Dark and sarcastic who-dun-it with an endearing main character. Readers MUST choose to listen to this one as chapters intersect with podcast episodes throughout the book. I really had a good time. The ending wasn't spectacular but the characterization and plot sticks the landing. Falls right into place with some great mysteries.

This book is one of the best mystery/thrillers I've read in a very long time. I loved every bit of it. I was completely captivated and had to know who dunnit! Amy Tintera knocked the unreliable narrator trope out of the park. Despite being unreliable, Lucy is such a strong, snarky, give no fucks character that you just have to love her. The same goes for her Grandma Beverly. Grandma won my heart with her unshakable faith in Lucy. I want her to be my Grandma. This book is a must read.

Five years ago, Lucy was found wandering the streets, dazed and covered in the blood of her best friend. No one knows what happened, but everyone believes that it was Lucy who killed Savvy – until a podcaster comes to town to dig up the whole case again.

I generally avoid the recent spate of mystery books that use podcasts as plot devices. For one, I’m not even a fan of investigative podcasts, and it’s always seemed more like a framing gimmick than anything else. But I decided to try out this book because of all the rave reviews from my friends on Goodreads, as well as the fact that the narrator is not the podcaster but the subject of the story, Lucy Chase.

This is a fast-paced, intriguing mystery with an amusingly dark and sarcastic narrator. The characters are colorful and lovable despite their flaws, of which there are many, and the author leans into their ambiguities, presenting us with no clear cut villains or heroes. I also loved how the story unravelled, with us learning more about the case alongside the ‘listeners’ of Ben’s podcast.

However, the final section sags oddly before we get to the big climax, maybe because I felt like things were getting stretched out. It was a bad place to lose tension. I also got bored of Lucy’s romantic travails – though they do have bearing on the plot, I felt that they sometimes took on a boringly soapy tone, and would have liked to see less of them on the page.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and the narration was excellent. The narrators are January LaVoy and Will Damron – the latter narrating the podcast sections as Ben. The podcast chapters are produced so that you feel like you’re really listening to a podcast. Both narrators did a great job with the voices, bringing plenty of emotion and personality to minor characters. They really elevated the story for me.

I just happily stayed up irresponsibly late to finish this book. I could not stop listening to the audiobook. 10/10 experienceu! I highly recommend listening to the audiobook for this one.

This book blends humor with a thriller soooo well. Our main character is hilarious and I feel like I could hear her talk all day. Everything that happened so super interesting and I didn’t have a single point where I was bored. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing this ARC of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

This book was excellent! I loved all the twists and turns in it, and enjoyed the journey it took me on. I like the podcast mixed with traditional storytelling, and enjoyed that you constantly questioned loyalties between the characters. Excellent ending as well.

TW for domestic abuse.

Years after the death of her best friend, Savvy, Lucy returns to her small Texas town for her grandmother's birthday. But coincidentally, a true crime podcaster is there at the same time, digging for answers to Savvy's death. Oh, and the prime suspect is Lucy.

Told in alternating chapters between Lucy's POV and "Listen for the Lie" podcast episodes, the book has twists and turns, as Lucy has no memory of that fateful night. While the final reveal may not come as a complete surprise, there is enough misdirection throughout the book--as well as a lot of laugh-out-loud snarky commentary by Lucy--to keep the reader engaged.

My only suggestion would be to read the print version, as the audiobook has one narrator for Lucy's POV and another for the podcast. While I always love January Lavoy's narration, and Will Tamron does a great job, January narrates Lucy's sections entirely, but also does the female voices in the podcast. This keeps the female voices consistent and easy to follow. Unfortunately, January narrates the male voices in Lucy's sections also, and many of them are quite different from Will's versions (for example, January gives Lucy's ex a relatively flat accent, while Will gives him such a thick southern drawl he's indistinguishable from the other male characters).

This is such a fun read, it's well worth the time. Thank you to the author, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the chance to read this delightful book in exchange for an honest review.

