4.5 stars 🌟

I really, really enjoyed this audiobook. Podcasts can be so played out, but this particular one, Listen for the Lie added so much depth to the pacing and storytelling of this novel. The narration was fantastic - so great, in fact, I would definitely recommend the audiobook version to fully immerse yourself into the story. The characters were rich and well rounded, and I loved following along as the mystery unraveled. So many stories are written similarly, where a crime has been previously committed and our protagonist is the main suspect. Because of their amnesia (or similar predicament), it makes finding the truth that much more annoyingly difficult. Are they a reliable narrator or not? I am so pleased to say that Listen for the Lie was anything but predictable, instead bringing a fresh take on a familiar(ish) tale. The story was well-crafted and had a mostly satisfying ending. Some twists were expected and some were NOT, but it tied together really well. One twist in particular I was so surprised about as it seemed SO obvious, but I was too distracted by the rest of the action to catch on until much later.

Fantastic efforts on the author's part for bringing life into a diluted genre with this book. I don't remember why I only gave it 4.5 stars (as I'm writing this review weeks later), but even after finishing two other good books since, Listen for the Lie still stands out as an early favourite for this year.

Shoutout to Netgalley, Amy Tintera, and Macmillan Audio for early digital access in exchange for an honest review. Probably my favourite from Netgalley thus far ;)

Everyone should stop what they’re doing immeidately and get the audio version of Listen for the Lie. It 👏 was 👏 everything.

This was my first book narrated by January LaVoy and I’m a little mad I hadn’t listened to any of her narrations before. She really accentuated the characteristics of Lucy that Amy Tintera crafted. From her sarcasm and the various emotions that fclit thorugh her inner monologue, it felt like I was with Lucy.

The whole podcast within a book situation is one I don’t think I’ll ever tire of. It’s a fun medium to discover secrets, and in this case, it really drove home the point that not everyone see’s one person the same and how either consciously or unconsciously, that person’s traits that are maybe deemed hard to swallow or just make them look like a human are washed over in favor of a golden complexion.

Another reason I’m obsessed with the podcast tie in is how easy it is to give it a murder mystery feel with countless potential suspects. Tintera made the switching of suspicion smooth and, in my opinion, it could have been anyone and I would’ve accepted it based on their past.

But the ending 👀 It was great and infuriating and too close to reality. I didn’t see it coming but the moment it did everything clicked. I promise you’ll have a hard time not bingeing this one. Or wishing that you’d become Beverly when you get older 🤞

This audiobook was so FUN!! This is not your typical murder/thriller/whodunnit story. Yes we’re dealing with a story of the brutal murder of a young girl, and our FMC is potentially the murderer…but it’s far from dark and dreary - it’s often laugh out loud funny. It reminded me of a book version of the show “Dead To Me” in that way. You’re rooting for the (maybe?) bad guy because she’s just so damn funny. Lucy's inner monologue (and her one liners) are snarky, sarcastic, witty and hilarious. Almost as hilariously awesome as her grandma - and we LOVE a sassy grandparent! We 👏🏻 need 👏🏻 more 👏🏻 sassy 👏🏻 grandparents 👏🏻 in 👏🏻 our 👏🏻 books!

The format gave us a true podcast feel - flipping back and forth between the podcast interviews and then Lucy’s inner thoughts and memories. I know this is one of this month’s BOTM picks, but I would highly recommend the audio instead!

Lucy’s best friend, Savvy, was murdered and Lucy was the number one suspect. Just after Savvy’s body was discovered, an injured Lucy was found wandering dazed and confused, covered in Savvy’s blood, with no memory of what happened to her best friend. Five years later, Savvy’s murder becomes the subject of a popular podcast and the spotlight is once again on Lucy. Lucy’s grandmother persuades Lucy to return to her small town where just about everyone thinks she’s a murderer. Reluctantly, Lucy agrees to work with Ben, the podcast host, to unravel the mystery of Savvy’s death and discover if she really did kill her best friend.

