Oh my goodness! I LOVED this book so much! It was entirely different than most of the thrillers that I read and it was SO addictive. I don't usually like podcast-type mysteries, but this one was so out of the ordinary and so good! I can't recommend this audiobook enough and I can't wait for Amy Tintera's next project!!

If you're looking for a quick read, that will keep you guessing and engrossed, this is it! Five BIG stars from me!!

Wow - just wow!

Really really enjoyed this book! I’m a big fan of crime podcasts, so having this mixed media book that includes a podcast’s perspective is super interesting.

I loved how nonchalant and badass Lucy is. She didn’t let anyone get to her even though she was in a town where everyone thought she was a murderer.

If you read this book, I highly suggest the audiobook as well! The narrator is great and it gives you the feeling of listening to a podcast!

I’m only knocking off a star because I called who did it early on in the book.

Thank you Netgalley and Celadon Books for the ARC/ALC!

Star rating: 4 stars

This review may contain spoilers.

I think this book would be perfect for people who like TV drama-thrillers and are looking for a book with that sort of quippy verve. I had the thought a few times that it would definitely be a solid option for a limited run series adaptation. In my opinion, the strongest aspect at play here is the social commentary on things like true crime and domestic abuse. The weakest element is in the character work. The novel itself could be made a lot stronger with a few more rounds of editing and attention to character development. Whether I’d read another book by this author is up in the air. I wouldn’t rule it out, depending on the subject matter, but I don’t think I’d prioritize it, personally.

I think the narrative here was well-crafted, but it suffers on account of the aspects of the book that didn’t hit quite as well. Thematically, it’s pretty clear and has an understanding of the subjects it’s trying to discuss, but the communication of it (save for the discussion of domestic violence and a bit of the true crime discussion) isn’t always handled effectively. The cast, beyond Savvy and Grandma Beverly, feels kind of par the course for this sort of mystery thriller. Development isn’t really a big aspect of the characters here. Lucy’s arc is iffy to me on how present it really is—nothing seems to make much of a difference to her character. Ben’s arc towards unreliability was interesting, but he didn’t have a lot of depth.

When it comes to character, the relationship dynamics between the cast are by far the most interesting part. The complicated, weary family dynamics between Lucy and her family members, and her bond with her grandmother, feel very real, and the relationship between Ben and Lucy is definitely the most interesting part of Ben’s character. The friendship between Lucy and Savvy in the flashback scenes is incredibly strong (though it doesn’t echo through to the modern narrative in Lucy’s perspective to me, sadly). The portrayal of abuse dynamics is relatively well-done; you can tell the author is incredibly informed on them and how complicated being an abuse survivor can be psychologically.

The writing style here was consistent, though at times narratively inappropriate or out of place. Syntax was coherent and pithy, and word choice was clear, but not always effective. Dialogue occasionally came off as a bit over the top, even dramatized. Visual and sensory description was mild, but generally well-employed when present. Exposition was decently concise with minimum info-dumping. The primary propellor of the narrative was conflict, making the pacing fast and natural.

The point of view and depth of perspective was consistent throughout, but it was sometimes hard to immerse myself in personally because the primary point of view character, Lucy, didn’t feel totally natural to me. This is less of a problem in her flashbacks and the scenes reflecting on domestic violence, where her internal dialogue is portrayed in a way that feels much more realistic. The flashback chapters, however, were implemented a bit too late into the novel to not feel jarring, and unglued the narrative a little bit (which is unfortunate, because they’re some of the strongest scenes). The usage of the podcast transcripts in the narrative structure actually felt quite solid and largely avoided issues with perspective and point of view inconsistency, as they reproduce the “feel” of a produced true crime podcast incredibly well.

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars! Lucy and Savvy were childhood friends and they went on to live their lives. Lucy got married and Savvy was single and they continued to live in their hometown. Until one day, Savvy is killed and they say that Lucy killed her. The only problem is that Lucy doesn’t remember anything.

Lucy moved away to LA to escape what people claim she did, even though she’s not sure if she really did it. Years later, Ben, a true crime podcaster decides to start a podcast to see if he can find out if Lucy really killed Savvy or not. Lucy decides to go back to her hometown for a family function and also to see if she can figure out if she really committed this crime. There were so many twist and turns to this story and in the end we find out who killed Savvy. This was a good book and I recommend it.

