If You Tell A Lie by Lucinda Barry

The story has a dual timeline which allows the reader to get to know the characters quite well and even predict some of their choices in the future. But of course, not all, and that’s the beauty in Berry’s novels.

Four friends who get together every summer at Pendleton camp, a place where they can be their true selves without being judged or criticized but mostly; without being bullied or called freaks.

Blikely and Thera had something in common and that made them bond in a different way. They shared loss and grief and that was a strong bond. Something you had to go through to fully understand. Meg and Grace shared a common background but mainly they got each other’s back. All in all, the four of them were inseparable!

The main conflict arises when one of them expresses her will to go after Mr Crosby, their tennis coach. An extremely handsome married man and father of two. And from there on things will get dirty. Messy. Bloody. That’s what happens when your wife finds out you’ve been charged with child molestation, right? What could have Regina Crosby done? Exactly what she did. Because, after all, you always believe the victim.

Twenty six years later, these four women will receive a letter that will shake them to the core. And for the first time in ages, they will meet again after that bloody summer.

What do you think will happen? Go right now and pre order this new book coming out July 23rd and find out!

I devoured this book in 7 1/2 hours. Releasing in summer was perfect. I didn't mind the four POV's. Lucinda writes so well that I never mind when she has multiple POV's in a story.
I think the only issue that bothered me with this one was the ending. I've read all but One of Our Own (I have sensory issues involving audiobooks.) and Missing Parts. I've noticed a pattern with her endings. Sometimes towards the end of her stories, things get a bit choppy and rushed-- almost like she realized that she was about to hit a maximum amount of words and needed to write the ending.
I wish it would have ended with a last POV promising to get revenge on Blakely or something to show that these characters were not going to go down without a fight-- something to show that the story was still going on in the background.
However, there could be an epilogue or sequel planned and that ending suited a follow-up like that for the future. I know that that much is a possibility.

With that said, Lucinda always does a great job with the character development, the NOW/THEN storylines, and the suspense that she puts in her books.
Loved it, love her work and can't wait for her next release.

Lucinda Berry has a way to keep you invested. It's so hard to put down. Page after page something is happening, and when you think you have it all figured out your completely wrong. It keeps you wanting and knowing more. 100% recommend to all friends.

Another great Lucinda Berry read! Twists, turns, gasps, shock….all of these are included in this book. You connect with characters on different levels at different times, sometimes questioning what you would do in the same situation. Experience heartbreak, sadness, anger, and fear all at the same time. Great read!

What a twist! The characters were so well developed, I felt like a knew them personally. Lucinda always keeps you guessing from page 1! Just when you think you have it all figured out, trust me you don’t! Just how far will friends go to help and protect one another? The answer will surprise you!

4 star read! Twisty psychological thriller that kept me on my toes.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the arc in exchange for my fair review.

Dr. Lucinda Berry can do no wrong. I was so excited for this book even in digital form, and I FLEW through it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If You Tell a Lie by Lucinda Berry is a cleverly twisted and messed up haunting thriller with a smashing and accurately manipulated twist.
This book is presented from a dual timeline with multiple POVs. This book shows how simply someone's life can be destroyed by lies and that a detailed investigation is necessary to save an innocent party! After reading this book you will start to question everything and trust no one!

Fourteen-year-old friends Megan, Thera, Blakely and Grace are grey and miserable in daily life, like everyone in this summer camp. But soon there is a hierarchy and Blakely becomes a silent leader. Unfortunately, kids will follow her even if they know it's wrong! When they have sworn to secrecy after crazy events in summer camp, they are positive that their secret is safe. 26 years later the secret is ready to come out. They will do everything to protect it! Sadly, they don't know they must protect themselves instead of a 26-year-old secret!

Events of this book will make you sad and mad! This story has so many layers to show how toxic can be relationships that look so innocent from the outside!

Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this copy!

Fucking diabolical. Such a wild story from the past and for the present. And the ending left my jaw dropped. I do wish I could a little more of the after math for Grace, Thera, and Meg tho.

If You Tell a Lie is about four friends who swore to secrecy because of the events that happened one fateful summer, but also the dark truths that threaten to break out years later. This was my first time reading this author and I can not wait to read more by her. The book had such a good plot that was so intriguing. I was turning pages untill the very end and the ending I did not see coming. I loved this book and it was the perfect summer read and I recommend to any reader especially to those who love a good thriller. Thank you to the author Lucinda Berry, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this book in exchange of my honest review of If You Tell a Lie.

