Listen For the Lies didn't pull any punches. The characters are raw and flawed. How do you live knowing you don't remember the night your best friend died? How do you live when everyone thinks you did it?

I loved how slowly the past was revealed. I especially enjoyed using the audiobook to listen to the podcast portions of the book.

I really enjoyed this twisty mystery and I thought the podcasts sprinkled throughout were such a fun touch. Lucy seems to be an unreliable narrator and I loved how Ben gradually won her trust and his presence helped her figure out what was going on. I also loved that Lucy had someone that truly cared for her and was always in her corner. This is a unique thriller that had more of a psychological edge than suspenseful heart pounding moments and that's what I like in my thrillers. I listened to the audiobook and January LaVoy and Will Damron are fabulous together and their narration is perfection.

Starting off with the positive, the performances in the audio version were great. It was like listening to a Podcast within a book and I found that very entertaining. I also enjoyed the author's writing style, which was very clever and modern.

The story itself fell a little flat for me. This probably has more to do with my taste but it felt a little YA-ish. And I'm personally not a fan of that. And for a thriller it lacked someone in good plot twists, a lot of it was very predictable. Also not of fan of the romance parts. I'm more of a plot driven reader. That said, I'm sure these aspects of the novel will appeal to a lot of readers.

Overall it's an entertaining listen.

Lucy has tried her hardest to put the past behind her but then a podcast host decides to feature the murder of her best friend. The night that she can't remember at all. Now she has lost her job and is losing her boyfriend because she was branded a murderer even though she was never charged. She heads back to her hometown where it all happened for her grandmother's birthday party. The podcast host also happens to be in town and is relentless about interviewing her. He wants to solve the case and Lucy is torn if that will prove that she is a murderer.

This book was fabulous!! I loved the back-and-forth between what was happening in real life and in the podcast. It kept me intrigued throughout the whole book. I absolutely loved the way everything unraveled. It was such a great story and a more unique angle than some books with similar types of plots.

LISTEN FOR THE LIE review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5

🎧If you’ve been seeing this thriller everywhere and wondering if it’s worth the hype, I’m here to tell you it definitely is! I can’t think of any other thriller that made me laugh out loud multiple times and simultaneously had me on the edge of my seat. I’m hoping this is a sign that 2024 thrillers are going to knock my socks off!!

🎧Here’s a summary of the plot:👇
Lucy is infamous in her small town for being the main suspect in her best friend’s murder. Lucy doesn’t think she ever hurt her lifelong bestie, but she has no memories of what happened the night she was killed. Now a popular true crime podcaster is in town and is determined to solve the case. Does Lucy actually want to know what happened that night? Will the truth free her from the judgements everyone has against her? Or will it implicate her in the murder?

🎧Lucy’s inner monologue was one of my favorite parts of the book, along with Grandma Beverly’s witty sense of humor. Both had me laughing out loud, which is unheard of in a thriller imo. The podcast element in this one was so good and I’d hiiiiighly recommend the audiobook! The sound effects, music, etc. all made this a fantastic audio listen! I thought the ending came on all at once and I can’t quite pin down why I thought the pacing was off for the final part of the books. I still really enjoyed this one overall and would definitely recommend it!

🎧Thanks @macmillan.audio for the advanced copy! This one is available everywhere!

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