I know I’m an outlier here, but I didn’t love this one. With that said, it was a good read. I enjoyed it on audio and happy I read it. But I didn’t love it as much as others did I’m sorry to say.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

"Kill him, Kill him" says Savannah, Lucy Chase's dead best friend. How and why is Lucy's best friend giving her murderous instructions from the grave? Why is she haunting Lucy? Is it because Lucy is the prime suspect, and considered by most to be the one to have killed Savannah? If it wasn't Lucy, who was it that killed Savy that night five years ago? To say that Lucy's hometown is less than hospitable to her is an understatement. Unfortunately Lucy has no recollection of the events that took place that night years ago. Does she not remember because she can't face the horrid details of killing her very best friend, or is it truly because of the severe head injury she sustained?

Readers travel back from Los Angeles to Lucy's small Texas hometown as she tries to solve the mystery of that horrible, dark night and what really happened to her beloved Savy. Sure, it doesn't look good for Lucy, she was found wandering in the dark, covered in Savy's blood with a major head injury claiming 'amnesia' ever since. Lucy tells everyone she couldn't have killed Savannah, but she has her own serious doubts.

This is a tale of murder, and how uncovering the secrets of a small town at the same time, ends up revealing the real story. "Listen For The Lie" explores how everyone in Lucy's town have secrets that could make them an ideal suspect in this grizzly murder. No one is safe from judgement!

Amy Tintera does an excellent job of making the readers suspect everyone. Her characters, though all flawed, were interesting and realistic. Lucy's 80 year old grandmother Beverly is my absolute favorite character. She always has such good insight and speaks bluntly and truthfully. Sadly, I find Savy's communication with Lucy to be overdone and distracting at times. I gave this story 3 stars but it is really a solid 3.5 stars. Without Savy's interjections, I would have rated this a solid 4 star story. The author uses a parallel time line, character interviews via podcast and narration from a dead woman to give insight and reveal the murderer. Overall an entertaining read and worth the time. Check it out this March 5, 2024 and see what you think.

Thank you NetGalley, Celadon Books, author Amy Tintera and Macmillion audio for this audible ARC, and for giving me the opportunity to express my own honest opinion.

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tinera is a book where I think it should be listened to, rather than read. The way the book was formatted over audio was soooo well done. The podcast had the right sounds, and it was very authentic in its presentation. If you are a fan of Holly Jackson's Good Girl's Guide to Murder series format, this was very similar-- in format

I know I write this often, but I have mixed feelings about this audiobook.

This was a well narrated book by two narrators, which I enjoy, in a podcast-esc format. There is a podcaster, Ben, who comes to a small town where Lucy has comeback to celebrate her grandma's birthday. Without giving much away, there is deep dive into the past into the murder of her good friend, Savanah, years ago with Lucy as the prime suspect.

There are many things that I really enjoyed about this book. I really enjoy the format of the podcast and his narrative through the podcast format. As well as Lucy's narrative through her current timeline and when the murder took place. However, I know that many don't enjoy that, so if you do not like a back and forth dynamic like that- this book probably isn't for you.

I enjoyed the reality of what it is to live in a small town. How everyone knows everything about everyone. Having lived in a small town, people seem to know things about you before you do. And it seems everyone has a similar opinion about a person, even if it may not be accurate. That was very much my experience in small town living.

Anyway........

opinion that may give something away
[
I did not care for the sex. I am not a prude, but I did not care for the autoerotic asphyxiation scene later on in the book. I guess it could contribute to the plot, but it wasn't necessary. (hide spoiler)]

Sometimes the plot seemed to jump from place to place. And the character development I felt was lacking and a little shallow.

I didn't think it was a bad read, it just wasn't a YES!

But I want to give a HUGE shout out to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook. All my opinions are my own.

Okay, I know I said I was sick of the I-can’t-remember-if-I-murdered-someone trope, but THIS is how it’s done! I got really into this one. The podcast element was interesting and the author did a great job developing complex characters. I’m holding off on a full 5 stars because some of the spicy scenes got a little weird for me, but it’s really just a small complaint. I highly recommend this to all mystery and thriller fans!

4.5/5

4.5 stars

I did not want to put this book down. The audiobook is great and I highly recommend listening to it. The podcast sections feel much more real when paired with the audiobook. The plot was intriguing and kept me guessing up until the very end.

Wow! Just wow! I LOVED this audiobook!