As someone who has read almost all of Lucinda's work, I really enjoyed this fast-paced twisty tale of 4 dysfunctional teen girls with a terrible secret. It was a super easy one to read and follow even with the multiple POV's. And in good old Berry fashion she ends it abruptly with so much more to be desired, which both drives me crazy but at the same time I've come to love about her style. Also, she always finds a way to work in the most unhinged psychological backstories on her characters.

If You Tell a Lie” isn’t a typical beach read, but it’s a book that will leave a lasting impact.

Lucinda Berry’s ‘If You Tell a Lie’ explores friendship, secrets, and the haunting consequences of past events from a summer camp that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading.

It’s a tale of four women whose lives are mysteriously intertwined by a message hinting at a disturbing event from their past summer camp experience, drawing them into another compelling and dark narrative. It prompts deep reflection through exploration of peer pressure and the serious consequences of friendship.

Berry adeptly develops complex characters whose motivations become clearer as the story unfolds, intensifying their journey. This book is essential for thriller enthusiasts, Lucinda Berry fans, and anyone fascinated by the darkest aspects of human nature.

Prepare to dive into a story that will challenge your perceptions and keep you on the edge of your seat.

3.8 stars.

I received an advance copy from Netgalley for an honest review.

Let’s get this straight, Lucinda Berry knows how to write a thriller! This books starts off from the past and you get four povs from four girls that went to summer camp together and something terrible happens that haunts them until present day. The multiple view points and then flashback to “that summer” was easy to follow and plot was good! I gave 3.8 stars because at the end I wanted more. Wait, not wanted. Needed more! I didn’t like how the story ended because I have so many questions and I want to see how it plays out! But it’s crazy how much the author makes you think about certain situations. Because some of them are real issues that aren’t talked about openly. This book leaves you guessing until the end. And even more after that!

This was a slow start for me but she sprinkled hooks into it to keep you reading. It was twist after twist. Fantastic book!

This book was told from 5 perspectives alternating from then to now. It told the story of 4 friends at summer camp that had a horrendous thing happen to them and they secret they kept and how it was coming back to haunt them.

In short….Can you really trust your friends? Would you kill for them? Hide a body for them? You should trust your gut. Especially when it’s screaming.

This book wasn't for me.

I did not connect with the characters at all. I found them unlikeable and dull. It's a slow burn and unfortunately, it was just too slow and I got bored.

10/10! Berry is at it again with a wild ride that has you holding on for dear life! I was hooked from page 1. If You Tell a Lie is the perfect example of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, the real monsters are people, and a hug may also come with a knife to the back. Berry’s latest masterpiece makes you feel paranoid and uncomfortable. I absolutely adored this book!

My jaw hit the floor with this book! The best thing about Lucinda Berry’s books are that moment you’re so stunned you have no words! She leaves you questioning everything you’ve just read and your brain is like a hamster trying to move a wheel. The wheel is moving but the hamster isn’t.
If You Tell a Lie is her latest book and it’s amazing! Told for multiple view points and in dual time lines, the story line keeps you on your toes. Four girls go off to camp as they have for several years but this year things turn out different. Flash forward several years when they reunite, things are even more different.
I don’t want to give anything away but I can’t encourage you enough to GO READ THIS BOOK! You may think oh it’s slow but keep going because you WILL NOT be disappointed! Lucinda Berry has a way of making our brains turn upside down and make us think about things from so many different perspectives! Now get ready because this book is coming soon and it’s amazing!
Thank you Lucinda Berry, NetGalley, and publishers for the advanced reader copy of this book!

Another twisty book by Lucinda Berry! I finished this book in 2 days. Kept having to tell folks to leave me alone. I really liked the ending. Not your typical ending.

This book had twists and turns at every drop. These girls, now women, were a toxic friend group who were determined to keep their secrets hidden. Every time I thought I knew what to expect, there was something else hiding in the chapter. Blakely was the most unhinged girl in this book and I loved her pov. I need more!

This was a page turner and a wild ride!

The book centers on four camp friends, told in alternating POVs and dual timeline (then and now). I thought this was an interesting way to engage the reader as you get to know the girls a bit.

Without any spoilers, the now storyline takes a wild turn about halfway through and the drops you off a cliff at the very end. As in, I totally did a double-take to make sure that was really the last chapter.

The girls all met at a camp for gifted students and I 100% bought into their childhood bond and how things spiraled during their last summer together, but I was disappointed in how not smart they were 20+ years later. As adults with years to reflect on what happened, the whole present-day storyline just felt like you really needed to suspend belief.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this. All thoughts and opinions are my own.