This was looking like a potential 3.5-4 star read, up until the (very abrupt) ending that made it plummet.

Please read this review with fair warning that while I don't mention any plot twist spoilers, I will comment on the effect of the ending.

I'll be clear from the outset if you're thinking about reading this, it is nonsensical, what happens and the 'twists' are beyond ridiculous IMO (major suspend disbelief needed), particularly noting my major gripe that the characters' motivations and decisions were just not featured and where I was hoping it would be explained at least in part toward the end, it wasn't. It just ended. But until the end, it was some kind of escapism chaos I enjoyed.

If You Tell A Lie is about four friends at a summer camp for privileged, intelligent students. One of their counsellors is murdered. They are sworn to secrecy about what happened and seemed to leave it in the past, until decades later they receive a note. This is told in dual POV and dual timelines of then (school camp) and now.

As for dual POV, lucky the kindle shows which character's chapter it is on each page, as the development to make each unique and memorable wasn't there, constantly had to check who's POV it was. Not ideal.

It explores difficult concepts, such as grooming and seems to attempt to explain a minor's thought processes to an extent, which whilst reading I thought was done ok, however, I can't comment for survivors so I won't say more and stand to be corrected. It does use a trope that I'm not sure will fly with many readers and isn't great to build a story around.

Now, what was originally going to reduce my rating (in addition to the above) was the (frankly) dumb decisions that got people to where they were, without the author explaining intentions driving such decisions. I thought maybe in the end it'll all make sense. It doesn't.

As for the ending, it was just not OK. So many things were not addressed - including, importantly, multiple character's motivations and intentions. If there was some aspect delving into that, it wouldn't have been as bad. But there was nothing. We also just know nothing about how the story ended for at least 3 characters. It ruined any enjoyment for what would have otherwise been a book I recommended for some escapism, despite how fanciful it is. The only saving grace may be is if it's intended there be a sequel?

⚠️ Please check TWs and CWs online, of note are grooming, SA, and detail about harm to a dog ⚠️

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is about four young girls who get in over their head at summer camp. Decades later they are called back together. Personally I felt like this was a good idea for a book, but it too unrealistic for me to get into. The ending felt very rushed to me.

I received an early copy through Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

With its suspenseful plot, compelling characters, and shocking twists, "If You Tell a Lie" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mystery novels. Perfect for fans of books that keep you guessing until the very end, this novel will leave readers on the edge of their seats and haunted long after the final page is turned.

Lies. Deceit. Manipulation. What a read this was! Told in a dual timeline with multiple point of views. This back and forth thriller will have you questioning everything you know…or thought you knew!

Another book which I had high hopes for. I had heard good things about Lucinda Berry’s writing. However, I can’t really compare as this is the first book that I have read from her.

It’s a dual timeline with multiple POVs. I couldn’t get on board with the multiple POVs. I think there were too much unnecessary details and repetitive parts being told by the characters. Also, for a thriller it wasn’t as action-packed as the other thriller books I’ve read. It was more of the characters telling the story type of book.

The story was way too unrealistic for me. Most of it didn’t make so much sense. Only two things were established here, Megan and Thera are gullible and kind of stupid, and that Blakely is cuckoo.

The ending wasn’t so much of a twist. It was one of the possible endings I’ve thought of.

Only Grace had a bit of character development. Everyone was unlikable. This was truly a difficult read for me. Also, the girls lied about being sexually abused and made it sound like it was social contagion. That was another thing that I couldn’t get on board with.

Overall, this wasn’t for me at all. Still, thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
This was my first book by Lucinda Berry and I was pleasantly surprised ... it was pretty good!
Set in two timelines it tells the story of 4 childhood friends in the past and now. A horrific event in the past caused them to separate for 26 years and they have now reunited.
The girls were not likeable at all, but the story was riveting and I will definitely read more of the author's books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an early copy of If You Tell A Lie. This is my favorite Lucinda Berry book to date. I liked how this book was told in alternating POV's and timelines. The chapters give good amount of detail to get to know the characters while holding back enough to keep you wanting more. There were twists throughout the book, and I was quite shocked by the ending. The book does cover some very sensitive topics, so I recommend checking any trigger warnings. The sensitive topics are handled very well.

Lucinda Berry has been an auto buy author for me since I read The Perfect Child in 2019 and I have since read every single one of her backlist and new titles. The last few have been a little underwhelming, missing the psychological thriller part that I loved so much, but this one was right back to the disturbing mind f that her older titles were. Easy 5 stars and I can’t wait to see what else she has brewing in that amazing, talented mind of hers!!

I'd never read a Lucinda Berry book before but had heard fantastic reviews of her work so jumped at the chance when If You Tell a Lie was available as Read Now.
Man am I disappointed. This book is not good. The characters are awful, both as teens and as adults - and they are all written the same way - I could not keep them straight and honestly I didn't care to. I typically love short chapters as they usually make a quick and intriguing read, this was not the case here. I found the writing to be very choppy and easily would have guessed it to be a debut. This was a real struggle to get through.

