Whew what a ride! I could've finished this in a single sitting. Filled with twists, humor, and mystery- if you love a thriller this is for you! Such a quick read but the writing was great and kept me on the edge of my seat.

This story is told in first person by Lucy who has been living in LA since leaving her small Texas town where everyone believes she murdered her best friend. It’s her grandmother’s 80th birthday and she has asked her to come home for a week. Her grandmother is a hoot!

I was slow to warm up to this one, initially frustrated with the crazy inner voices in Lucy’s head and with her unsupportive parents. Plumpton was your typical small town community full of nosy busybodies, helpful but judgmental neighbors and tons of gossip about who’s sleeping with who. Some of the Texas references I found odd, but I guess even locals have different experiences. It also didn’t ring quite true for me that a small Texas town would brand the odd girl as the murdering villain who killed the local sweetheart when I found out that Lucy’s family went back generations as locals and Savvy’s family were relatively recent transplants from the city.

I ended up loving Lucy’s macabre sense of humor. The amnesia trope is put to good use here. Did she do it or not? Even she doesn’t know. Or does she? At least that’s what the locals think. I enjoyed Ben the podcaster, but he still feels a little enigmatic for me. I’m not sure I got a feel for his character, but I did enjoy his podcast episodes.

The audiobook was narrated by January LaVoy and Will Damron. He had a great voice for a podcaster and she actually gave me chills as the voice inside Lucy’s head. I switched between the audio and ebook when I couldn’t put it down and wanted to know what happened next.

While I was frustrated at times with the characters and their attitudes, I really enjoyed the story and once I figured out the meaning behind the voices in Lucy’s head, I couldn’t put the last half of the book down. The more I think about it, the more I liked it and I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t quite have it all figured out by the end.

Thank you to Netgalley, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.

*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for and advanced copy" *Thank you #librofm for an advanced listening copy*

'Listen For the Lie' by Amy Tintera is an absolute triumph that effortlessly weaves together suspense, intrigue, humor in a way that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. This masterfully crafted novel, penned by an author whose storytelling prowess is nothing short of extraordinary, is a true tour de force in the realm of psychological thrillers. I loved the interwoven podcast.

From the very first page, the narrative unfolds with an expertly paced rhythm, drawing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems. The characters are richly developed, each with their own layers and complexities that add depth to the overall narrative. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and relatable, making it easy for readers to invest emotionally in the unfolding drama.

What sets 'Listen For the Lie' apart is its ability to keep readers guessing at every turn. The intricate plot is laced with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that even the most seasoned thriller enthusiasts will find themselves astounded by the cleverly executed surprises. The author's skillful manipulation of suspense and tension creates an atmosphere that is as immersive as it is chilling, making it nearly impossible to put the book down.

Furthermore, the prose itself is a work of art. The author's command of language is evident in the vivid descriptions and evocative imagery that bring the story to life. The dialogue is sharp, authentic, and serves to deepen the connections between the characters, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.

'Listen For the Lie' is not just a page-turner; it's a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche. The psychological elements of the story are handled with a deft touch, delving into the complexities of deception, trust, and the thin line between reality and perception. This novel transcends the genre, offering readers a deeply satisfying intellectual and emotional experience.

In conclusion, 'Listen For the Lie' is a five-star gem that deserves a prominent place on the bookshelves of anyone who appreciates a gripping, intelligently crafted thriller. With its mesmerizing plot, well-drawn characters, and expertly executed twists, this book is a standout in the world of psychological fiction. Prepare to be captivated, surprised, and thoroughly impressed by this literary tour de force.

I loved the interwoven podcast.

An enthralling who-done-it with contemporary podcasting as a foil.

Lucy can't remember - her best friend was murdered following a wedding and while much of the evidence seems to point to her, she just can't recall. Declared guilty by her town, she makes a new life in LA. But when a true crime podcaster picks up the case and her grandmother insists she return for a special party, she has no choice but to face all of the people who doubt her. The big problem is that she still doubts herself. So much so that, she actually sees and hears Savvy in her mind - unfortunately it is usually advice on who to kill and how.

What a ride!
Fun, ironic, dark humor with podcast interviews thrown in, this is a thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you are true crime podcast buff, love a thrilling mystery, or just like your protagonists to be a little bit....off, this is a book for you!
#HenryholtPress #ListenfortheLie #AmyTintera

A fast moving mystery that pulls you in immediately with it's wit and memorable characters. A smug podcaster and a could be murderer connect in a small Texas town to solve the murder of her best friend. Did she do it and repress the memory as everyone but her grandmother suspects? The author builds up the clues through podcast interviews and there is a satisfying Aha moment when it all comes together.

Copy provided by the publisher and NetGalley

"Listen for the Lie" by Amy Tintera is a true crime enthusiast's dream novel, blending juicy small-town gossip with the gripping suspense of a cold case. This book isn’t just a story; it’s a puzzle waiting to be solved, with a narrative as tantalizing as the Texas heat.