This is an incredibly entertaining, fast paced, and twisty thriller. The story moves from present to past as Lucy desperately tries to remember what happened the night Savvy died. There’s tons of small town secrets to keep even the best armchair detective guessing. I listened to the audio version of the book and it’s the perfect format for this story. Ben’s podcast episodes flow smoothly into the narrative and never feel like a gimmick. January LaVoy and Will Damron are excellent narrators and really bring the story and characters to life.

This is perfect for readers looking for a binge read with lots of twists and turns.

Lucy’s best friend was murdered and everyone thinks she did it - and Lucy isn’t 100% sure they’re wrong because she can’t remember anything. Moving to LA from her small town helps to escape the constant stares and gossiping but then a new podcast comes out, becomes an instant hit and brings everything up again including putting Lucy into the national spotlight. Between needing to figure out how to move on (now that she’s lost her job and new boyfriend) and her loving and manipulative grandmother dragging her home (a great character btw); Lucy goes back to her hometown where it all happened and ends up facing her demons and partnering with the very cute podcaster and trying to help him solve the murder once and for all - and finding out if she is a murderer.

This was such a great book, but an even better audio. If I was reading and there was a podcast chapter I would switch to the audio just to hear it. I listened to this between meetings, while baking chocolate chip cookies for a sick friend, walking to yoga, walking back from yoga (super slowly), basically I just sat there listening because I was addicted to this audiobook, and if I wanted to know what happened faster, I would read. It was funny, it was engaging and I needed to know what happened - it ate up my leap day and I have no regrets. The book is great, but listen if you can!

Thank you to Celadon Books and MacMillan Audio for the ARC to review
4.25 stars

I loved this books. the audio format was perfect for it. I was invested in the MC character and went back and forth between believing she didn’t, and didn’t do it. I also did not guess the twists of the voice or at the end.

I do wish Lucy’s own murderous impulses and Savvy’s previous murder were explained a little more but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story.

Absolutely LOVED the grandma character and the humor-that made this book very unique.

A thrilling listen! I’m a huge fan of audiobooks that listen like a podcast. The added effects make for a fun read along. The dual narration makes it easier to follow.

The story itself was great. Lucy was such an interesting character to get into the mind of. She really kept me on the edge of my seat invested. Ben, the podcaster, was by far my favorite in the book. The way he told the story of Savvy’s murder with each interview was the best part of the book. I was convinced I had it figured out, but I was wrong.. yet again. Each character introduced added so much depth to Lucy’s character. This is a must read!

Highly recommend! Thanks so much to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the ALC.

Everything about this book was amazing! From the clever plot, the twists, funny, awful, witty characters and the first rate narration of my favorite narrator January LaVoy, this was by far my favorite read this year.

Kudos to the author for creating such a nail biting thriller that also had humor and kept you guessing until the very end.

TW for domestic violence.

What a fun ride!

The audio for this one was stellar! I loved the different narrators and how the podcast tied in. The story kept me guessing from start to finish. I enjoyed the witt and clever writing. Really enjoyed this one and highly recommend.

Five years ago, Lucy was found covered in Savannah's blood. Naturally, all of the residents of her small town in Texas assumed she was a murderer. Lucy moved to LA and started a new life since she was never formally charged with Savannah's murder. In present day, Ben, host of the hit podcast "Listen for the Lie" has taken an interest in Savannah's unsolved case leading to a resurgence of public interest in Lucy. What will the podcast uncover?

I really wanted to love this book but ultimately thought it was just okay. I loved the snarky main character and the podcast episodes/interviews with a colorful and engaging supporting cast of characters. However, I thought that this story did not really have many twists/turns... it was just a bunch of who is sleeping/cheating with who. Things didn't really pick up until the end. Also, I find the amnesia trope to be lazy and convenient. In sum, a fun but forgettable ride.

P.S. The narration is excellent if you're considering the audiobook.

Thank you NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for an ARC of this book.

Tintera delves into the murky depths of small-town gossip and the devastating consequences of jumping to conclusions.

An absolute rollercoaster of a thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn't let go until the heart-stopping conclusion. The pacing of this novel is simply electrifying. Tintera masterfully keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with twists and turns that leave you breathless and constantly flipping pages to uncover the next clue. The incorporation of podcast episodes as a storytelling device adds an extra layer of excitement, propelling the narrative forward and heightening the sense of urgency to unravel the truth behind Savvy's murder.

