I loved every second of this book. It was so much fun to read. Hilarious usually isn’t my first choice in describing a thriller that I loved but here we are. The sarcasm and dark humor from our female MC is what hooked me and had me turning pages at a rapid pace.

Lucy is found wandering the streets alone covered in her best friend’s blood. Is Lucy a fellow victim or the only suspect in her best friends murder? She can’t remember anything about that night. While there’s never been any evidence charge her with murder everyone thinks she’s done it. Ben Owens, host of the hit true crime podcast “Listen For The Lie” decides to investigate and so the story begins.

I really loved the alternating chapters between the main story line and the podcast episodes. This is the perfect read for any thriller lover.


Fast Paced
Short Chapters
True Crime/ Podcast Investigations
Sarcastic, witty, dark humor
Small town *everyone has a secret* vibes

“Men don’t protect us, not really. They only protect themselves, or each other. The only thing men ever protected me from was happiness.”

There were some moments in this book that had me totally sucked in. But most of it just didn’t. Nothing happened. Nothing was established or solved until the last 10%. In most books we get little bread crumbs along the way. I had no idea whodunit or what was happening because there was so much repetition. But the one thing I did get out of it was how much I loved Lucy’s grandmother.

I’ve seen reviews that say this book will be the next big one, but it wasn’t, not for me. Maybe skip this one if you’re not into podcasts or a very, very, very slow burn.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books and Author Amy Tintera for advance copy for honest review.

Lucy and Savvy are ride or die friends to the very end. Well they didn't start off that way. Lucy back in her hometown of Plumpton for her fabulous grandma's 80th birthday. She realized she has been lured here. She has lost her memory of that horrible night five years ago, where she was wondering through the forest bloody and hurt. They later found her friend Savvy's body back in the woods. The problem lies with her memory of that night and how she can't remember a thing. The town has already turned against her and believes she killed Savvy and they are reluctant to change their minds. Why would she kill her best friend, her protector? Well wouldn't you know, Ben Owens, the Listen for the Lie Podcaster, which is heard by many, is in town to see if he can get to the bottom of what really happened on that night five years ago. Well Ben is persistent and does get some good inside with most of the small town coming forward. He uncovers some truths but not everything adds up. With Lucy still at a loss, they relive what they can of that night, and it hits her, her memory comes back. This is where the twists come, trying to find out whodunnit in the end! 4 stars, recommend! Also a BOTM pick.

I am a sucker for a good thriller. This one had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved to podcast aspect with Ben and Lucy was an excellently written character. If you love true crime podcasts, this is right up your alley!

I didn't want this book to end.

Lucy's best friend Savvy died five years ago. Lucy and Savvy left a wedding together .Savvy was found dead and Lucy was found covered in her blood, wandering down a back road with head trauma and no memory of the night. The girls' hometown of Plumpton, Texas, has decided Lucy is guilty, and she moved away shortly after the murder. Ben Owens, a true crime podcaster is investigating Savvy's murder and Lucy's grandmother lures Lucy back to Plumpton, hoping she will work with Ben to find the real murderer.

I loved Lucy. She was so snarky and interesting and both her and Savvy felt like real people. All the characters in Listen for the Lie felt well-crafted though, and the story just rushed by. I hope this isn't the end for Lucy and Ben because I want to hear more of their stories and I'd love a Savvy prequel too. I'd actually read a book about any of the characters--Nina, Beverly, Matt, whoever. Just give me more Amy Tintera!

Absolutely loved this book. Never knew where it was going. Really enjoyed the personalities of everyone and the development of the characters through this story.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: 🕵️‍♂️Mystery
Recommend:✅

As someone whose two hobbies are reading books and listening to podcasts, “Listen for the Lie” was the perfect book for me and I absolutely ate up every word. There was murder, sex, intrigue and tall handsome men. What else could you ask for?

