Very solid, fast paced thriller! The only thing that seemed a bit far fetched was the Savvy had already killed a man, and it seemed very much not given enough important or weight.

The podcast in between was well done. Overall, I really enjoyed this one!

Listen for the Lie was hard to put down! I was fully immersed in this story from the first few chapters. I couldn't wait to find out what Lucy's real story was and it was so hard to not skip ahead. Amy Tintera created a very realistic set of characters and a believable, suspenseful plot. This book is perfect for readers new to the thriller genre and will provide an interesting reveal!

I would love to see this story get adapted!

This was an exciting, fast-paced whodunit. The plot was tight, the characters were addictively hate-able, the banter and internal monologue was hilarious. Hard to believe this was an adult debut. Thank you to Netgalley and Celadon for the e-ARC!

Lucy returns to her hometown at the insistence of her turning 80 year old grandma's birthday party. But Lucy isn't totally welcomed there since the death of her best friend following a wedding 5 years ago. Though she was a suspect, the murder has never been solved though as Lucy was found wandering in the dark in a bloodied dress, hands coated in Savvy's blood and skin from Lucy under her fingernails, there isn't enough evidence to say Lucy did the deed. On top of that, she has no memory of the moments leading up to being discovered wandering the dark road in the middle of the night. And on top of that, she left town for LA and hasn't been back since that night. Hmmm... all rather suspicious. Now not only has she come back but also, a true crime podcaster named Ben has come to this little town to hopefully find the answer to who killed Savvy. As he goes around town interviewing anyone who might have some backstory to this crime, he begins to ruffle some feathers and stirs up some long settled dust in the matter. It isn't until Lucy's grandmother convinces her to allow Ben to get her side of the story does she find the courage to return to 5 years ago and hopefully unblock that memory.
This is a good story with many plot twists and red herrings. There are also some difficult themes such as domestic abuse and gaslighting for Lucy and her ex-husband's new wife at the hands of Matt. Lucy has trust issues because of this relationship but also because of how the town thinks of her without really knowing the actual truth. This makes her put up emotional walls. As Lucy manages her daily life, she is haunted by the "voice" of Savvy to "kill" in her mind whenever a person is making her life difficult. She has been dealing with these thoughts since that terrible night and the reader wonders if in fact, Lucy did do it. I could see this as a movie with Savvy as a character invisible to everyone else but Lucy talking into her ear. I wasn't a big fan of the some of the dialog between characters as it seemed a bit silly and juvenile. But overall the story is a good one with a very tidy and a predictable ending though the actual murderer was a surprise.

I am a SUCKER for an unreliable narrator, and apparently I am also a big fan of the podcast trope that’s becoming popular in thrillers. This was super fast paced, told between Lucy’s account and podcast episodes. Quick read with a satisfying ending!

This book was superb. It’s so well-written, so tightly and compactly plotted, that you don’t know any more than the main character does. And she doesn’t know anything. Everybody in town – including Lucy’s parents if their behavior is to be believed – thinks Lucy is a murderer who got away with it. Lucy can’t believe she would have killed her best friend Savvy, but she can’t remember not doing it. And she was covered in Savvy’s blood, so she must have done it, right? Her brain is like Pandora’s box. She wants to open it and learn the truth, but maybe not that truth, so she keeps the lid on.

Saying everyone in town believes Lucy is guilty is a bit of an overstatement. Lucy’s grandmother doesn’t. But she’s old, quirky, eccentric – and drinks a lot. She guilts Lucy into coming home for her 80th birthday party. It’s not long, however, until it’s clear that Grandma actually wants Lucy to meet with the podcaster who’s dredging everything up again and ruining Lucy’s life (more? again?) in the process. Lost her job, lost her boyfriend. Okay, things with the boyfriend weren’t that great anyway, but still. Ben Owens is the handsome, charming-when-he-wants-to-be, mostly, kind of, usually ethical golden boy of podcasters. This is a big story and he’s making the most of it. And Grandma has the brilliant idea that Ben and Lucy should work together to find out who did kill Savvy. But why would Lucy want to spend time with Ben? He’s ruining what’s left of her life. Plus, if Lucy really didn’t do it that means there is a murderer still on the loose in her hometown, and that’s dangerous and scary. And another thing – what if they learn the truth and it’s the truth Lucy can’t bear?

This was one of the most enjoyable reads ever. Full of characters that are surprisingly quick to throw Lucy under the bus. But Ben is a skilled podcaster and maybe he really does want to get to the truth. He gets people to admit what’s ifs and maybes and reveal more about themselves than they intended to, and soon the reader is wondering who has ulterior motives, who’s hiding something, what really happened.

