I’m not a mystery/thriller traditionally, but the premise of this one intrigued me, especially with the podcast angle paired with the dual narration! And the narrators were absolutely spectacular at bringing the characters to life.

A fun, quick read! Compulsively readable, this is a great book to break yourself out of a reading slump. I loved Lucy’s sarcasm & dark humor; she was a perfectly flawed heroine that kept me laughing and smirking the whole way. The twists & turns coupled with the short chapters kept the pages flying, and I can’t wait to see what the author does next!

Fun and entertaining story. Unfortunately the twist was obvious and the amnesia trope - with the crash of memories returning at just the right moment - was a bit disappointing.

Lucy returns to her hometown for her grandmother’s birthday only to find out that her grandmother lured her there to get involved in a podcast featuring the death of Lucy’s friend, Savvy. The entire town believes that Lucy murdered Savvy since she was found with a head injury and covered in Savvy’s blood. But the murder was never solved and Lucy has no memory of that night. As the podcaster, Ben interviews the townspeople, Lucy decides to cooperate with him as she also desperately wants to solve the murder even if it means she is guilty. Soon, the small town secrets emerge as Lucy slowly recovers some memories.
I listened to the audio version of this book and it was so well done. I really liked that some chapters were narrated as an actual podcast complete with introductory music - so much better than just reading the book! Excellent! The story also exceeded my expectations - the mystery was solved very thoughtfully and methodically with no over the top twists. The main characters were fairly well developed and I couldn’t help but love Lucy’s grandmother. I didn’t like the relationship between Lucy and Ben because it seemed unrealistic but I overlooked it as the main story was so engaging and entertaining.

3.75 ⭐️

*I listened to the audiobook*

Lucy has been haunted by an event that happened five years ago. The unsolved death of her best friend, Savvy. Lucy has no memory of the night of Savvy’s death. Lucy can’t remember why she showed up the next morning with her clothing soaked in Savvy’s blood. Everyone in her small Texas hometown thinks she killed Savvy and got away with it. Lucy moves to LA and tries hard to not remember what happened.

A well known true crime podcaster, Ben, starts investigating the murder and broadcasting about Lucy. Lucy is forced back to her hometown, back to the community that hates her, back to her old life. Ben is determined to solve the case and asks for Lucy’s assistance with investigating.

The book switches from Lucy’s point of view to episodes of the podcast and interviews with Lucy and Savvy’s friends, family, and acquaintances.

**** My opinions ****

The audiobook held my interest and it was a quick listen for me. The narrators did really well and the format was easy to follow, even with the podcast episodes mixed in.

I enjoyed the true crime aspect of it and the podcast episodes made it interesting and fun. The book was entertaining. I did start guessing the killer, but I tend to figure out most thriller books.

Things that knocked down the rating for me…
There was a lot of drama and secrets. I didn’t care for the excessive amount of the cheating and almost every single relationship described was open. It didn’t feel realistic and it was too dramatic. Everyone seemed like slimy liars. I had a hard time liking a character.
Lucy’s revenge (turned full blown blacked out hunter after she was no longer in danger), the showdown (Emmett turning into wimp), and Ben’s lie felt off to me, but further drove the message of men being believed and the truth not mattering when people make up their mind about you (that the book reiterated many times).

I did get emotional at that end when Lucy remembers what happened. The sisterhood and bond between her and Lucy and the love they had for each other had me watery eyed. The murder scene was really sad.

Overall, it was a decent thriller and entertaining.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for access to the ARC audiobook. I appreciate the opportunity to listen!

What a wild ride! This book kept me guessing the whole way through and the author did an excellent job of weaving a twisted web of suspense. I couldn’t help but make connections to a real life podcaster whose podcast helped solve a murder in his state after perusing an unsolved crimes website. If you enjoy true crime podcasts, this is a winner! This story is definitely going to stay with me.

Thank you Amy Tintera, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this audiobook! The sound quality was excellent, and the narrators, January LaVoy and Will Damron, were engaging to listen to. They brought each character to life. I really liked the storytelling and podcast episode format.

Dang. I devoured this entire thing in one sitting. Now THIS is what I want in a thriller. WHAM, some big thing exposed. BAM, this b*itch was cheating on that b*itch with this b*tch who was cheating on that b*itch with this other b*tch and just what the actual f*ck? This got messy. Like Jersey Shore messy. And I LOVED every minute of it. I loved the podcast aspect, I loved the citizens solving a crime aspect, and I loved Lucy. It also helps that January LaVoy was the female narrator, I ALWAYS love whatever she narrates, BUT I also adore Amy Tintera.

