Member Reviews

The Good Lie by A.R. Torre is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark world of a serial killer, known as The Bloody Heart Killer aka BH Killer. When the prime suspect is arrested, lawyer Robert Kavin, whose son was one of the victims, is determined to prove his innocence. Alongside psychiatrist Gwen Moore, who specializes in violent tendencies, they uncover chilling secrets that make you question everything.

Torre's writing is sharp and engaging, with well-timed twists that keep readers on edge. The characters are complex, the pacing is quick, making it hard to put down. While the story explores some dark themes, it does so without becoming too graphic. Fans of twisty thrillers with strong character development will enjoy this book, which kept me guessing until the very end.

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4.5 stars!

This was so gripping! I actively delayed bedtimes many nights to read this and I have a baby haha.

So page turning and I didn’t expect a thing. Some things feel slightly unfinished and not explained as it came to an end but I highly enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

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This is a really amazing book no doubt in that. I'm glad I got to read it. The writing and story is riveting and the author is really brilliant at twisting and turning the story at times to make us readers fully engaged into the book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

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This was one hell of a good book! I'm just sad that it took me so long to get to it! Dr. Gwen Moore is an expert on killers. So, she decided to start a practice counseling them in the hopes of helping them keep their urges at bay. Then one of her clients is dead and so is his wife. It looks like a murder-suicide, but is it? When she meets defense attorney Robert Kavin, she feels an instant spark. But there are secrets he keeps that, once she finds out about them, will change everything she knows and put her life in danger. This book was so good! I read it in a day because putting it down was not an option. I had to know how things were going to progress! This was my first A. R. Torre book, but it will not be my last!

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This author could do no wrong in my opinion and I am so glad that I got to read this early, I finished it in one sitting and now I can not stop thinking about it

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There is no sense in pretending this is excellent writing, but the story had merit and...idk, it made me think of the old black and white Perry Mason episodes I watched as a kid - like where everything turns out okay because of a last minute revelation/confession. There's a place in my heart for that kind of thing.

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okay but !!!!!!!! i’m obsessed with this book. it was so twisty & kept me on my toes i couldn’t possibly imagine stopping to do anything else when i just wanted to know what happened.

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This book was great! I didn't see any of the twists coming and I didn't want to put the book down at any point, which is a rarity from me. 4 stars and I will definitely be reading more from this author!

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Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! This book is fast paced and addicting! I had a hard time putting it down. Its full or twists that keep you guessing. I rate it a 4.3

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So so good. Several plot lines going that all come together with a bang. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read it. Was a super quick read and was very well written. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read Torres next book.

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In the last few years, AR Torre has quickly emerged as one of my favorite thriller writers. The Good Lie had me hooked from start to finish and I devoured every single page.

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The Good Lie grabbed my attention from the beginning. It's one of those stories that you just keep on reading and guessing (and I guessed wrong many times!) what comes next. Full of action, and a great plot, this story mixes a dark psychological thriller with a police procedural and provides excellent entertainment for a few hours.
I downloaded a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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I'm so annoyed that I didn't read this book sooner! What a great thriller! Great characters and twists, twists, twists! I've already recommend it two fellow thriller fans and added A.R. Torres other books to my Goodreads she!f. I enjoyed it from the beginning. I won't include spoilers, but I didn't see them coming, which to me is the mark of a well thought out book. The writing also kept me engaged throughout. Sympathetic and flawed characters. Thank you for the galley!

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This book follows a few different people; an attorney, a phycologist that specializes in killers, and a serial killer.

Although I figured out the ending from a mile away, I was still having a good time with this book and the many twists and turns that it took. I will be reading more by this author in the future!

If you are looking for a fast paced thriller that will keep you invested the whole way, pick this one up!

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A desperate mother, her only son, kidnapped by The Bloody Heart Killer, gets her impossible wish granted. Her son walks into her home like nothing has happened. He managed to escape this horrendous serial killer, who had already mutilated Six 17-year-old young guys.
Soon the case is solved because the teenage boy tells everyone high school teacher Randall Thompson did it.