Listen for the Lie is a roller coaster ride of uncertainties, clues that don’t seem plausible, statement that seem to be lies. Lucy isn’t always likeable and it’s difficult to decide what Ben is really up to, which just adds to their depth. The story is unexpectedly funny, very funny, at times, in a dark, dark way that it shouldn’t be, but the intensity never lets up. There are false trails and red herrings and big, big surprises. And a really unforgettable reading experience. Thanks to Celadon Books for providing an advance copy of Listen for the Lie via NetGalley. I recommend it without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Five years ago, Lucy Chase was found wandering along a dirt road covered in blood and suffering a head wound. Her best friend, Savannah, was found dead and Lucy is covered in her blood. Except Lucy can’t remember what happened. In fact, she can’t remember any of the night. The whole town turns against her (including her family) and calls her a murderer. But is she? And if she’s not, who did kill Savvy?

Listen for a Lie is a fantastic podcast-style whodunit novel. The main character, Lucy, is likeable with her sarcastic comments and “take no shit” attitude. Ben, the podcast host, delves into many theories on different suspects, uncovering many secrets thought buried in the small town. I truly did not see the ending coming, with so many twists and turns! Short chapters, witty banter, and likeable/unlikeable characters kept me intrugued until the very end.

Thank you Amy Tintera and Celadon books for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review!

Honestly, I saw everyone posting about Listen For The Lie and basically, I had FOMO, then saw it as a “read now” option on NetGalley.
I am so glad I picked it up, because I certainly couldn’t put it down! This was fast paced and full of (horrible) side characters - all of whom should have been on Lucy’s side. I loved the podcast episodes which brought to light some secrets that said side characters had been hiding. The only side characters I liked were Beverly (truly what I aspire to be when I’m 80), and Ben (who while trying to solve a cold case, I’m pretty sure just loved to cause chaos).
I loved Lucy, her humour was dark and so perfect ill timed, more than that though, I’m
impressed with the fact that she just wanted Savvy’s murder solved, even if she was at fault or not.
Honestly, my theory on who the killer was changed every podcast episode and the secrets that were exposed kept me so invested!

This small town Texas mystery thriller is full of dark evil people, drama, best friends, old friends, and a podcast turning it all up. Oh, we also get one meddling grandma! Lucy is that sarcastic - sticks up for people- hits back women.
This book I think made me want to start my Thriller Era again! Love it. I couldn’t put it down! Loved the people, the drama, trying to figure out who it was, the podcast story line, and loved Lucy! I can’t wait for more of Amy’s work!

I really enjoyed Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera. This was the first book of hers I have read and I will definitely be reading more.

What happens if you don't know if you killed your best friend and everyone in your hometown, including your parents and ex-husband thing that you did. This was an addicting thriller that kept me wondering who did it. Lucy heads back to her hometown for her grandma's birthday party. She has been away for 5 years, after her best friend was murdered. Her grandma plans this party so Lucy has to meet Ben, who has a podcast about the murder. Lucy does not remember what happened that night and Ben is trying to get her to remember. I really enjoyed the podcast format of the book and how it was entwined with Lucy's chapters from current and 5 years ago. This book is full of red herrings and kept me on my toes.

Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for an ARC of Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera for an honest review.

Book: Listen For The Lie
Author: Amy Tintera
Publisher: Celadon Books
Pub Date: March 5, 2024

This is a fast-paced, hang-on-to-your-seat-who-done-it. I loved this story and I loved Lucy. Actually I really liked all of the characters even the bad ones. The author used just the right amount of dark humor to make this story very real and convincing and not to heavy. The podcast transcripts were a great addition and it was a podcast I would listen to. Lucy is funny and witty and you’re in her corner rooting for her. Or at least I was. Any one of the characters could have killed Savvy including Lucy so getting to the end was what I loved about this mystery. I love a book full of sarcasm and this is it. This is the epitome of binge-worthy. Be sure and listen to my podcast Dig The Plot to hear my funny story about the first line of the book.

Thank you Celadon Books and NetGalley for this sneak peak! Publication date is March 5, 2024.

I have been really struggling with thrillers lately, but Listen for the Lie is the exception to the rule. This was the most fun I’ve had reading a thriller in a long while.

Lucy is accused of killing her best friend, however this was never actually proven. She flees her hometown for years, only to be summoned back by her grandma to help plan her birthday party. Coincidentally, a podcaster has come to town to solve the cold case of her best friend Savvy. Did Lucy do it? She doesn’t remember.