I am loving the murder podcast trope in books lately! This one was fantastic!!

Lucy returns to her hometown 5 years after the murder of her best friend (Savvy) and everyone thinks she did it. However, Lucy has no recollection of the night she was found wondering down the street covered in Savvy's blood. Enter Ben Owens, true crime podcast host, currently in town at the same time investigating Savvy's murder himself. I loved the depth of Lucy's character throughout this book. It has two timelines-present and 5 years ago-to recount the events leading up to Savvy's murder. Lots of investigation mixed in with Lucy's wit and sarcasm makes this book enjoyable throughout. It wasn't very suspenseful until the end but I really enjoyed trying to figure it all out. I truly had no idea!!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Macmillian audio for this advanced audio copy of Listen For the Lie!

Wow. Wow. Wow…and WOW!!!

So Lucy and Savvy are best friends…in small town Texas.
As they are becoming adults, they seem to each have the perfect lives…but things are not always as they seem…
Savvy always has the cutest boy on her arm, and Lucy is right behind her!
They are well known around town, and have made kind of a name for themselves, being the dynamic duo.

Lucy ends up marrying a wealthy guy and gets a beautiful home…but Savvy is afraid she’s not really happy. And after all, best friends DO know each other’s secrets…

One day they both attend a wedding, but Lucy and Savvy leave early…and Savvy ends up dead.

The whole town thinks Lucy is her killer!
How can that be? They’ve always been best of friends…

But, LUCY HAS NO RECALL OF WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT!

Five years have passed, and Lucy has moved on. She’s now divorced and living in LA.

When her grandma calls her home for her birthday party, Lucy has to rethink her plans…as she vowed never to go back to Texas… BUT, grandma has always been by her side. Has always supported and believed in her. So, she must go home.

When she arrives, she finds out that a well known pod-caster is doing a story in her small town…And, it’s about her! And Savvy!

She absolutely refuses to speak with him, or revisit her past. But as she speaks to her grandma, family, etc…she thinks maybe she should speak with him.

Maybe, just maybe, she will remember something from that dreadful night…

And that is when the story REALLY begins!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which released on 3/5/24.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

⭐️ Originality
⭐️ Suspense
⭐️ Multiple POV’s and characters
⭐️ Multiple guesses that were totally wrong
⭐️ The fact that Savvy is STILL speaking to her!! After all this time! ….
Extra ⭐️ Because the whole thing was done like an actual podcast…

#ListenForTheLie by #AmyTintera.
Terrific narration by #JanuaryLaVoy and #WillDamron

Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.

Thanks so much for reading!📚⭐️📖

Listen for the Lie has been popping up all over my Instagram feed, and I was curious if it lived up to the hype. I'm happy to say it definitely does! I initially ordered the hardcover from Book of the Month, but luckily, I received the audiobook from Macmillan Audio. Consuming it this way was a great decision because it's truly fantastic! It is a captivating audiobook experience that effortlessly blends mystery, intrigue, and the power of storytelling. As far as audiobooks go, this production sets a high standard with impeccable production value that immerses listeners in the world of Lucy and her small-town secrets. Through Lucy's eyes, we unravel the complexities of small-town life, where gossip and hidden truths intertwine to create a tapestry of intrigue.

What makes Listen for the Lie truly exceptional is January LaVoy's performance. The way she effortlessly changes her voice for each character is remarkable—you'd think there were 10 different female narrators. As Lucy, she invokes a snarky narration, injecting humor and personality into every moment. Her witty remarks provide a refreshing perspective to the dark themes explored in the story, including gaslighting, manipulation, and infidelity. My favorite character, Lucy's grandmother, Beverly, is at the heart of the narrative, however, who steals every scene with charm and wisdom. Themes of friendship, abuse, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion are expertly woven into the narrative, creating a thought-provoking exploration of human nature. Touches of the paranormal add an extra layer of intrigue, inviting listeners to question what is real and what lies beneath the surface.