The characters in "Listen for the Lie" are richly drawn and utterly compelling. Each perspective offers a unique glimpse into the tangled web of secrets and lies surrounding Savvy's death, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Tintera skillfully navigates the complexities of human relationships, making every character feel authentic and multidimensional.

I particularly enjoyed the way Tintera explores the theme of perception versus reality. As Lucy grapples with the accusations against her, the novel delves into the murky depths of small-town gossip and the devastating consequences of jumping to conclusions. The exploration of truth and memory adds an intriguing layer of depth to the narrative, keeping readers questioning everything they think they know.

Overall, "Listen for the Lie" is a pulse-pounding thriller that will leave you guessing until the final page. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery, as well as those looking to dip their toes into the genre for the first time. Amy Tintera has crafted a truly addictive read that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page.

The audiobook for this was truly fantastic! It also does a great job of differentiating the story from the podcast episodes and really brings them to life. Great voice acting!

I don't think I am going to get tired of podcast books anytime soon. I love how this format lends itself to clever twists and a mixed media format - especially when it's done with different (and excellent!) narrators like in this book. I was hooked from the first part and just had to know what happened to Savvy and what exactly was going on with Lucy's memory. The author created such a strong character in Lucy that I found it easy to want to root for her. Everyone in her hometown thought she was the murderer, and I was even left wondering. The podcast added complex, well thought out layers to the plot that kept me hooked the entire time. If you're looking for a solid mystery, I highly recommend this one.

Everyone in her small Texas town thinks Lucy killed best friend, but that there was just not enough evidence to prosecute. She leaves town but five years later returns at her grandmother's request. Lucy remembers nothing from that night, just that she was found covered in Savvy's blood.

Enter Ben, a podcaster who wants to tell Lucy's story and maybe in the process help her to remember what happened that night. Several Books have now used the podcaster angle in telling a story, some well done, some not. This one was well done. I found Lucy to be a sympathetic but strong figure. To come back and face the people in her small town, people who have decided she is guilty and has gotten away with murder. Small towns are extremely insular, as everyone knows everyone else. I Live In one such small town and can attest to this fact. The story told in Lucy's voice, is compelling.

The audio was a terrific way to tell this story.

Amy Tintera's Listen For The Lie is a new five star thriller!!! A must-read for fans of gripping mysteries with a dash of humor. I highly recommend listening to this one on audio. The narrators truly nailed it, making it an immersive and unputdownable experience. If you're looking for a book that's gripping, dark, humorous, and well thought out, this one is the perfect choice.

Five years ago there was a murder in the small town of Plumpton, Texas. Lucy Chase has never been charged for her best friend, Savannah's (Savvy's) murder. But she was there and later found covered in her blood. The only thing is she can't remember a single thing! Five years later she's moved to L.A. to get away from all the accusations but has come home for the week to attend her Grandmother's 80th Birthday Party. Also podcaster, Ben Owens comes to town and features Lucy and the murder for his new podcast. Together can they figure out just what happened on that fateful night 5 years ago?

The story is told in mixed media format in alternating chapters told from Lucy's point of view and through a podcast episode from Ben's eyes as the story unfolds. I think the audiobook was really well done and is a great way to enjoy books delivered in this format. The narrators are excellent. January Lavoy is amazing in this with all the various characters she does and Will Damron does a great job with his role as Ben.

Special thanks to Macmillian Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.

♡ Audiobook Review ♡
♤ Release March 5 ♤
- Tropes -
Murder Mystery
Podcast Style
Thriller & Suspense
.
.I don't know what it is about the podcast type style writing, but I am LOVING them for thismurder mystery books! I devoured this audiobook in one sitting !!!!!!!
.The narrators January LaVoy and Will Damron did an amazing job. They brought the characters alive.
.Lucy's parents can go to hell, Mac Lucy's ex husband go play in traffic, and Lucy's grandma is the REAL MVP! I love how WE get to interact with all the characters.
.I love how WE were all solving the mystery with Lucy. It wasn't like boom twist, boom twist.
.Ch.21 took me out! The granny in this story is FUNNY! I love her.
.The humor in this story is a masterpiece, and I highly enjoyed it.
.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. 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 Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one who did it.