I love mixed format books, and this one has podcast episodes sprinkled throughout. What could be a pretty standard thriller is knocked out of the park by the author’s writing and the biting humor. I laughed out loud multiple times. I felt that the resolution was great and I didn’t have to suspend disbelief or deal with the whole mental illness narrative which seems way too prominent in thrillers of late. This was realistic, clever, and an ode to women and their worth.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for my digital and physical advanced review copy of this title!**

I absolutely crushed through this thriller and stayed up late one night to read it in one sitting. I adored the mixed media format with the podcast episodes revealing just a little bit more each time.

The idea of following along with the subject of the podcast as the episodes were released was awesome as well. Watching someone learn more about an experience that they had but couldn't remember alongside the rest of the public - is horrifying to me lol.

I really loved the MC's grandma, Beverly, so much. Ben was okay, as was the FMC but I wasn't obsessed with them or anything. The rest of the characters in this book were just awful - which was by design, but still.

My biggest complaint with this book was how casual and chill everyone was with the infidelity. MULTIPLE people cheating on their spouses with other people's spouses?! I know stuff like this happens IRL but there must be something in the water down in Texas. Truly it seemed that anytime a new character was introduced - it was because they were cheating on (or with) a character that the reader had already been introduced to. Not my cup of tea but that's okay.

Overall, this book would have been a 5 star for me but ended up at 4.5 stars rounded down for excessive cheating! Check this one out if you like true crime, podcasts, murder mysterys, thrillers, and unreliable narrators!

Lucy can't remember what happened the night her best friend was murdered, and everyone in her small town has come to the conclusion that she did it. Five years later, Lucy's back in town and a popular podcast sets out to find the truth. What really happened to Savvy?

Listen For the Lie alternates between Lucy's narrative and podcast episodes, slowly piecing together what happened that night. I read a digital copy, but the format would probably make for a good audio listen. The character development was very well done, and grandma Beverly was amazing. While I sometimes found Lucy a bit too snarky at times, overall the tone was a good mix of humor and suspense that kept the story moving. There were some well done twists and the ending was not what I expected. Overall a well done, entertaining read.

CW: murder, domestic violence, alcoholism

Thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for an advance review copy of this book.

Five years ago Lucy’s best friend Savvy is murdered and Lucy is found wandering in the woods with a traumatic head injury and her friend’s blood all over her. After the incident, Lucy cannot remember anything, but the whole town has painted her guilty, even her own family. Without enough evidence to proceed, Lucy leaves her marriage and her home town for LA. Ben Owen’s, a popular true crime podcaster has chosen Savvy’s murder for the second season of “Listen For The Lie”. Lucy has avoided anything to do with Savvy’s murder, not wanting to know the truth, but when her Grandmother calls and asks her to come home for her 80th birthday, Lucy goes. Once in Plumpton, Lucy is immediately caught up in the podcast and joining forces with Ben, decides it’s time to find out what really happened that night, even if she is the killer. Told in Lucy’s voice and alternating with the true crime podcast, this was a completely riveting psychological suspense debut by Amy Tintera that will have you guessing until the very end. This was a dual read/listen for me and if you get the chance, pick up the audio on this one! It was wonderfully narrated by January LaVoy and Will Damron! Thank you Celadon Books, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC and ALC of this book.

FANTASTIC! This book had me hooked right from the beginning and I absolutely devoured it! The writing was fresh and unexpectedly funny. I was going back and forth the entire book as to who did it and the actual who caught me by complete surprise!

Really enjoyed this one.. There have been many thrillers lately with podcasters in the mix. This one stands out as one of the better ones. Very smart and entertaining.

Shew what a book! I could not put this one down and it has me guessing until the end. I Loved Lucy! I need more of Beverly and I want another book about Savvy before please

My thoughts- thank you @celadonbooks for the advanced copy of this beauty! This is in my opinion the perfect thriller 😍it takes a lot for me to say that as the self appointed thriller queen but this one has it all!! Intense story ✅ dynamic characters✅ podcast format✅ and so much more ! I loved everything about this book, I read it in a day and when I wasn’t reading I was obsessing over this book! Highly, highly recommend this one. It’s available where books are sold today !
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Oh this book was AMAZING! It was one of those thrillers where you just can’t put it down!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book follows Lucy who is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood and everyone, including her husband and parents, thinks she is the murderer.
Years after that horrible night, which Lucy can’t remember anything about, a huge hit true crime podcast “Listen for the Lie” has decided to investigate Savvy’s murder.

I was GLUED to this book with wanting to know who did it, was it Lucy? Along with the sarcasm and humor, this one was absolutely perfection. If youre a true crime podcast fan, then I can’t recommend this one enough!

Release date : March 5th. (TODAY!)

Thank you celadon books and netgalley for the gifted ARC e-book in exchange for my honest review!