
Member Reviews

#ListenForTheLie:
Thank you @celadonbooks and @macmillan.audio for my gifted copies!
It’s pub day and also LFL drop day! Off to drop one of my favorite reads of February, and probably 2024.
This is how you do unlikeable main characters. It’s a fine dance on making a character unlikable and not ruining the story. Amy Tintera is chefs kiss when it comes to Lucy. Lucy gives me very much a Gillian Flynn Sharp Objects type character. She’s self deprecating, makes the worst decisions, but someone out there believes in her. (It’s her grandma, Beverly, that’s who)
I have been over podcasts for a while now, so I didn’t know how I’d feel about this one. My only complaint is to sign a petition to make podcasts have better theme music. I love mixed media, so this was actually really well done. I loved the different sides of the story that were told and how they came about.
Audio was great. It was a whole production with the podcasting and recording. I loved it and highly recommend on audio if you’re an audio listener. I mean, it’s freaking January LaVoy, what else do you expect except perfection? Also, Will Damron? Yes. This combo was everything you need.
Overall, a hit. Solid 5 🏃♀️. I don’t want to spoil it but I loved the ending so much. The “aftermath” I guess you could call it. Lucy’s last line of the podcast too?! 🥹
Predict text: Listen for the ….
Listen for the latest episode of the podcast 😂😂

This is a rare thriller where I didn't see the ending coming from a mile away. Revelations in this don't so much feel like large plot twists but more like slow unravellings of the truth. Overall, a really enjoyable read - I highly recommend picking this up in audiobook format since a good portion of the book is told in podcast episodes. A well woven story and a well produced audiobook meant that I finished this book in less than 36 hours. My favorite 2024 title so far.

Lucy Chase finds herself at the center of a murder mystery when she’s accused of killing her best friend, Savvy. Despite having no memory of the night in question, Lucy is haunted by the accusations and the traumatic events that transpired years ago. Now, a true crime podcast hosted by Ben Owens is reigniting interest in the case, forcing Lucy to confront her past and return to her hometown in Texas.
With the help of her witty grandmother and an unexpected ally in Ben, Lucy navigates through small-town intrigue and family drama to uncover the truth, even if it means facing the possibility that she might be the killer everyone believes her to be.
This book captivated me from the very first page until the final sentence. The author skillfully crafted a narrative that kept me guessing at every character’s motives. It had me utterly engrossed, unable to stop reading and listening, since I devoured the audiobook too.
I have to give a special shoutout to the audiobook version, as the narrators did an exceptional job bringing the story to life. Their performances (especially the podcast parts) added an extra layer of depth to the already captivating tale, immersing me even further into Lucy’s world of small-town intrigue and dark secrets.
Overall, Listen for the Lie is a must-read (and must-listen) for fans of thrilling mysteries. It’s a wild ride from start to finish, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you @celadonbooks @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for the gifted copy of this book.

Thank you Celadon Books for an advanced readers copy. Thank you Macmillan Audio for an advanced listeners copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Five years ago, Lucy Chase was with her best friend, Savvy, when she was killed. Lucy can’t remember what happened and everyone thinks she killed Savvy. She has since moved away from her small hometown in Texas, but comes back at her grandmother’s request for her 80th birthday party.
The host/creator, Ben Owens, of the Listen For the Lie podcast is focusing on Lucy’s story and is also in her hometown. Lucy decides to work with him to find out (finally) what really happened—even if she really did kill Savvy.
This is such a fast paced, wonderful book. Never a dull or lagging moment. I loved the short chapters with the podcasts mixed in. Plus, Lucy’s POV was a blast.
I am so glad I decided to listen to this. January Lavoy and Will Damron just made it even better. The snark and sarcasm from Lucy shown through by the amazing January Lavoy. I couldn’t imagine a better character than Grandma Beverly! Highly recommend.

This is a story about assumptions.
This book absolutely got me out of a slump with its pace & multi media format (10/10 for the audio @macmillan.audio!). I loved the twists, and that FOR ONCE when it described something a therapist recommended it was *actually* what I would recommend as a therapist. If you enjoy a good, unpredictable thriller with a touch of humor- this is excellent!
Thank you so much Netgalley & Celadon Books for the eArc!