OH MY GOD! This book needs to come with a warning to not start after 8pm because you will be up all night. I wish ‘Listen for the Lie’ podcast was real. I’d be their #1 fan! This was such a good story told in a unique way.
Lucy and Savvy were best friends in a small town. Then one morning Lucy is found wondering down the road and Savvy is dead. Lucy can’t remember anything from the entire day and their small town has decided she’s guilty of murdering her best friend.. Even though the police didn’t bring the case. Years later she ends up back in town for the first time since. Following her journey back in her small home town while a podcaster is interviewing the entire town trying to solve Savvy’s murder was so fun. I already know this a going to be one of my top thrillers for the year. Even though this is a thriller, there were still parts that were so funny and every Office reference was appreciated!
Not only did I love the story but the narrators killed this! Even the podcast had theme music. I loved everything about this book and audiobook.
Note: Lucy’s grandmother is my favorite character I’ve read about in a very long time.

Pub date - March 5th, 2024. Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5⭐️ Everyone thinks Lucy killed her friend Savannah. Found wandering the streets covered in her friends blood, and with no memory of the event herself, the community had all but found Lucy guilty of Savvy’s murder. Years later, true crime podcast host of “Listen for the Lie”, Ben Owens, comes to town to reinvestigate the unsolved murder. When Lucy is forced to return to her hometown and the life she left behind, she must face what it means to get to the truth about what really happened to her friend.

This story is incredibly engaging and unique as it tackles true crime from the podcast standpoint. I found it amazing that this book has me creeped out one second and laughing my butt off the next, as the author uses dark humor sprinkled throughout in the most perfect way. Each of the characters were fully fleshed out and relatable (well minus one maybe), and I was hooked almost from the start. At one point, I felt myself wanting to race through to find out what exactly had happened.

My only criticism, and what kept this book from being a 5 star read for me, is that the middle section of the book felt repetitive and that slowed the pacing down for a bit. However, that said, this is a worthy read, especially given how fresh and unique it is.

Of note, this is great on audio, however, I would recommend reading the physical or ebook alongside it. There are quite a few characters and families to keep straight, along with multiple timelines, and I think having both formats helps.

Read if you like:
•unique books
•podcasts
•dark humor
•twisty reads
•true crime plot line
•the night swim by Megan Goldin
•none of this is true by Lisa Jewell

Thank you {partners} @celadonbooks and @macmillanaudio for my gifted copies.

Lucy has lived with being the prime suspect in her best friend's murder for 5 years - losing jobs, friends, and every new person she meets trust. Did she do it? She can't say no. She can't remember that evening at all. Now two things are happening:: she's returning to hometown, where the murder happened, for her grandmother's birthday. And a popular True Crime broadcast has raised a lot of interest in the crime.

These are familiar thriller tropes, but this is NOT a typical thriller, it was SO good!

I loved Lucy's characterization as leaning into her bad reputation with dark humor and the little gems from her family too, like her mother observing maybe the podcaster will save her reputation: " People believe men, especially men who look like that. If he says you didn’t do it, if he even casts enough doubt, people will believe actually him. Look at that Ronan Farrow fellow. No one believed that movie man assaulted all those girls until he said it was true.” The various characterization of Texas women overall was a highlight.

I also enjoyed Ben, the podcaster, who surprised me several times. Meeting side characters first through the podcast, then Lucy meeting then in town was a clever touch.

I'd call this a thriller, not a mystery; because of the memory loss element, we dont' get enough clues to figure out what really happened, but you do get ideas and red herrings and it keeps you in suspense. The ending worked for me. My main word to describe this book is "page turner".

The narration was A+ and for this, like all podcast books, I definitely recommend the audio. I'd call this a 4.5 star book rounded up for the performances.

Thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books and Macmillan audio for the advanced copy.

I thought this was incredibly well done! Each character was voiced by a different narrator and it really felt like a true crime podcast playing out. I love the true crime podcast trope and hope that authors will keep using it because it really makes it easy to connect to the characters as if you feel like you are solving the case with the podcasters. I was really rooting for the main character of the whole time and loved how this played out. I did not see the ending coming at all and thought it was really wonderfully done. This is one of the best thrillers I've read in a while. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is like:

-A gripping audiobook experience with dual POVs
-A thrilling podcast narrative that brings the story to life
-A cleverly crafted ending that left me surprised

OH MY GOD. Let me tell you, this book is an easy 4.75 stars in my books! If you ask me how to absorb this story, I'd recommend the audiobook to anyone and everyone. The dual POV and the podcast element truly elevate the narrative. The ending? Spectacular. However, my slight deduction of -0.25 comes from a wish for a few more clues sprinkled throughout the story to make that 'aha' moment more pronounced. But, let's be honest, that's a tiny critique.