The podcast format adds an innovative layer to the storytelling, seamlessly alternating between the current action and podcast episodes. This dynamic structure keeps listeners engaged, offering fresh insights into the unfolding mystery with each episode. While the overall production is flawless, the only minor critique lies in the length of the podcast's intro and outro music, which could be trimmed slightly for a smoother listening experience.

Listen for the Lie is a must-listen audiobook that delivers on every front. With compelling characters, intricate plot, and immersive production, it's a journey that will keep you guessing until the very end. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply appreciate a well-crafted story, this is one audiobook that deserves a spot at the top of your playlist!

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook.
Did Lucy really kill her best friend at a wedding five years ago? This is my favorite kind of thriller - short chapters, fast pace, and over the top characters. I enjoyed it all! I loved the podcast angle too.
I highly recommend the audiobook. January LaVoy and Will Damron delivered fabulous performances.
4 stars rounded up to five because of the narrators.

I LOVE when a psychological thriller keeps me engaged from the first page until the last page. There were SO many twists and turns and I could not figure out if Lucy had killed her best friend or not. The characters were all amazing - they were not fully trustworthy and had their own quirks, making them feel like real people and not just book characters. It was a quick read/listen - and truly enjoyable. I loved that the book alternated between Lucy's point of view and also told from the perspective of a podcast. It was done seamlessly and added to the fun of the story.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced e and audio copies!

Lucy returns to her hometown 5 years after being the prime suspect in her friends brutal murder. At the same time, a podcast is reexamining the evidence to determine who her killer may have been. I definitely would recommend this book particularly as an audiobook. I thought the way the podcast was integrated into the narrative was fantastic. Initially the “kill” voice in Lucy’s thoughts was somewhat startling to me but it actually all made sense when further revelations were made. The book moved quickly and kept my attention throughout. I thought that the story was very well organized. And particularly the delivery of the audiobook was outstanding, one of the best ever. Definitely 5 stars! I’ve recommended it to everyone I know!

When a podcast shines the light on an unsolved murder, a town must reckon with the woman they blamed when she returns to town. Lucy left town after she was accused of murdering her best friend, Savvy. Granted, she was covered in her blood and doesn't remember what happened. But years after she's been excommunicated from her Texas hometown, a nosy (and handsome) Podcaster wants to revisit Savvy's murder. And Lucy's family sees it as the perfect chance to lure her back to town. Lucy is forced into the role of amateur detective, even if it means she might be uncovering her own crimes.

LISTEN FOR THE LIE is great fun, a darkly funny thriller that uses the podcast narrative style to keep the story moving briskly. A good sleuth will be able to deduce the killer before our podcast experts do - which can be annoying in certain mysteries but really works here as readers are encouraged to do what they do best: draw conclusions real fast too soon! The humor in this one adds a great layer - Lucy (and her wisecracking Grandmother) both keep the tone a little light as some of the more severe moments happen, offering a Martin McDonagh-esque dry wit. The characters are well-drawn out giving you plenty to root for (hello, Beverly!) and a great cast of suspects who all share potential blame. The small-town life is thoughtfully examined here through the lens of gender and class, as you watch the town make excuses (and cover up) for some in favor of others. I was personally hoping to learn more about the "anonymous sources" that were driving the plot twists forward, using off-screen voices and facts to fill holes in the plot. But like a great piece of entertainment, the blemishes are easy to ignore when you're having so much fun reading it. The small-town podcast narrative pays off on this one!

Fans of true crime podcasts and mysteries are going to love this book!

First off: HIGHLY recommend the audiobook format for this book! Once I realized that there were podcast snippets woven throughout the story, I knew this was the format I wanted to use. I’m sure the physical copy portrays these well, but I have to say the narrator and production absolutely nailed it!

Tintera centers Listen for the Lie around our main character, Lucy, who was suspected, but never charged with killing her best friend. To make things more mysterious, Lucy also suffers from amnesia for part of the day in question. This aspect allows readers to sit side-saddle with Lucy as we work to try to uncover those lost memories and piece together the series of events. I loved this structure and all the ways Tintera comes up with for Lucy to uncover a new clue.

I don’t want to talk too much about the plot for this one because I think it’s one of those books that are better to go in blind. Just pick it up and find out what all the hype is about!

Short synopsis: Lucy is accused of murdering her best friend, years later the case is being investigated by Ben Owens the host of a true crime podcast.