At the heart of this thrilling ride is Lucy, once a golden girl of her small Texas town, now a prime suspect in her best friend Savvy's murder. The twist? Lucy can't remember a thing from that fateful night, and Tintera does an incredible job of painting her confusion and desperation. The character of Lucy is skillfully crafted, making you empathize with her plight while also questioning her innocence.

Enter the charming and too-good-looking podcast host, Ben Owens, from "Listen for the Lie." His decision to investigate Savvy’s murder for his show's second season is the catalyst that drags Lucy back to her past, a past she has tried so hard to leave behind. Tintera masterfully uses the true crime podcast element, a nod to our modern-day obsession, adding a layer of contemporary flair to the story.

The small Texas town, with its secrets and rumors, almost feels like a character itself. Tintera's vivid descriptions of the town and its inhabitants create an atmosphere that’s both familiar and unsettling. As Lucy delves deeper into the mystery of that night, the book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and suspicions. Every chapter peels back another layer of the mystery, making you second-guess your theories with each new revelation.

"Listen for the Lie" stands out for its ability to weave a complex web of lies, secrets, and truths. It’s not just about finding out who killed Savvy; it’s about the journey to uncover the truth in a world where rumors can be just as damning as facts. Tintera's writing is sharp, engaging, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for fans of true crime and psychological thrillers. Amy Tintera has crafted a novel that is as addictive as your favorite podcast, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. So, grab a glass of sweet tea, find a cozy spot, and get ready to dive into a world where the truth is just a podcast episode away. And remember, in the world of "Listen for the Lie," nothing is as it seems!

My last full-length novel of 2023, and I'm so happy that it was a good one! Listen for the Lie is a murder mystery and soap opera rolled up into one, and I am totally all about it. I loved the snark and the humor, and I am always a sucker for anything that involves a podcast. It wasn't a perfect read, but it was definitely my kind of read.

With that said, don't go into this expecting particularly likeable characters. With the exception of Grandma Beverly (who is the type of grandma that I aspire to be someday), they're all kind of jerks. There's cheating and and abuse and dirty secrets and lots of people just being crappy friends or family members in general. And the main character Lucy is a hot mess of epic proportions – I mean, I dated some really questionable dudes back in the day (hindsight is 20/20 and all of that), but she really takes the cake. Like, at the very least, perhaps stop making out with your abusive ex-husband?? Sheesh.

Also, this book is decidedly not for the prudish. There are characters having sex all over the place, and mostly with people that they really shouldn't be having sex with. To say that there's a Grey's Anatomy-level of sleeping around would be an understatement. Grandmas, moms, podcasters, they're all gettin' busy in this one. And, of course, there's some romance … it totally wasn't necessary romance (a common complaint for me – why does there always have to be romance?), but it's there if you like that sort of thing.

The mystery itself was decent and pretty suspenseful overall. I had a couple of suspects in mind as Savvy's murderer, and one of them ended up being right. I can't give too many details without spoiling things, but let's just say that I felt like this person had to vilified in order to make another part of the plot come together. I really enjoyed the podcast transcript method of relaying the details of the mystery, even though some of the interviewees aren't exactly the most reliable narrators. Expect lots of red herrings.

My biggest complaint about this novel? The voice in Lucy's head was really, really annoying. I totally could have done without it and I don't feel as if it added much to the story. I get why it was there, but … no. I was so irritated every time the voice interrupted an important scene or conversation.

Overall, though, Listen for the Lie is a tremendously fun and snarky read (killer disembodied voices aside). If you like your murder mysteries with a bit of humor and a whole lot of drama, there's a good chance that you'll enjoy this one. 4.35 stars, rounded down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

Lucy is a suspected murderer of her best friend. Due to lack of enough evidence to convict, she is free from prison but has amnesia from that night and doesn't know if she killed her best friend Savvy. Five years later Lucy returns to her hometown where everyone believes her to be a killer, and agrees to help a podcaster try to get to the bottom of what happened the night Savvy was killed. So many people had things to hide from that night, so you have to wait until you hear the lies unraveling to get a clearer picture.

I loved this book!!! It was so hard to put down, it's been a while since I wanted to devour a book in one sitting. The story started strong and was consistently so until it ended. I hope this will be a series (please please please) the writing was smooth, the dialogue just the right amount of funny and snarky, the characters all flawed, enough scandals to keep me hooked, etc. It had all the things!! I want more Ben and his podcast!!

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was truly my pleasure.

Listen for the Lie is a well-developed story with truly interesting characters. There’s a lot to love about this novel. It twists and turns in all the right places. I was drawn to Lucy. She is engaging. The relationships are really what moves this storyline along. I was invested from beginning to end. The truth really is out there. January LaVoy is a fabulous narrator.