Listen For the Lie is a story about main character, Lucy. 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. 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 that did it.

This story alternates between Lucy’s point of view and then the “Listen For The Lie” podcast episodes. The narration was AMAZING- I loved it! I also loved the characters’ sarcasm and humor. I found myself laughing during some of the dialogue which brought some levity to a suspenseful thriller. It was very nicely done by the author.

This audiobook and story was absolute perfection and I loved every single second. This is one I will recommend over and over again. Thank you so much to NetGalley and to Macmillan Audio for providing me this ARC in exchange for sharing my honest thoughts. I am so grateful for the opportunity.

Synopsis: Years ago, Lucy’s best friend, Savvy, was murdered in their Texas hometown. Lucy was the prime suspect, but there was not enough evidence to convict her - and unfortunately, she can’t remember anything about that night. After moving to LA and starting a new life, Lucy thought she had put the past behind her. But when a popular true crime podcast begins investigating Savvy’s murder, Lucy is pulled back to her hometown to solve the crime once and for all.

Thoughts: Oooh this was a good one! Exactly what I’m looking for in a thriller! I loved the unreliable narrator, the sense of wrongness throughout, the whodunit mystery, and the suspenseful twists! The depth of the main character and her morally grey personality was perfection. I also really enjoyed the way the podcast was included; it gave a really true crime feel to the story. This aspect was also so great on audio with clips of the podcast itself interspersed. The narrators did a fantastic job, especially January LaVoy with Lucy’s inner monologue. I binged this in a day and definitely recommend!

Read this if you like:
🎙️ podcasts
🎙️ true crime
🎙️ unreliable narrator
🎙️ psychological thrillers

Five years ago, Lucy Chase’s best friend Savannah was brutally murdered after attending a wedding in the small town of Plumpton, TX. When Lucy was found wandering and covered in blood, she soon became the prime suspect. But Lucy doesn’t remember anything about what happened to her friend and because there was not enough evidence, she was never charged with the crime. Now, present day, a podcaster has decided to revisit and possibly solve the case. Lucy finds herself back in TX for her grandma’s birthday where she happens upon Ben Owen’s, the podcaster. Because she remembers very little about that night, Lucy finds herself drawn into the investigation, wanting to help Ben in his quest for the truth. Many people come forward with information on the case and the night of the murder. But Lucy is not really sure who is telling the truth and who is lying. This was a twisty, edge of your seat novel that made an exciting audio book! I highly recommend this read!

OH MY GOODNESS! An ultimate who done it! I was hooked from the start just by the narrator. The audio version is incredible. The mix between the podcast and Lucy was spot on. It all came and went at the right time. The build up had me thinking all different things. Was it her? Was it him? Wait, could it have been them? Whew. I can’t write this without saying there are some things in here that can be triggers for some. It was intense. Funny. Dark. It has some romance. It was just wow. I highly recommend this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Again the narrators were spot on. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audi for the ARC. Definitely in my top 5 favorites.

BOOK REVIEW: LISTEN FOR THE LIE

“Always the boyfriend, except when it’s the best friend…”

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The whole town of Plumpton, TX believes Lucy murdered her best friend Savvy. The morning after attending a wedding, Savvy’s body is found on a running path. That same morning, Lucy is found wandering the streets wearing clothes covered in blood and can’t remember anything that happened the night before. Lucy put all this behind her and moved to LA, but when a true crime podcaster chooses to investigate this case, Lucy is forced to return to Plumpton to try and solve her friend’s murder.

I loveeee books that have a mixed media element to them and the true crime podcast in this one was on point! I switched between audio and physical copy but the audiobook really brought this story to life!

Pick this one up if you enjoy:
🎙️True crime podcasts
🏘️Small town setting
🤔Amnesia trope
⏳Dual timelines

The short chapters, mixed media elements, and story had me hooked and the twist at the end shook me!! This would be a perfect binge read. I devoured this one and think it will be a hit when it’s released on March 5th!!

I've been feeling like the podcaster thriller trope is becoming maybe too popular but this one was absolutely fantastic! I was hooked to the storyline from the very first minute. I loved the MCs attitude and personality. January LaVoy has always been a favorite narrator and I just loved how she brought Lucy to life! I love how Macmillan Audio produces podcast related audiobooks and this one was no exception! Overall a fast mystery that I couldn't stop listening to! Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this one!