Cannot recommend this one with so many great thrillers on the market. 2 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The domino effect that can happen IF YOU TELL A LIE is perfectly demonstrated in this book. It sucked me in from the very first page. That prologue?! 😮‍💨 Woofta! I was hooked!

Following the lives of 4 teenage girls, who are all struggling with their own issues, and the summer camp secret they’ve vowed to forever keep, this book is a twisty-turny read that covers some seriously heavy issues. While the author handled the subject matter gracefully well, it’s still important to note the trigger warnings on this one before reading.

Told in alternating timelines & 5 POV’s (yep- you read that right! 😳), this book will keep you on your toes. Good luck at being able to put it down! Not gonna lie, the amount of POV’s was intimidating at first, but their unique personalities really shone through on the pages and helped differentiate the characters.

I’ve heard good things about Lucinda Berry’s books. This was my first, but it definitely won’t be my last!

TW: physical abuse, sexual abuse (not graphic), eating disorders, cancer/parental loss, murder, mental health issues

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.

I'm a fan of Lucinda Berry's novels and writing, but this one was mid for me. I almost wish this story just stuck to the past and followed the girls at Camp Pendleton. The switch in timeline from 26 years in the past to now was fine, but the stories didn't make sense to me. The only thing I got out of both stories is that Blakely is a little cuckoo. Other than that I'm not sure what they had to do with each other. But if you're interested in a quick read with a twist then I would say pick this up and give it a try!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I absolutely love Lucinda Berry! I have absolutely enjoyed all the books I’ve read! This one is definitely no exception!

Dark, toxic teenage friendships between 4 girls. Blakey, Meg, Thera and Grace meet at a summer camp. One dark secret haunts them 26 years later.

This book is from 4 different perspectives jumping from now and then. The twists… so good!!

I would definitely recommend this book!! I can’t wait for the next one Lucinda Berry releases!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the ARC!

Another book by Lucinda that I couldn’t put down ! 4 camp friends reunite all sworn to secrecy over something that happen years ago at summer camp. As usual there are some heavy topics and an ending that’ll make your jaw drop.

You Tell a Lie" by Lucinda Berry is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the dark and twisted consequences of deception and betrayal. The novel follows the lives of three women—Charlotte, Samantha, and Ellie—whose fates become intertwined after a tragic accident changes everything. As secrets are unearthed and lies are exposed, the women must confront their pasts and the lies they've told in order to survive. With its tense atmosphere, complex characters, and unpredictable plot twists, "If You Tell a Lie" is a riveting read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end

Whoa! I am a sucker for books that bring us into the past and the present time and switches points of view. And this one delivered.

4 best friends from camp did a really terrible thing when they were teenagers and ruined a man’s life. Now they are 40 some year old women and they get a letter in the mail. They think Regina, the man’s wife is released and coming after them.

This story has so many layers and it was like a delightful onion as I was peeling them all back.

I loved every chapter and the ending. Oh my gosh.
My only wish was that there were more details at the very end but true Lucinda fashion, she leaves the ending open to interpretation.

WOW. Wild, wild book. Who has friends like these? I’m glad I don’t.

Thanks, NetGalley for the chance at an early read!

When teen girls bond over their smarts at a summer camp, but also over a tragic murder influenced by the leader of their friend group. Flash forward to the present day, will those friendships still stay bonded in their promises when presented with another deep dark secret?

Such a fun read

I was really excited to receive an ARC of a Lucinda Berry book. She quickly became one of my favorite authors after reading a few other books of hers. However, this one was disappointing for me. I really did not like this story, found it really far-fetched and unrealistic and the characters were all disgusting to me. I will, however, continue to read any books released by Lucinda as she is an amazing author.

Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.

IF YOU TELL A LIE absolutely captured me from the start. I felt the title suited this book perfectly. Once you tell a lie you may not even realize how things can spiral out of control. I enjoyed the alternating timelines and the different POV's, Regina's was the one that will be forever stuck in my mind. With that being said, the story had some parts that were difficult to read. However, I thought the author handled the subject matter rather well. About halfway through, the story took a turn that I didn't see coming and I definitely didn't hate it! Overall, this was one heck of a story. The ending left me pondering if there could possible be a second book. We will see.

Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) closer to publication date.

Lucinda Berry books never disappoint and If You Tell A Lie was no exception. Told from the past to the present from 4 different view points, a story of 4 friends who meet at a sleep away camp where a tragic incident occurs . Years later they come together again when one of the four friends calls them back together.

While I really enjoyed the book and storyline, I do wish the characters were each a bit more developed and the ending fell flat for me. But I do like books wrapped up in the end like a nice package!

When four misfit girls become friends at a summer camp, trouble tags along.
When a counselor is murdered, his wife is the one that pays the price for that, but did she do it? Did one of the girls?
NO ONE tells a story like Lucinda Berry!!!! Loved it!
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!