Lucy is living in LA after fleeing her Texas hometown, where she was accused of murdering her best friend. When a popular true crime podcaster, Ben, takes up her case, they end up trying to solve the mystery together.

I loved the format of this one. The first person narration from Lucy is mixed with transcripts from Ben’s podcast. It gives so many different viewpoints and details without having to constantly switch perspectives or use third person narration. I particularly enjoyed the way it gave all the tertiary characters ways to give their options and theories about the murder.

You’ll love this book if you love:
✅True Crime
✅Podcasts
✅Twisted Narrators

Well, this is definitely a book being seen everywhere right now. I was curious and appreciated receiving a DRC from Celadon Books. I ended up both reading and listening to it and found that listening really fit the format of the book. Plus, the narrator did a terrific job with the different characters.

I really got into the book initially and found the peeling of the onion of this mystery to be well done. It kept giving just enough information to keep me guessing as to who may be responsible and what was really going on in Lucy’s life at the time. However, I struggled with Lucy as the story went on and the decisions she was making.

And there was one thread of the story that just really bothered me. I found myself frustrated as to why this thread was added. It also made me question some of the characters motivations. In the end, I’m glad I read/listened to the book. It definitely entertained me but I don’t suspect it will stay with me.

Five years ago Lucy Chase left her hometown of Plumpton, Texas, after she being accused of the murder of her best friend Savvy. She is now returning for her grandmothers birthday party and knows she will have to deal with some of her past demons, also the looks and whispers of her former hometown.
Lucy has no memories of the murder . All she knows is what she was told, she was found wandering the streets and, and covered in Savvy’s blood. She was locked up by a truck driver. Deep down she’s wants to uncover the truth of happened as much as everyone else that night and the events still haunt her.
Enter Ben Owens, he’s a true crime podcaster of his famous podcast “Listen for the Lie” and he’s determined to figure out if Lucy really did kill Savvy. He’s now in Plumpton and he begins interviewing everyone in town and looking at everyone’s dirty secrets. He’s left wondering Did Lucy really kill her best friend or is she a victim and being wrongly accused?
Ben soon convinces Lucy to join him in on the podcast. Through many interviews with the local residents, the past witnesses on the fateful night , and helping Lucy to recall her memory loss, they both are soon able to start uncovering some new evidence which leads them down the path to reveal the dark truth that will shock you. The story is told through Lucy’s POV and segments of the podcast, I loved this. The author did a clever job leaving you wanting more with each podcast segment! I can tell this will be a hit among thriller lovers!!

Thank you Celadon Books and NetGalley for my eARC. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

In this book we're following Lucy as she works with Ben, host of hit true crime podcast Listen for the Lie, to figure out who killed her best friend Savvy and clear her own name.

I really enjoyed this book and the way it was written. I liked that it was a mix of podcast, flashback, and present day because I think this really helped to tell the story. I was super invested in the characters and their lives, and I love that they all had a motive or opportunity because it left me wanting more.

I flew threw this one and the ending was definitely rewarding. I highly recommend this one! Can't wait to see what Amy Tintera comes out with next!

This may sound odd- but what a fun thriller this was! The many twists and turns kept me up way past my bedtime to find out what actually happened to Savannah.

I liked that after Lucy’s parts, the next “Listen for the Lie” podcast chapter (Ben) would almost always answer any questions that I was left asking. For someone that likes immediate answers, this was a plus for sure. I found myself completely relating the the sarcastic and snarky main character, Lucy. And man her Grandmother absolutely stole the whole book. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC. 4.75/5 ⭐️

So good. If you are into true-crime podcasts (think Serial), this one is for you. Lucy has no memory of the night her best friend Savvy was murdered--but all eyes are on her. While she isn't found technically guilty, she's guilty in the public opinion. When she decides to answer the call from the podcaster, Ben, the answers start coming to light. And it's not in anyone's interest for this to happen. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Celadon Books for my arc!