♡ Thank you, Netgalley and MacmillanAudio, for allowing me the ALC for my honest review ♡

"Listen for the Lie" was an exciting, dark thriller I couldn't stop listening to once I started. I finished the whole thing in one day, and I was completely absorbed. The audiobook is excellent with multiple narrators. The chapters alternate between chapters from a suspect's perspective and true crime podcast chapters that explore the murder. I liked the alternating viewpoints and how it revealed all the characters in the story. I didn't see the answer coming. I'll definitely read more from this author.

Listen for the Lie is the adult fiction debut from Amy Tintera and is also a March Book-of-the-month pick.

"Years ago, Lucy was found wandering out of the woods. She had no memory of how she came to be covered in her best friend Savvy's blood. Everyone thinks she murdered Savvy but Lucy is never charged with a crime. She moves to California to start over.
Now a popular true-crime podcast, Listen for the Lie, has chosen to investigate this case and find Savvy's killer. Lucy is forced to return to finally clear her name and get justice for Savvy.."

This is a fantastic audiobook performance from the husband-wife team of January Lavoy and Will Damron. I did not want to stop listening, There's one part where Lavoy adds so much to the voice in Lucy's head. The first time you hear it is surprising and creepy. And it makes you wonder about Lucy's innocence. And the podcast is realistic from Damron.

One of my favorite parts is Lucy's voice. Her memory loss makes her question everything. And the voice in her head is not helping.

Lucy remembers a little at a time (yes - dual timelines) and we get the story about what really happened the night that Savvy died. Tintera has the killer hiding in plain sight. I did not guess this one.

Great story from Amy Tintera. Add this to your beach reads this year.

Thank you so much NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, & Amy Tintera for this ARC in exchange for an honest review 🖤⁠

Oh my goodness!! I loved every single thing about this book!⁠
⁠
The storyline, the podcast, the mystery behind Savvy’s murder & the fact that everyone in town including Lucy’s parents were so quick to blame her. I truly had no idea what exactly happened but I couldn’t wait to find out!!⁠
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📖 Read this one if you're into: podcasts, true crime, small towns, unreliable narrators, multiple viewpoints, drama, who dunnits, & wild twists & turns⁠
⁠
Moral of the story: do NOT miss out on this book!!

Lucy and Savy are best friends in their little town. But when Savy is found dead, and Lucy is walking down the street covered in her blood, it doesn't look good for Lucy. The whole town believes she murdered her friend, despite a negative sentence during the trial. Fast-forward 5 years, Lucy has moved out of the little town, but returns for her grandmother's birthday. Simultaneously, Lucy discovers there is a podcast being completed on the murder of Savy. Although she hates the thought of revisiting her worst nightmare, Lucy decides this could be the opportunity for her to really figure out what happened that night.

Let me first say I'm a sucker for podcasts, and I am finding I like the audiobooks that include podcast clips to be very enjoyable. This audiobook did a good job of mimicking a podcast with intro music and all. The story itself was good, fast-paced, and had some nice twists at the end that I did not see coming. Id recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the podcast mystery genre, or those that just enjoy reading mystery novels.

Listen for the Lie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By Amy Tintera

Thank you @macmillan.audio and @netgalley for early access to this five star thriller! It was so unbelievably good! Wow!

There are a handful of recent popular books about producing a crime podcast. I assure you this is the very best one though. I binge listened in less than 24 hours.

Lucy is suspected of murdering her best friend, Savvy. She is never arrested, because there wasn’t enough evidence. Lucy suffered from a head injury that night, so she doesn’t remember anything. Then a popular podcaster created a true crime podcast about Lucy and Savvy. This forces Lucy to revisit her hometown and question what happened the night Savvy was murdered.

This book had me on my toes the entire time. I devoured it. Amy Tintera does a great job bringing the characters to life and truly wrote an amazing thriller.

🖤 Genre: Thriller
🤍 Steamy rating: Moderate (not detailed, but these people were having a lot of sex)
🤬 Profanity: High
🎧 Method: Early Access Audiobook


Triggers: Domestic violence, murder, infidelity, and alcoholism