Rating: 5/5 Stars
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Horray for my first 5 star read for the year 2024. This was one addicting read and I loved every single second of it. This story was just fun.
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Listen for the lie is told in first person through Lucy. Lucy goes from being a fellow victim after being found wandering along a road with a head injury after her friend Savvy was murdered to being considered the killer of Savvy. Throughout the story Lucy is an unreliable narrator as she tends to hear voices throughout the story telling her to “Kill”; not to mention that traumatic brain injury that has left her with amnesia of that night. I loved her character, I thought that she was so funny and snarky and her sarcasm was on point. I loved her grandmother, I thought she was just such a “tell it how it is” woman. I just wanted to be their friend. Once Lucy decides to face her past, that’s when things begin to get super interesting.
Lucys chapters are alternated with Ben Owens’ podcast “Listen For The Lie”. On audio, these podcast episodes are so well created that you actually feel like you are listening to a podcast. It was such a great touch to the audiobook.
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I found this story to be completely enthralling. It was funny, suspenseful, mysterious and will have you guessing until the end. The ending was wrapped up perfectly and gives you the answer to all of your questions. The chapters are short and the entire book is fast paced. I loved how I was giggling one second, attempting to figure out this mystery the next. This story was so captivating that I finished this book in one day. This is a very easy bingeable read.
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I listened to this one via audiobook and read along on my kindle and let me just say January Lavoy (one of my all time favorite narrators) and Will Damron were absolutely brilliant. They compliment one another perfectly in this story. Highly, highly, highly recommending this audiobook if you are planning to read this story!
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Huge thank you to NetGalley, Amy Tintera, Macmillan Audio, and Celadon Books for the eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review. Listen For The Lie will be releasing on 3/5, be sure to check this one out!

Don’t wait on this one, pick it up ASAP. This one was literally so addicting I finished it within two days. I listened to the audiobook and I loved how much they put into production! Seriously, the podcast parts were topnotch. Both narrators did a fantastic job and they fit their characters perfectly. I was a little hesitant about the narrators in the beginning but as I listened I realized just how perfect they were for those roles. I could go on and on about what I loved about this one but I recommend knowing barely anything about it. That’s how I went into it and I preferred it that way. Just know, it’s one of those thrillers that will have you completely hooked and guessing until the last page.

Thank you so much for my gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lucy was found wandering the streets of her small town, Plumton, TX. She was covered in the blood of her best friend, Savvy (Savannah). Lucy has no recollection of the events that transpired that night. She is never arrested or charged or convicted of murder – officially – but the people in her life and in her town have already been the Judge and jury. Until one day, Ben Owens, the true crime podcaster of Listen For The Lie, decides to take this case on and see what he can dig up.

Fantastic narration by January LaVoy and Will Damron. The chapters alternate between Lucy’s perspective and the podcast. I am not a huge fan of audio books, but I wouldn’t change a thing for this one. It was brilliant. The characters grow and a classic whodunnit unfolds. You will love Lucy’s grandma – because anyone who drinks before noon and knows a good looking man when she sees one has to be a favorite.

This is my first Amy Tintera book and it will not be my last.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4+ stars

Five years ago Lucy was found wandering the streets covered in the blood of her best friend Savvy. She doesn't remember what happened and although never charged, everyone in town beside her grandma (love her!!!) thinks she is guilty. Ben Owens, a true crime podcaster, starts covering the murder. Lucy was a great character.

I think this book worked much better as an audiobook as part of the book was listening to the podcast of the mystery. Highly recommend.

Fantastic narration by January LaVoy and Will Damron.

Who do you think would really protect you if you were in trouble and not seem to recall what had happened? Maybe your family? Maybe your boy/girlfriend? of your best friend? You would expect all of these people to be on your side because you having amnesia made you a victim as well. But no, looks like everyone was ready to throw you under the bus

Your best friend had been murdered and everyone was thinking that you did it. You were covered in her blood after all. There was even a podcast started going through the case again. Lucy covered her ears and tried hard to not to listen people calling her a murderer and point finger at her. Savvy was her best friend; there was no way she could do it. They were always on each other's side

Just like Savvy was her best friend in life, she was also Lucy's best friend in after life. Maybe she was the only person who truly knew her and understand her limits. Because even when her parents did not believe Lucy, Savvy was telling her the truth Lucy was dying to know