Happy Pub Day to Amy Tintera and her novel LISTEN FOR THE LIE! This was a wild ride and kept me guessing until the very end.
Lucy doesn’t remember anything from the night her best friend, Savvy, is murdered including why she is found dirty and with Savvy’s blood on her clothing. Lucy has also been injured and a head injury prevents her from knowing what really happened. Now she’s back in her hometown for her grandma’s birthday and podcaster Ben Owens is on the hunt for an interview with her. Will Ben uncover the truth that proves Lucy’s innocence or will he be the one to finally prove she murdered her best friend?
Lucy is snarky and a strong character— clearly taking after her grandma and they were my favorites in the book. Her head injury and amnesia makes her unreliable but I couldn’t help but like her and trust her. There are so many other suspects too that will keep you guessing until the end.
I mostly listened to this one on audio and it was absolutely fantastic with narrating duo January LaVoy and Will Damron. They truly give everyone a unique voice making it feel like a full cast. Absolutely recommend listening but if that’s not your thing, reading with your eyes will also be enjoyable too. This book is just great!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to @macmillan.audio and @celadonbooks for these galleys! Listen for the Lie is available today at your local bookstore, online store, or @bookofthemonth. Congratulations to @amytintera on this fantastic thriller! I highly recommend it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Lɪsᴛᴇɴ Fᴏʀ Tʜᴇ Lɪᴇ ʙʏ Aᴍʏ Tɪɴᴛᴇʀᴀ
“After Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer. Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart, and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all, and if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life.
But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast “Listen for the Lie,” and its too-good looking host Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. “
🎙️true crime, mystery and podcast? Yes, please.
Everybody here is an unreliable narrator and equally guilty until proven otherwise. Fast paced, entertaining, jumping from real life to podcast live mode. Hilarious, sarcastic, dark and witty, Lucy will kept you wondering and even questioning your own mind. Who killed her friend and why?
This audio was a delight! 5⭐️🎙️ for the narration, great pace and sounds effects. @januarylavoy @jwdamron absolutely brought this book to live!
Thank you @macmillan.audio for sending amazing copies like this one.

True crime podcaster helps Lucy get to the bottom of her friend Savvy's murder when he conducts his own investigation. People around town think Lucy had something to do with the murder, but did she? She can't remember.
Listen for the Lie was so good! Definitely an edge of your seat kind of thriller--kept me turning pages to see what happened next. This story unfolded through Lucy's point of view as well as the Listen for the Lie podcast. There were so many new details discovered through the podcasters investigation--SO MANY TWISTS. I highly recommend Listen for the Lie to anyone seeking a suspenseful mystery!
Also, the audio was amazing! There was a separate narrator for Lucy's POV and the podcast!

Oh my gosh. This was a twisty-turny thrilling ride!! I feel like there isn't too much I can get into without spoiling the story, I highly recommend you go in blind as I did and enjoy the journey!
The audio version definitely made this experience more fun for me! 5 stars all around.

Lucy has been blamed for years for her friend Savvy's mysterious murder. She was the only one with Savvy at the time of her murder, and she has no alibi - because she can't remember what happened. Lucy is certain she could never have killed her best friend, but the entire town, including her parents, think she's the killer. There was never enough evidence to convict her, and so she moved away and tried to live an anonymous life.
That is until a podcaster decides to make a true crime podcast about Savvy's murder. Initially Lucy wants to stay away, but is convinced to participate.
This was really good, it held my attention the entire time. There is a large cast of characters, but I had no issues keeping everyone straight. This was such a well fleshed out story with great writing and a characterization, and the mystery builds so well.
5 stars. Thank you Macmillan Audio for giving me an advanced review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Lucy is accused of murdering her best friend but due to amnesia, she doesn't remember the night so she doesn't know what happened. Lucy's husband sends her away to stay with her parents and Lucy decides to move to Los Angeles. 5 years later, a podcast is being done about the murder and Lucy's grandmother lures Lucy back to Texas for her grandmother's birthday party. Lucy is against being interviewed for the podcast until her grandmother steps in and explains the reasons that the podcast could help Lucy.
I was hooked right from the beginning. Who doesn't love a good true crime podcast!? I really like the storyline, I found it a fresh concept and unlike anything I've read. There were a few parts that gave me pause, for example, Lucy's inner voice. I found the inner voice a little distracting to start, but it seemed to fit in more throughout the story.
I really enjoyed this book, I love the narrators, January LaVoy and Will Damron, they did a great job making the story come to life. It made you feel like you were right there in the story. As soon as I saw that January LaVoy was part of this book, I knew I needed to listen to it and I'm really glad I did.
I've never read anything by Amy Tintera before but if all of her books are like this then I will be checking out more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Amy Tintera for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6319725726

I'm so glad I requested this book. A unique plot and raw dialogue from characters. I like to say I'm good at guessing the ending on mystery/thriller novels, but this one had me shocked at the last chapters. I can't wait to see what else comes from this author.