Dr. Gwen Moore's specialty is treating patients who are grappling with violent fantasies, and she is more willing to sit there countless hours and listen to their twisted stories. So eager that Defense Attorney Robert Kavin begs her to help him write a psychological profile of the Bloody Heart killer, she gets excited; she is more than willing to do that. She is also intrigued by Robert, who has his won convoluted reason to be involved; he is devasted; one of the victims is his son Gabe. And Robert is the only one that doesn't believe Randall Thomspon is the Bloody Heart Killer.
The Good Lie is so strong because the characters are not what you expect; at times, it isn't easy to understand what drives them. How can Gwen listen to people wanting to kill their loved ones without too many gripes about it? And why will Robert put himself through the horror of relieving his son's death, scouring over autopsy report by example?
And how did this teenage boy manage to escape? Even his mother is not entirely sure he is telling the truth.
The Good Lie kept me up at night. There is no way that you figure this one out before the reveal. This twisty, gripping, psychological serial killer thriller was brightly original and exceptionally plotted. Do not miss this one.

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A.R. Torte has managed to perfect the craft of spinning a quick paced, satisfying, and clever thriller that keeps you engaged and reading long into the night. The Good Lie has all that and the right amount of spice.

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The Good Lie is full of twists that you do not see coming. Torre's writing is fast-paced and incredibly readable, I could not put the book down. I will definitely check out Torre's backlist and future releases.

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I had the pleasure of buddy reading The Good Lie with Brandee ((un)Conventional Bookworms). We both had a great time with this book, which kept us both on the edge of our seats. Sit back, relax and read what we both thought of this suspenseful story.

N.B: I listened to it on audio while Brandee read the ebook


Brandee: I’m so happy we buddy read this! I love suspense and don’t read near enough of it. The Good Lie had me on the edge of my seat, not wanting to put it down. I’ll definitely read more from AR Torre.

Yes! Me too. I read a book written by the author before (Every Last Secret) and loved so I was looking forward to reading The Good Lie. I went into expecting an exciting story and it did not disappoint. A definite page turner.



Brandee: There were so many loose threads dangling for most of the story. Torre did a great job of leaving clues here and there so that I had no idea how things were going to weave together, but I was DYING to know! What were your thoughts about the story as a whole?

I figured there was a connection with the loose threads and I was curious to see how they would all come together. I must say, Torre did a superb job of tying these loose threads together. She did it so seamlessly, twists and all.



Brandee: I liked how Torre pitted Gwen and Robert against one another, despite the romantic attraction between them. A chance meeting, chemistry, commonalities in their careers, misapprehensions, working together… it all combined so well and kept me guessing. How did you feel about Gwen and Robert?

Interesting how a chance meeting played out perfectly for Robert’s plans. When he learned Gwen’s true identity, he saw the perfect opportunity to put his plan into motion. He never expected to develop an intense attraction towards her. I liked Gwen. For a psychiatrist, she was down to earth. I liked how she didn’t shy away from admitting her mistakes. It took me sometime to warm up to Robert. That had mostly to do with the fact I didn’t trust his motives at first. However, the more I interacted with him, the more relatable he became.



Brandee: Without spoiling anything, the clues about the serial killer, the behaviour of the last victim, and the person arrested for the murders were all laid out deftly. I was truly shocked at the reveal! I felt so badly for Scott (the victim) for all he’d experienced and continued to experience. And the suspect arrested was absolutely creepy. I felt that justice was meted out appropriately even if I was on the fence over how some things were done. Were you as shocked as I was at the reveal? How did you feel about poor Scott? And were you happy with the ending?

I was flabbergasted by it all. From the identity of the villain to Gwen’s unwitting role and Robert’s actions. I too felt badly for Scott, poor guy. Thank goodness for his mom. Don’t get me started on the suspect. He creeped me out too. It was interesting to see how his actions set everything into motion. It pleased me to see the villain receiving their just desserts, but like you I am on the fence regarding how aftermath was handled.

Overall, I had a good time with The Good Lie. A cleverly written tale that is guaranteed to keep reading into the wee hours.

Narration
Susan Dalian narrated and she did a good job in bringing the characters to life. She provided clear distinctions between all the characters. Her voice and tone made for a pleasant listen. This was my first time listening to Dalian and I would hesitate to listen to her again.

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I really enjoyed the writing style and twists and turns. This and a few other books I did have to read from another netgalley friend who got approved because I had cracks on my screen and never downloaded to read. But it kept a good pace and I might buy it.

Really good premise and tho I wasnt a fan of the romantic elements it was well written enough to be forgiven and not ruin it.

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Another wonderfully written book. I loved the plot and how the book unraveled. It was also a easy read and listen. It may be a toss up if I liked this one better then the girl in 6 e is also a great read. Very interesting with a great twist and ending

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