The pacing, the witty writing, and the overall storytelling in this book were nothing short of amazing! The story unfolds like a perfectly scripted podcast episode, unveiling truths as we listen.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacMillanAudio for the ARC #ListenForTheLie by #AmyTintera. I love listening to a podcast version of a book. It always gives so much more to the story. This book is great with all the drama-past and present, the small town games and the finger pointing. Highly Recommend.

🎧 𝔸𝕦𝕕𝕚𝕠𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜 • ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 🎧

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗲 by Amy Tintera
Release Date: March 5, 2024

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
This book was SO GOOD! This was my first by Amy Tintera but everyone says her other books are really good, so I've found a new author! I was hooked from the very beginning of this one. Lucy was such a likeable character, even though she was a suspected murderer. Her sarcasm was so on point, I found myself giggling through the whole book. I loved that the book.incorporated podcast episodes that enhanced the story! I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a new thriller!!

𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
I'm only recommending this on audio! January LaVoy was absolutely perfect for narrating this. Every character had their own voice. The podcast was perfect also. There was intro and exit music, and Will Damron was perfect for the role of Ben Owens. I listened at 1.25x speed and it was perfect! I wish I could listen to this for the first time again, it was easily at the top of my audiobook list for 2023! I recommend the audiobook as the only way to enjoy this awesome thriller!

Thank you to Netgalley, Amy Tintera and Macmillan Audio for an ALC!

I did the audio version and with it being a story and podcast in one it had all the live action noises. I’m really starting to enjoy how these are done! Even though I don’t listen to podcasts, I love this style in thrillers!

Lucy thinks that she must have killed her best friend. Everyone thinks she did. And if everyone tells you you’re a murderer, even the voice in your head… does that mean you are? This was the ultimate whodunit mystery! I throughly enjoyed it and would recommend it for sure!

Finished this awesome audiobook and I LOVED it! Like for real. The main character doesn't know if she killed her best friend years ago but everyone thinks she does and then a guy (who looks like an Avenger 😍according to her grandma who is a hoot) starts a podcast about it where it's based on Texas (accents and all!)

I highly recommend if you like thrillers especially with a little dark humor and some twisted relationships to add this to your TBR! ESPECIALLY the audio format! It's SO GOOD!!!👏🏻 I was so hooked and really loved how it had a podcast built in. It was like listening to Serial but then also getting a funny but dark main character that you can't help but root for! I didn't guess the twist either which was great!!!!! I want more like this please! I think it'll be a 2024 thriller hit (hopefully) 🤞🏼

What if everyone - including YOU - believed you murdered your best friend? When Lucy was found wandering the street, disoriented and covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone assumed she killed her. But Lucy doesn’t remember, and nobody ever found out the truth. Lucy was married to the town’s golden boy and Savvy was a social butterfly, especially popular with the boys in town. It’s been years since that awful night and Lucy has moved to LA to start a new life. But when true crime podcast host Ben Owens starts investigating Savvy’s death on his hit podcast, “Listen for the Lie”, Lucy is forced to confront the past and the night she can’t remember.

I always find it ironic how much I enjoy books centered around podcasts when I don’t actually listen to any podcasts LOL. This one was particularly fun to listen to on audio, as there were bits of the podcast interviews interspersed throughout the story. I really felt badly for Lucy, as she truly couldn’t remember what happened that night and her journey to trying to get to the truth and uncover her repressed memories were intense and at times, painful. I also loved the comedic relief provided by the dark humor (Savvy continually whispering “lets kill” to Lucy’s subconscious made me laugh nearly every time it happened). This unique mystery had me on the edge of my seat! January LaVoy and Will Damron narrated this one to perfection.

Thank you to Macmillan audio, Netgalley and Amy Tintera for the ALC! “Listen for the Lie” releases March 5, 2024. This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

🎧Audiobook - 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

“I should have been a better victim. The truth doesn’t matter if you fight back.”

A whodunit that is unique and has subtle dark humor scattered throughout. While listening, I found myself smiling often and even laughing at points, which is an impressive balance for a murder mystery.

Lucy Chase was found alongside a road 5 years earlier with her best friend’s blood on her, a protrusion on her head from an obvious struggle and no memory of what had taken place. Everyone, including Lucy, thinks she is the obvious and only suspect, but without any proof, there is no arrest made. She moves to LA to try and move on, but is requested to return to the place of the crime for her grandmother's birthday. She reluctantly decides to go because Grandma is one of the few people she communicates with from her past, and she may be the only person who believes in her innocence.