I'm reviewing this a bit late but this was a wild ride! There were times when i thought i knew how the story was going to end and then something would happen and it would come out of left field. I questioned everything as i was reading and with an opening line that made me laugh. I highly recommend Listen for the Lie

I will begin this review by stating that I am an absolute *sucker* for podcast-style murder books. I just love the thought that we, as readers, are receiving information at the exact same time as the characters. Listen for the Lie is no different - the podcast format truly helped jumpstart this story. I read this book in one sitting!
The interlacing of the podcast was perfectly done. I find it incredibly realistic that a podcaster could uncover more than police simply because people might feel more comfortable/casual speaking to them. As cocky as he came across, it was clear that Ben Owens had a way of getting people to talk. His charm mixed with Lucy's resurfacing memories led to a tantalizing story. The two characters meshed incredibly well, and I found myself rooting for them both personally and professionally. It honestly felt reminiscent of What Lies in the Woods (another favorite of mine). If you are a fan of the TV show Only Murders in the Building, this is definitely a read you should pick up ASAP!
Also, honorable mention to Lucy's grandmother, who absolutely bumped up the rating of this book. I'll leave my review with the only quote I highlighted, spoken wisely by grandma Beverly: “My life vastly improved once those men were gone. Men don’t protect us, not really. They only protect themselves, or each other. The only thing men ever protected me from was happiness.”

This was a fantastic whodunnit! Imagine finding yourself covered in your murdered friend’s blood and everyone thinks you’re the culprit. That’s the predicament Lucy finds herself in. The story is fast-paced, plenty of twists, and kept me hooked from the start. I’ll definitely recommend at publication. Thanks so much for the opportunity to read!

YES! YES! YES! This was like a grown up Girls Guide to Murder for me. I loved the taboo relationship between the MC and podcast host. Quite frankly, it was hot. I loved the creepy factor of the voice inside her head. I loved the ending. I just loved it all!

Banger alert!!!!! My new all time favorite book!!
Lucy is *chefs kiss* amazing! Her sarcasm and dry sense of humor really shine. Yeah she’s accused of murdering her best friend, but still, how can you not love her!?!? lol. And Grandma?? I wish I had a grandma like her. All the other characters are horrible. But that’s the point. I love Amy’s writing style. And since this is her first adult novel, and it’s getting rave reviews, I truly hope she writes more. Because I’m gonna be first in line to try and get my hands on it!

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping and addictive read that seamlessly combines the allure of true crime podcasts with the thrill of a murder mystery.

Amy Tintera’s newest novel Listen for the Lie is a captivating mystery-thriller that follows Lucy, a young woman who may or may not be a murderer, is haunted by the inability to remember what transpired the night her best friend died, and who struggles with a dark secret – she can’t stop imagining and planning murders in her head. What’s even more disturbing is that the voice of her dead best friend, Savvy, goads her into these violent fantasies making her question everything she knows about herself and about what happened the fateful night her best friend was murdered.

Five years have passed since Lucy was found aimlessly wandering down a gravel road covered in her best friend’s blood and five years since her best friend Savannah ‘Savvy’ Harper was found murdered in Plumpton, Texas – a small town with a tight-knit community, where everyone has an opinion and secrets are hard to keep. Now, after having created a new life outside of her hometown, Lucy once again finds her life being flipped upside down when she learns that a popular true-crime podcaster, Ben Owens, has created a series focused on the mystery surrounding Savvy’s murder. Having lost her job and on the verge of a breakup after being catapulted into the limelight as the main murder suspect, Lucy reluctantly agrees to return home to help celebrate her grandmother’s birthday. Little does she know, Ben Owens is also in town, and he is determined to not only solve Savvy’s murder but to become the first person to get an interview with the last person to see Savvy alive.

