Lies He Told Me is a gripping thriller which will keep the reader constantly guessing. There are many twists and turns and just when one thinks it is all figured out—it isn’t! There are several intriguing plot points — mysterious disappearance of several objects, an heroic life saving endeavor, a determined FBI agent, a crime boss convicted of tax fraud, a mysterious woman, etc.
This is a true page turner that is impossible to put down and I thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

David and Marcie are celebrating their anniversary when they see a car go into the water. David saves the person and becomes instantly famous, but Marcie starts to question her husband's past.

Wow what a wild ride! 4.5 stars! I’ve read James Patterson books before but sometimes I have felt they lack some depth of emotion. This is my first David Ellis book and now I’m going to seek out everything he has written. This story is told in rapid fire, short chapters that make you want to keep turning the pages. It doesn’t let up! Just when you think you have a handle on what’s going to happen…boom there’s another twist.
My only issue with the story was the ending. I was hoping for one slight variation.
Thrill a minute! Highly recommend!

Looking for that fast, non-stop thrilling read? You’re search ends here…. This is the book for you! This book is about Dave and Marcie. An ordinary suburban family, 2 kids, a happy life. It all starts on their wedding anniversary. The two of them witness the car as it careened off the bridge and plunged into the frigid waters below. Dave rescues a drowning man from the river, and finds himself in the limelight, somewhere he wishes not to be. Then things begin happening to the Bower’s. Things continue to get worse and Dave becomes more troubled. Dave’s lies begin to create a wedge between himself and Marcie. Marcie goes on a hunt to find out just what is going on, What Marcie discovers shocks her. She begins to question just how well she knows her husband and whether these attacks are not random, but targeted for a series of events that took place years ago, Lies He Told Me is an unputdownable book, brimming with a whirlwind of deceit, thrills and chills. The twists are unrelenting and they do not stop right up until the very last page.

#netgalley

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

I stopped reading James Patterson maybe a decade ago when his chapters became two pages long. However I am a huge David Ellis fan (Look Closer is a five star read!) so I requested the ARC.

David and Marcie are happily married with two kids living in a small town. An act of bravery performed by David goes viral and their happy life starts to unravel. Marcie begins to question her husband and his past. An enjoyable fast paced novel.

Marcie and David are out celebrating their anniversary when a car crashes over a bridge. David jumps into the river to save the driver and becomes instantly news famous. Shortly after strange things keep happening to their family. Is someone targeting them due to Marcie’s past as a defense attorney or is this related to David’s mysterious lack of past.
This was such a good read! I loved the short fast paced chapters and the multiple points of view. There were quite a few character lines to follow but the authors did a great job keeping them clear so you can follow. I also love how the entire book keeps you guessing with so many twists and turns right up to the end!

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, James Patterson, David Ellis, and Little, Brown and Company for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have always liked the writing of David Ellis, who’s turned out to be one of the better collaborators James Patterson has added to his list of co-authors. Together, they tend to be able to create strong stories that keep the reader hooked and wondering throughout. After a harrowing rescue of a stranger in a lake, David Bowers is a local celebrity, something that he does not want. His wife, Marcie, is baffled by this. When things begin happening around their home, Marcie is surprise and highly agitated. She soon learns that David has not been forthright with her, but does it know the details. As she begins to peel it back, she learns troubling things about the man to whom she is married. These things could not only harm her , but also might cost the family their lives. Rushing to the to the heart of the matter, Marcie discovers that the lies have been piling up and their end result could be extremely dangerous. Patterson and Ellis deliver once more with this poignant thriller.

In the small community of Hemingway Grove, Illinois, nothing ever happens of note. That is, until David Bowers rescues a drowning man from the river. David finds himself in the limelight, somewhere he wishes not to be. While somewhat understandable, his wife, Marcie, cannot comprehend why the notoriety has David so uncomfortable.

Within a month, things begin happening to the Bowers’, events that many might find unsettling. Engaging the local police, these are apparently random attacks, but the reason remains a mystery. Things continue to get worse and David becomes more troubled. He begins keeping things from Marcie, which she finds additionally problematic. David’s lies begin to create a wedge between himself and Marcie, which only fuels a desire to get to the truth.