Thank you NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Amy Tintera for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I *loved* this book! I honestly think the podcast element in thrillers is kind of played out but the way this one was incorporated totally worked for me.

Every time I thought I had something figured out I was totally thrown for a loop, and I found the ending very satisfying.

I hope Tintera continues to publish adult novels because I will gladly continue reading them!

Listen For the Lie will be on US bookshelves March 5!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I read and listened to this one. I liked the format. You get past and present views and also clips from the podcast. It's a slow build up and I didn't see the twist coming. Very good read!

I must be the outlier here. With all the fuss and raving reviews, I just couldn’t wait to read this! FOMO. Ever struggle with the Fear Of Missing Out? I gotta tell ya, that this is a real problem for me. 😭

Lucy is found wandering the woods injured and covered in her best friend’s blood five years ago. Her friend, Savvy was murdered at a wedding they attended. The only thing is, Lucy can’t remember anything that happened. Nothing. With little to no evidence, no one was ever charged.

Now, famous podcaster, Ben Owens comes to town to investigate what actually happened that brutal night. Everyone who was close to Savvy and Lucy is interviewed. Everyone thinks Lucy is guilty, even her own family believes she is guilty.

Did Lucy actually commit this heinous crime? If not, then who? Ben’s goal….. Listen For The Lie.

I keep seeing books with the whole podcast trope. In my opinion, it HAS to be done extremely well to really catch my attention. I kept trudging along, expecting something crazy to happen here. I needed some more tension, the story to be more gripping and captivate me throughout. However, I just didn’t get all that. Nothing really happened until about the 45% mark. The whole book is just interview after interview with Ben and Lucy’s interaction with a list of suspects.

Honestly, I was a little bored. Do you know there are a huge amount of books written just like this.

What I liked—-
-Lucy’s character was witty at times. Funny lines throughout. Example ‘It feels like Satan’s asshole out here’. Yep 😂
-Ben is not such a bad guy and says what he wants versus what everyone wants to hear.
-Lucy’s grandmother is a hoot who tells it like it is.
-This takes place in Texas. Austin is mentioned and the author is actually from Austin. I live an hour and a half away. Austin is rad! 😁
-The writing is intriguing.
-I enjoyed how this was wrapped up. No horrible confession either.

The whole thing played out like a huge drama fest between friends. Everyone was sleeping with everyone. Not kidding either. However, I think there is huge potential for Amy Tintera and would be willing to read her again.

Big thanks to Celadon books, NetGalley, and Amy Tintera for an ARC. All opinions are my own. Expected publication date March 5, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ rounded down to 3

Lucy and Savannah went to high school together but didn’t become friends until the women became adults. Then Savannah was murdered after a wedding and Lucy was found with blood on her and with Savannah’s skin under her nails, clearly the prime suspect, but no case was ever made and Lucy left town.

Now Lucy is back in Plumpton for her Grandmother’s 80th birthday and so is podcaster Ben Owen’s, covering Savvy’s murder.. Ben dives into Lucy’s prior relationships as he attempts to uncover the truth about what happened.

Pretty good thriller. Text alternates with transcripts of podcast episodes, which I enjoy a lot. Recommended.

Lucy Chase was accused, but not convicted, of her best friend’s murder after she was found covered in her blood near the murder scene and no memory of what happened that night.

Ben Owens hosts a true-crime podcast called “Listen For the Lie,” and is covering the Lucy Chase case, and the novel uses his podcast interviews as chapters to give more light to the case.

Lucy and Ben will ultimately work together to unveil what truths are out there waiting to be revealed about the night that Savannah died... but also to reveal the lies that have been told.

LISTEN FOR THE LIE started out strong for me with a cold case murder and a podcasting element. The story follows Lucy who returns to her small Texas hometown years later after being accused but never convicted of murdering her friend. Working with a podcaster to uncover the truth, Lucy begins to remember things about that fateful night.

I had a hard time with this story for a few reasons. I just could not get on board with this protagonist. Lucy was a morally gray character which I typically don’t mind, but she had an utter lack of self-respect and common sense. She also had a sadistic voice in her head that felt over the top and grated on me. Finally, I found some of the relationship dynamics to be completely implausible and repulsive and the “ah-ha” ending where Lucy suddenly recalled exactly what happened after years of no memories to be cliché.

While the plot fell short for me, I did enjoy the full cast audio production and the added sound effects for the podcast. I think this will be a book getting a lot of buzz this winter so it may help to have your expectations laid out before picking this one up.

Many thanks to Celadon books for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Engaging and immersive. A recommended first purchase for collections where crime and thrillers are popular.

What a great book! This was a fantastic mystery that really took advantage of the “podcast-within-a-book” trend. What surprised me most was just how funny it was without ever detracting from the seriousness of the crime.
If I had any complaint it was that I guessed the killer pretty early on, but to be fair, it was just a guess and not confirmed in my mind until near the end.
Good stuff and I am looking forward to whatever comes next from Tintera.