The story is mostly told through Lucy's POV, which is both witty and cutting in the best way, making her an engaging character. Her and Grandma were largely responsible for the smiles and giggles I mentioned earlier.
In addition to her perspective, we also witness the unraveling of the events surrounding the murder through a podcast called 'Listen For The Lie', where an attractive and somewhat arrogant podcaster, Ben, comes to town to investigate the murder and shed light on the events surrounding that night.

This is where I say from my perspective, the audiobook is the most obvious choice as it offers the opportunity to listen to podcasts and interviews with the townspeople throughout. Also, Savvy's narration and voice are something I believe you will not want to miss. 😅
January LaVoy and Will Damron's narration team is deserving of a big thumbs-up.

You get a good look back at Lucy's past relationships and what makes her tick. The characters are well-crafted, engaging, and occasionally amusing.
The writing felt smart and unique, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this was Amy's first adult novel. I will be looking for the next one.

It is anticipated that this audio will be released in the beginning of March. If you're looking for an audiobook that's less graphic and more diverse than your usual thriller, make sure to add this one to your 2024 list. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Net Gallery author Amy Tintera and Macmillan Audio for giving me the ALC in return for my honest review.

Lucy is the subject of a true crime podcast as she was accused of murdering her best friend Savvy but there was not enough evidence to convict. Back in her home town for a family event, everyone including her parents seem to belive she did it. But as Lucy is unable to remember that night she is invested in the Podcaster finding.

Thrillers with true crime podcast within the story have been on the rise. Some pull it off and some don't. This one is successful incorporating the podcast into the story. I throughly enjoyed the discoveries in the case and will be interested in other works from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advanced audiobook for review.

TW: Language, drinking, toxic family relationships, cheating, alcoholism, abusive relationship, sexual assault, rape (mention), physical abuse

*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
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.
Release Date: March 5th, 2024
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 352
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

What I Liked:
1. Podcast format
2. Narrator's voice was great
3. Loved the writing style

What I Didn't Like:
1. The insert of random romance
2. Lucy's voice of "killing" was annoying
3. Overly sexual for zero reason

Overall Thoughts:
I was sucked into this book and the story of if Lucy was guilty of killing her friend.

I keep thinking that Lucy's dad was sleeping with Lucy's friend and did something. That is why he was hovering around her and what she said.

Honestly I did not like the voice Lucy had that told her to kill. I found it annoying. It started to become more frequent. It just felt like it was out of character for this story and didn't do anything to add to it.

Ahhhhhh everyone cheats on one another. But it's pointed out that Lucy's dad was always cheating on her mom. This book is overly sexual. Everything centers around what people look naked and who is having sex with who. Then of course Lucy has sex with Ben and I don't understand the point of every thriller has a unnecessary romance. It's all so cringy.

Don't worry Lucy goes home and everyone is just obsessed with her. All the men want her.

All the men are cheaters and abuse all the women.

Final Thoughts:
This book was all over the place. At first I thought this was a book about trying to find out what happened to a woman that was killed via a podcast. I feel almost hoodwinked because what I ended up getting was a story that centered around sex and who was cheating on who. It honestly gets to be confusing trying to keep up with who was with who. I felt like I was the only person still infested in knowing who killed Savannah.

It's a shame because the writing was really good and the story was going well.

I get the impression that I will forget this book though by the time it's published. I wish there was something more memorable that happened in it.

A late contender in 2023 for a top audiobook of the year for me! This is a fantastic audiobook. With the podcast theme and fantastic narration from January LaVoy, and a solid well executed slow burn suspense plot, Listen for the Lie is one of those books just made for audiobook, Amy Tintera is an author now very much on my radar for her next book.
Thank you MacMillan for this excellent audiobook, I know many mystery and suspense fans will love this one.

Standouts
1. the narration and overall production, the podcast episode style... this is a highly engaging production.
2. Tintera offers a highly satisfying mystery with deft notes of gender roles, gaslighting, memory, and being haunted by (the past, the unknown, doubt...)
3. a thoughtful and thought provoking ending, I really liked how the mystery resolved itself but more how it was discussed by the main character (that's all I will say). It really tied in big themes nicely.

notes: content for abuse, gaslighting, mental health