My thoughts: Oh my good gracious, the audio on this was phenomenal! I couldn’t stop listening! The music segues into the podcast portion just added such a fun element to the story. Although the print version is a wonderful option, I recommend the audio just for the added bonuses!

I am always drawn to a podcast themed book, and this one did not disappoint! The interviews and podcast portions added such a fun element to the story and made it feel so real. The red herrings and twists kept my attention engaged throughout the entire thing and I couldn’t help but binge it!

The end left a little something lacking in my opinion, and there was a whole lot of “everyone sleeping with everyone.” The amnesia trope in general can be a bit iffy but I actually felt like it was done well in this instance.

Read if you love:
- Small town popcorn thriller
- Amnesia trope
- True crime Podcasts
- Romance subplot
- Great audio accompaniment

Ok, I know you have been seeing the hype for this book all over the dang place, but I'm gonna add my review to it. This book was so good. I don't know what it is about a mystery book with a podcast aspect to it, but I've been obsessed lately. And I think that's why this book is getting so much hype. I'll be honest, I didn't expect the ending until, like, right before it, but it wasn't 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 shocking of a twist. But the lead up to it and really not knowing if Lucy killed Savvy, mixed with hearing people's interviews, it made for a really good book. One that kept me on the enthralled all the way until the ending.

I won't talk too much about the characters because you need to read the book to really form your own opinions, but good gracious do I love Lucy's grandma. That woman is amazing. Sneaky, but amazing.

Even if you don't do audiobooks (or podcasts) I'd definitely recommend trying this one out on audio instead of reading it. It really immerses you in the story, and the narrators are absolutely amazing. I really can't give the audio version of this enough praise.

Fun, fun, fun, fun. I enjoyed the heck out of this book. What captured my attention to Listen For The Lie by Amy Tintera was that it had a plot that involved a true-crime podcast. Though that is being done a lot lately, I enjoy that theme as it covers two of my favorite genres: True Crime and Thrillers. One unique facet of this novel was that the main character was kind of a jerk, but somehow she grew on me. She doesn't know if she killed her best friend, but she is fully down to figure it out. The voice in her head was annoying, but also played a bit for dark humor. At the end of the novel, it was not an ending I predicted, and nothing in the story was life changing, but it was just a really good time. I would recommend this to any thriller lover as it is just enough unique in tone and characters that it will be a refreshing change. And if for no other reason, read it for the hilarious grandma!

This book was recently chosen for as a @gmabookclub pick and for good reason - what delicious bingable thriller! The audiobook narration was wonderful, adding an extra layer of depth to an already captivating plot.

Five years ago, Lucy’s best friend Savannah (Savvy) was murdered, and everyone assumes Lucy did it. Lucy has no memory of that night and now five years later a true crime podcaster is starting to dredge up the past, so Lucy is forced to retrace her steps and help figure out who killed her friend.

I know that we have been getting a lot of books lately set around true crime podcasts but this one was very well done. The intricate storyline, filled with unexpected twists and turns, kept me guessing until the very end.

Amy Tintera does a great job of capturing the essence of small-town life, making Lucy’s experiences feel relatable and authentic. There were a slew of unlikeable characters including Lucy who is sarcastic and witty and you can’t help but root for.

The audiobook was immersive, giving us a true podcast experience and I loved it! Overall, “Listen for the Lie” is a compelling thriller that grips you from page one and doesn’t let go until the final sentence.

This is a buzzy book about town. I am always kinda half and half on enjoying thrillers but this was definitely one i enjoyed. The audio itself wss really well done and i could see this being made into a series.
I loved the podcast vibes and the characters, the grandma was amazing, What made this for me was the dialogue and the writing, The mystery was kinda meh but in the end i still enjoyed the ride.

Murder mystery. Dark humor. True crime podcast. No memory of how your bestie died and you ended up with her blood all over you. Oh, and you also keep having thoughts of killing people.

When I saw people say that this book has humor in it, I thought “yeah, OK… it’s going to be forced or cheesy in a thriller book.” But NO. Not at all. There were several times I *literally* laughed out loud from the blunt, dark humor.

The murder mystery part of the book was very intriguing as you learn more and more from the main character remembering more of the night her friend was murdered and also get further into the podcast that’s investigating the crime.

I loved the audiobook for this - the podcast parts felt like you were listening to a real podcast, the characters were clearly distinguishable, and the narrators kept you interested in the storyline.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!