What Marcie discovers shocks her. She begins to question just how well she knows her husband and whether these attacks are not random, but targeted for a series of events that took place years ago, Could David be hiding more than simply an indiscretion or two, but an entire life? If so, how far will he go to keep it hidden and what dangers await Marcie? A chilling story that had me gripped until the very end.

James Patterson and David Ellis have long made a strong collaborative team. Their writing is solid and provides stellar novels that I can be sure to enjoy. The narrative flow is quick and fast-paced, which keeps the reader engaged as they try to pull out key elements throughout. The strong storytelling gets better as the piece moves along, helped by the Patterson short-chapter technique, before presenting something with so many moving parts. Momentum is key to keeping the story on point and the authors do so with ease. Characters help in the story’s progression, adding their own aspects to enrich the storytelling.

Plot is key to the story of this nature. The authors keep things on point and surprise the reader at various times n the novel, especially as the truth emerges and David Bowers is revealed to be the man he wants no one to recognize. Never revealing too much in a single section, the authors keep the story shrouded in mystery until all can be revealed. I am eager to see what else these two authors have in store for readers, as Ellis surely brings the best out in Patterson.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and Ellis, for delivering something well worth my time!

So fun!! I loved this quick reading thriller from James Patterson and David Ellis! Married couple, Marcie and David, are out celebrating near the Cotton River when an accident occurs and David dives in the river to rescue the driver. The video of the event goes viral on social media, and the action begins. David might not be who Marcie believed him to be. Maybe nobody is - maybe everybody is lying! This is the kind of deception and action that could make a fun Friday night movie! The authors set up the story, compel us to stay with it, and finish it with a classic chase, some money, and maybe a chance for romance. Chapters are super short - great for vacay reading. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review Lies He Told Me.

Loved it! I enjoyed the twists and turns. This kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. James Patterson books are always a solid read, but this one was one of his great ones.

James Patterson does it again. David and Marcie are a normal couple in central Illinois trying to raise their family. Then David saves a persons life, and both David and Marcie’s pasts come rearing out. And wow the secrets are doozeys . I really enjoyed the twists and how this book dealt with each one layer by layer.

Wow, just Wow! One of the most twisted, didn’t see that coming, heart pounding, couldn’t even begin to predict the outcome, thrilling read I’ve had recently. My adrenaline still hasn’t returned to normal levels. I read a lot and it’s hard to surprise me multiple times. There’s a reason Patterson keeps topping bestseller lists and this collaboration with Ellis really works. The characters pull you into their normal lives then everything turns upside down. The plot builds with one unexpected event after another. The lies are stacked higher than a skyscraper. There’s intense double-crosses, betrayal and heartbreak. I kept cheering for the lawyer, mother and wife whose life is blown up. I highly recommend you put this at the top of you TBR list. I’d give more than five stars if I could.
An Advance Reader Copy of “Lies He Told Me” by James Patterson and David Ellis, was provided by Hachette Book Group, Little, Brown and Company (via NetGalley). The personal, honest thoughts and opinions expressed here are all my own given voluntarily without compensation.

I don’t know how much input Patterson has into his books lately but this is definitely a David Ellis book through and through - it’s kind of a combination of his last two standalone novels (Look Closer & The Best Lies), combining a domestic thriller with a heavy crime storyline. Ellis writes such bingeable reads and this one was really fun and twisty. fans of his previous stuff should like this one too!

My favorite author duo is back (insert happy dance here)! I’ve (quite literally 😳) been in a summer-long reading slump, so the fact that I was able to finish this in 24 hours kinda says it all! These two never disappoint!

This was insanely good! Super fast-paced with short, punchy chapters, and entirely unpredictable. Book 2 had me on the edge of my seat—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! It’s an easy 5 stars from me!

Thank you ever so kindly to NetGalley and Little Brown & Company for the gifted review copy! LIES HE TOLD ME is out September 30th!

Lies He Told Me is a page-turning suspense with quite a few twists and turns.

Marcie is the strong FMC that every wronged woman can relate to.

Lies He Told Me is a must-read for fans of the limited Netflix thriller series Fool Me Once.

“An attorney and mother of two discovers her husband's secret life-and it might cost them all their lives.