When I got approved for this book 4 days ago I was so excited. I wasn’t sure I was going to finish on time for publishing day but I finished 2 days ago😂. This book was sooo good. The flashbacks. The storytelling. The characters. Sign me up for anything Amy Tintera writes. I will be first in line.
Thank you to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for letting me listen to this ARC.
Available today!!
#arc #audiobook #thriller #thrillerbooks #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookreview

Thanks so much for this Audio arc!!
This book was sooooo good!! I was instantly hooked! The narration was captivating. I hope this becomes a movie or show because it would be great on screen!
Can you imagine everyone thinking you killed your best friend? And you’re not sure if they’re right?
Lucy’s best friend Savannah is killed and Lucy seems to be the culprit. Lucy can’t remember anything from that night. After the tragedy Lucy’s name was ruined in her town and her husband divorced her. She returns (begrudgingly) for her grandmothers birthday party. It also happens that a true crime podcaster, who has just reopened her past, is in town as well.
Lucy’s journey with her family, the podcaster, her town, her ex and her memories was so captivating. I loved her inner dialogue & how Savannah seems to show up as the devil on her shoulder. I love the grandmother too- she was fiery and sneaky and Lucy’s truest companion.
This book kept me wondering what happened the entire time. I did not figure any of it out. And honestly we’re even left wondering a bit at the end which is super fun. I loved the podcast element too. This was definitely a 5 star read for me! I hope Tintera writes more and more!

Thank you @celadonbooks #partner for the #gifted copy and @macmillan.audio @netgalley for the audiobook!
——
Five year ago, Lucy was accused of murdering her best friend, Savannah in small town Plumpton, Texas. However Lucy does not remember a thing about that fateful night. She eventually moves away to Los Angeles, unable to put up with her town’s judgments even though she was not officially charged.
Independently, five years laters, Ben Owens, a popular crime podcaster decides to unearth this case and find out if Lucy did indeed kill her best friend. Ben Owens is shrewd and has the resources to resolve cold cases and decides to personally visit Plumpton and its cast of characters. He happens to bump into Lucy, who has returned for a week to celebrate her grandma’s birthday. Lucy has no interest to work with Ben but Ben will not be stopped.
The chapters alternate between Lucy’s narration and Ben’s Listen For The Lie podcasts where he interviews the townsfolk directly or indirectly connected to the case. The podcasts chapters are absolutely compelling and sound like real podcasts. January LaVoy and Will Damron (Did you know they’re husband and wife?!) did a PHENOMENAL narration. Even though I would have enjoyed just reading this book, the audiobook made the story even more stellar.
There’s a huge amnesia trope throughout the main story and I know some thriller readers feel it’s been overdone, but I assure you, it was treated respectfully in this book. You’ll understand what I mean once you finish the book. Listen For The Lie is easily one of my favorite thrillers I’ve read and I can’t wait to see what Amy Tintera comes up with next!

I know reviews are incredibly subjective, and I regret that my rating will be lower simply because I have read something that doesn't necessarily fit with my tastes. The pacing, character, composition, dialogue--all of the technical things are executed so well. The audiobook production is excellent. The premise is perfect. I'm not a true crime/cold case solving officianado, but I do find these stories engaging, and I appreciate the work that goes into helping people find closure and peace. It's the content that got to me. I don't like a lot of profanity, but can handle some. The culture of infidelity and small-town sleeping around was a big no-go for me. I do understand, though, that there's a market for this kind of entertainment, and in this case, it's executed well. Hence, it's three stars from me. 5-stars for execution. 1-star for content. Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.

This was a fantastic true crimes/podcast book. The fast pace and past/present timelines kept me hooked along with the narrator. I can't wait for Amy Tintera's next book!

1) This book should have been as witty and funny as it was considered there’s an unsolved murder.
2) If we don’t get more from Ben’s podcast, I’ll consider it a tragedy for the book world.
3) Amy Tintera nailed the Texas small town life setting.
4) I was wrong about who I thought was responsible for Savvy’s death. I love a good whodunnit red herring read.
I first read this book then picked up the audiobook and let me tell you, reading it again provided such a fun experience thanks to hindsight. Both options are fantastic options, and this is going to be top book of 2024.

Thank you to @NetGalley for letting me listen to the advanced audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Wow! This book had me on the edge of my seat! It was funny, witty and had so many twists and turns. The grandma was my favorite character iykyk. I enjoyed how the memories slowly unraveled to get the puzzle pieces to come together.
I loved the narrators, they were both fantastic! I will have to look for this author again. If anyone enjoys the murder/mystery via podcast, read this!

You're best friend is dead. You are found wandering the streets, soaked in her blood. Everyone thinks you are the murderer and you can't defend your innocence because you can't remember a thing that happened that night. This was a very fast paced and entertaining thriller/mystery. I love the incorporation of the true crime podcast, multi-timelines, and the short chapters! These components along with a fantastic plot made this book fly by in a hurry. Very much enjoyed this one.