From the very beginning, I was hooked on the mystery of who could have possibly killed Savvy. Tintera does an incredible job of creating tension and keeping the readers on their toes as they follow the clues and suspects along the way. The plot has been expertly crafted and is told through the narrative of both the main character Lucy, and through the episodes of the podcast ‘Listen for the Lie’. The twists and turns are riveting, and the podcast episodes interspersed throughout the book add an extra layer of depth to the story. Tintera’s attention to detail and her ability to create complex and flawed characters make this book a standout in the mystery genre.

The initial plot of the book may seem like a standard mystery-thriller, but the story truly comes to life when Ben and Lucy meet. The relationship between Lucy and Ben is one of the most interesting aspects of this novel. It is flirtatious and fun, adding a unique dynamic to the typical mystery-thriller genre. I have read many books in this genre, but very few have managed to capture such a lighthearted and almost romantic tone while still maintaining the suspense and tension needed to keep the reader hooked. Their chemistry is palpable, and I found myself rooting for them and their unconventional relationship. However, as with any mystery thriller, there is always the possibility that one or both of them may be a cold-blooded killer.

One of the things that stood out to me about this book was the way Tintera portrayed Lucy’s struggle with her memories and her inner demons. The constant battle between her desire for the truth and her fear of what she might uncover was palpable and added an extra layer of tension to the story. As the novel dives into the depths of Lucy’s mind, exploring her inner turmoil and the dark secrets that haunt her, you can’t help but feel a mix of sympathy and fear for Lucy. On one hand, you see her trying to cope with the death of her best friend and the constant pressure from Savvy’s voice in her head. On the other hand, we are constantly on edge, wondering if Lucy will ever act on her disturbing thoughts and wondering if Lucy killed her best friend all those years ago.

Overall, Listen for the Lie is a fantastic read that combines mystery, suspense, and even a touch of romance. The twists and turns are riveting, and the podcast episodes interspersed throughout the book add an extra layer of depth to the story. Tintera’s attention to detail and ability to create complex and flawed characters make this book a standout in the mystery genre. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a hint of humor and romance. Just be prepared to “hold your breath” as you wait to uncover the truth behind the lies.

Earning a 4.5 rating rounded up to 5, Listen for the Lie, is a unique and captivating story that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

I want to thank Netgalley, Celadon Books, and Amy Tintera for this ARC in return for an honest review.

I rushed to read this one after everyone and their grandma was raving about it on bookstagram but I didn’t enjoy it as much as others unfortunately! I’d give it 3.5 stars.

I loved the creative idea of it. It had A LOT of potential. A true crime podcaster interviews folks in a small town where a woman was murdered years earlier without any answers and the prime suspect, the victim’s friend Lucy, has no recollection of that night and has never talked about it before to anyone. When the smug podcaster comes to town, the secrets start spilling and Lucy’s memories begin to come back.

By the middle, I got sort of bored and I didn’t care for the ending “plot twist.”

I did like the short chapters, the narrators, and how episodes of the podcast were weaved in though!

Thank you to Amy, Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advance listener’s copy and e-galley.

Special thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for a chance to read Listen for the Lie in advance. This book is available now.

Five years ago, Lucy was the main suspect in her best friend Savvy’s murder. The biggest catch is that she has no idea what happened that night. Did she murder her best friend?? The rest of the town thinks she did.

There’s a lot of buzz around this book as it garnered the GMA bookclub pick for March. And I can understand why: premise of this one is super intriguing. LISTEN FOR THE LIE hooked me in right from the start, and I had a very high sense of “need to know.” However, I really could not get behind the characters and the choices they were making! There was so much promiscuity, and it really impacted my enjoyment of the story. One part I did enjoy was the alternating view points between Lucy and the podcast transcript. I have heard that the audio for this one is really well done, which is a huge bonus since a podcast is part of the main storyline. And it wouldn’t be a true “who dunnit” without telling you I was surprised at the ending. Ultimately, I was left wanting a bit more from the plot, while also wishing there was a bit less in regards to the choices the characters were making.