Everyone in Hemingway Grove, Illinois, knows David and Marcie Bowers.
David owns the local pub.
Marcie is a former big-city lawyer who practices family law.
When David jumps into Cotton River to save a drowning stranger, he's celebrated as a hero. His muscled physique, shaved head, and piercing blue eyes are broadcast on every news outlet.

For most people, newfound fame is a lifeline.
For David Bowers, it's a death sentence.
For Marcie Bowers, it's a test.

A wife knows the difference between a loving husband and father and a cold-blooded assassin. Right?”

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors, and publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow!
I couldn’t put this book down. I finished it in a day.

James Patterson and David Ellis didn’t disappoint. There’s so many twists and turns that just when you start to piece things together, you realize there a new twist.
Marcie’s husband David goes viral rescuing a person from an accident. Strange things start happening in their life soon after. Turns out Marcie’s previous criminal law job came with some secrets and David isn’t who we think it is.

Highly Highly recommend this book.

When I first started the book I was very sceptical about how many 4-5 star ratings it had. But I kept at it and It threw in a few big curveballs that changed my mind. About the 50% mark it had me not wanting to put it down. I’m a huge fan of James Patterson and this book was just as good as his others. It’s a fairly easy and enjoyable read. If you want something to read that is going to keep you going wow with twist this is definitely worth reading.
A solid 4-4.5 star rating from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

I’m so so grateful my book fairy got me an ARC for THE LIES HE TOLD ME. I had never read a a book where they co-authored it, just their individual books. I am a sucker for a good domestic suspense, action packed thriller and this was all these things.

I loved everything about this book. I loved the character development of Marcie and David. I wanted to put my foot up David’s behind for a majority of this book and I felt so much sympathy for Marcie because she was in the dark. I kept thinking I had everything figured out and then the story would shift and I’d be thrown for a loop. There’s so many twists that even if you think you figure something out, you probably don’t.

At first strange things were happening and that piqued my curiosity but then things started to become more sinister. This book was also jam packed with action with VERY short chapters. I read this book within a day which is unheard of for me. There was so much action and the chapters were so short that it was easy to say okay just one more chapter and then it’s an hour later and you’re still reading. It was truly such a solid read that kept my attention throughout. This book is going up as one of my favorite books of the year!

Such a thriller! Lies He Told Me races along from the opening with heart-thumping action and foreshadowing to the WILD ending. James Patterson and David Ellis have created a super, fast-reading nail-baiter. If you enjoy being riveted for several hours, read this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Book Title: Lies He Told Me
Author: James Patterson and David Ellis
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Genre: Mystery
Pub Date: September 30, 2024
My Rating: 4.4 Stars
Pages 384

David Bowers is turning forty-two and decides instead of celebration he wants a little trip down memory lane with wife Marcie. They met years ago cooling off after a run on the path overlooking Cotton River near Anna’s Bridge and married a year later living in the small town of Hemingway Grove, Illinois and have two children - Grace -12 and Lincoln- 10.
David owns “Hemingway’s’ a popular pub/restaurant and Marcie practices family law.
But this walk turns into something they never ever expected .A plunges through a guardrail on Anna’s bridge and goes into the icy cold Cotton River. David heroically dives into the river and Marcie calls 911. David becomes the local hero as a video of the rescue goes viral,
Strange things start to happen at the Bowers house - a coffee pot ends up in the dryer, a kid’s lunchbox is in the middle of the lawn, the dog goes missing and reappears, and the incidents escalate and become more frightening.

This story held my attention. I was curious as to who was pulling tricks on this family.
I so wanted them to be an ideal All American family but feared that just might NOT be the case.

The story gets involved but the JP trademark of short chapters kept me saying – 'One more chapter.'

Want to thank NetGalley and Little Brown & Company for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 30, 2024.

"Lies He Told" serves as yet another testament to James Patterson's unrivaled ability to captivate me with his compelling storytelling. Collaborating with esteemed mystery author David Ellis, it is a fast-paced narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. The story revolves David Bowers, the proprietor of a local pub, and Marcie Bowers, a skilled attorney. They find themselves entangled in a web of deception and uncertainty. This novel is definitely one for your TBR list!

Thank you to Net Galley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC to read and review.