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!

"A world-class whodunit."
—Stephen King



“An extremely successful high-wire act, balancing between dark comedy and darker thrills.”
—Alex Michaelides, #1 New York Times bestselling author



“Laugh-out-loud funny, thrilling and twisty...”
—Liane Moriarty, #1 New York Times bestselling author


💭 𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
Ummm… those are some pretty strong testimonials and I agree with all three of those amazing authors (above) wholeheartedly. I think my favorite part of this book is the main character Lucy, who’s full of dark, witty humor. She’s a hot mess and I loved her for it. I also enjoyed Lucy’s meddling, day drinking grandmother who was equally as comical. Never has a mystery novel made me laugh out loud so many times. I started out reading the physical book but switched to the audiobook and it was absolutely fantastic. The narrators, January LaVoy and Will Damron, have incredible chemistry because they are actually married in real life! I mean, how cool is that? The podcast segment just lends itself to the audiobook format so perfectly, so I highly recommend listening instead of reading this one. I really wish the “Listen for the Lie” podcast with Ben Owens was a real thing because I’d totally listen. Please to yourself a favor and listen to this book. It’s one of my favorite reads of the year and I feel like it’s got staying power and could end up in my top five of 2024. I loved it!!

Thank you to @celadonbooks, @netgalley, @macmillanaudio for the complimentary copies in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and it’s a solid 3.5 for me.

I loved the story and the characters BUT it was a little slow for my taste.

This was a nice dark humorous slow burn thriller and I am grateful for the chance to have come across this author.

"Listen for the Lie" is one of the funniest and most sarcastic mystery/thrillers I think I've EVER read. January Lavoy did an AMAZING job (as usual). I went into this one totally blind, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I was in for a WILD ride when the story opens up about an "apology chicken." LMAOOO.

This story centers around Lucy, who go the hell out of dodge 5 years prior after her best friend was murdered. While the case was never solved, and Lucy was never charged, EVERYONE thinks LUCY did it and that she’ is guilty AF. It gets worse- Lucy can't remember if she killed her friend or not. You think YOU have problems? Be thankful you aren't Lucy.

This was a SUPER fast page-turner that had me hooked from page one. Again, apology chicken! LOVE IT. Despite me SEVERELY dislking the amnesia trope, I think Tintera executed it very well here. Oh, an let's not forget about our queen, Lucy's grandma! SHE IS A HOOT!

Now, as far as criticisms of the book, I don't have many, but I do have some. At times, the writing did get quite a bit repetitive. There’s also a lot of REALLY bad decision making. It wasn't a deal-breaker but it did prevent me from being able to give this one a 5 star rating.

I still really really enjoyed this one and will absolutely be recommending it to my thriller-loving friends. The audiobook was hilarious. I will never not love January LaVoy. Just utter perfection.

Thank you for the opportunity to listen to and review this book.

4.25./5 stars!

Listen for the Lie was exactly what I needed when I was craving a fast paced thriller. From the first page I was hooked! I did not want to put it down.

I loved the MC of Lucy. She was incredibly witty and had a dry sense of humor that I really enjoyed. I love it when you get a sense of who the characters are, even in a thriller. I did not see the ending coming but it wasn’t so completely out there either…. Some twists are just too much and make me roll my eyes but this one seemed like it could happen.

The narrator was excellent and I also loved the podcast tidbits during the audiobook. I would definitely recommended this one on audio!

Thank you netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest revels.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4 ½⭐️✨
LISTEN FOR THE LIE 🎧
🤍𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: thriller
📖 352 pages
𝗘𝗺𝗼𝗷𝗶𝘀: 🎙️🩸💍✍🏼

🖤𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲🖤

Thank you @netgalley @mac.millianaudio for the #gifted copy!

Wow what a bingeable story! Thrilling, immersive, & utterly addictive! The audio is definitely the way to go on this. The sound effects (music, breathing, laughing, even characters interrupting one another) was so immersive, realistic, & fun!

With a myriad of complex characters & a protagonist whose inner voice adds depth, unraveling the mystery becomes a deliciously suspenseful journey. There are a lot of supporting characters with different motives, making it hard to know who to trust & who the killer really is. Plus, Lucy's secret life as a bestselling romance author adds an intriguing layer.

Highly recommend this!!

The story follows Lucy, once part of a picture-perfect duo with her best friend Savvy, & finds herself accused of Savvy's murder after a night she can't remember. Despite moving on with a new life in LA, the shadow of suspicion looms over her. When a popular true crime podcast decides to delve into Savvy's murder, Lucy is compelled to confront her past & uncover the truth, even if it implicates her. With the help of the podcast's host, Ben Owens, Lucy returns to her hometown, where secrets & lies await her. As the investigation unfolds, Lucy must grapple with the possibility that she may be guilty of her friend's death.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲:
◽️ podcasts
◽️ who dun it
◽️ books where everyone is suspicious

I loved this book! I listened to the audiobook, which I think gave it extra dimension, as the chapters with the podcast episodes had intro music and were really presented as interviews. I liked how the story slowly unfolded and the information learned through the podcast episodes wove together with the information learned in the regular chapters. I also felt the conclusion was satisfying and I was not able to guess "whodunit", so I was surprised at the end. I will definitely be recommending this book to others.

Wow. Just, wow!
Listen for the Lie was an easy 5 star audiobook! This is a book you MUST listen to!
This story details the death of Savanah and her accused best friend Lucy. In small town Texas, everyone has an opinion. Ben, the LA podcast host is getting everyone to talk and he's turning up new information with every passing episode. Lucy has no memory of the night, so the question remains, did Lucy do it? What happened that fateful wedding night?
I loooooooooved everything about this book. The narrators were fantastic! The story flipped between present day, 5 years ago and alternated with podcast episodes. I think if you read it as a physical book you would miss out on the experience of the intertwined podcast episodes and excerpts. I adored Lucy, even as an accused murderer - with some serious sociopathic tendencies - I was rooting for her all the way!!
This story had everything, mystery, suspense, humour, sex, oh and did I mention the humour??? I literally smiled and giggled my way through all the dark and sarcastic humour. The banter between Lucy and her grandmother Beverly was my favourite part. Beverly's birthday party scene had me torn between being both slack jawed and laughing.
I seriously couldn't listen to this book any faster. Every free second I had in my day I was listening to the next chapter (which were also short, my personal preference). This is the first book I have read/listened to by Amy Tintera and I will immediately be checking out what else she has written.
Should you listen to this book? Don't walk, RUN!!! I have a feeling this book will be in my top thrillers for 2024!

This book was twisty and turny, definitely taking you to places that you didn't think you would be going in this book. Lucy's best friend Savvy is murdered, and Lucy blocks the whole thing from her memory, a response to the trauma. She moves, but later returns to her home town after a podcaster turns his interest onto Savvy's case.

This book has twists and turns at every level, and throws suspicion on many of the characters in the book. Although there is only one killer in the end, the route the book takes to revel it is full of twists and turns, and it ends up being someone you may not suspect.

Trigger warnings for some mentions of domestic violence.

Thank you to the author, narrator and publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts are my own.

This book was just not for me. I liked the premise of the podcast helping solve the murder of the local girl, but something about this book wasn't doing it for me. I liked the main characters banter and wittiness, but in an overall sense I didn't care for her or the choices she was making throughout the story. People were saying it was supposed to be a funny thriller, but I was not getting that vibe.