reflect that ,I still feel that it wasn't my favourite book, but it was worth a read and I wouldn't want to put anyone else off.Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC.

Thanks NetGalley and bookature for the advanced copy of this book. I cannot recommend this book enough. I really enjoyed it and it kept me captivated from start to finish! When neighbour Myra hears screams coming from the house next door she phones the police, fearing the little girl Rosie has been hurt! What we discover is a dark and sinister relationship with mother Gemma and daughter Rosie! There are some really traumatic parts, which as a Mum really affected me, but it was so well written and so sensitive in dealing with the subject of IVF and adoption. Along side this story is Myra’s past and the relationship she forms with Rosie, which is both twisted and quite amusing at times.
It was a roller coaster of a read, and I felt anger, rage, shock, sadness, pity, happy, sad and a hundred other emotions as I went along. Great read.

I was expecting Little Liar to be a great read but in all honesty I felt totally disappointed by this book. I didn’t like any of the characters and found the neighbour to be plain weird. I found the story didn’t really move on quickly enough and had to force myself to finish the book.

I know others have loved this book but sadly it wasn’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

OMG this book was amazing, it was full of heartbreak, desperation and sadness. I literally couldn't put it down in had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. It was a case of just one more chapter that seemed to go on all evening. There were a couple of people in this book I would like to strangle as there was lots of emotional moments and I was likeen noooooo this can't be happening! It was a really great book well deserving of 5 stars.

Couldn't read this book. I thought the story and writing were awful!