Member Reviews

As noted in my previous James Patterson reviews, I am a huge fan and when you add David Ellis as the co-author, it is an amazing duo! I loved Lies He Told Me and had many theories throughout the book which kept changing as the chapters progressed and more details were revealed! David and Marcie Bowers were quite the interesting couple! I read this one very quickly as I could not stop reading to find out how it ended! Thanks to NetGalley & Little, Brown & Company for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. Rating: 5 stars Publication Date: September 30. 2024

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I am a long-time fan of James Patterson and many of this co-authors, and "Lies He Told Me" is a very good addition to Patterson's body of work. The premise of this story felt a little too familiar with some others I have read recently - someone is filmed doing something heroic, the video goes viral, and then that person is exposed for who they really are, and the people that have been looking for them now know exactly where their target is hiding. In this case, the hero is David Bowers, and the enemy after him could be multiple people.

I enjoyed the story being told from the point of view of David's wife, Marcie, who had no idea her husband wasn't who he said he was until he saved someone from drowning and weird things started happening in their small town home. Marcie and David were both likable characters, but David didn't feel developed enough for me to get a sense of who he was supposed to be as a father, husband, and businessman to get invested in how things would turn out for him. The story had a good breadth, but lacked depth, but I find this is often the case with Patterson's coauthored works, and if it is something you are used to, it won't be as disappointing as it might be for a first-time reader of these authors.

Thank you to NetGalley, James Patterson, David Ellis, and Little, Brown and Company for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.


*** Review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, and blog on August 31. I will return and post review links at that time.***

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Usually I'm not a huge fan of book collabs but this was fantastic! Interesting cast of characters, twists that I didn't see coming and a fast-paced plot come together in a suspense novel that I definitely did not want to out down!

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Hemingway Grove, Illinois seems like the most average, easygoing town. Everyone knows everyone. David owns the pub and Marcie is one of the town lawyers. What seem to be two casual, run of the mill Americas turn out to be something much, much different. Having kept out of the spotlight, he's suddenly in headlines and photos around the nation after a heroic save. His anonymity is gone, and suddenly their seemingly basic lives are turned upside down.

James Patterson and David Ellis kept me on the edge of my seat with this one! I loved the twists and turns, and the characters were written so well. This was an excellent read!

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This was totally badass! Just when I would think I figured out where it was going-nope, it twisted again! One of the best I’ve read by JP and David Ellis obviously is a great writing partner for him. Very original and well executed! Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

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Two of my hands-down favorite authors working together on a single book? OH MY LORD how thrilled I was to receive this eARC. I've read James Patterson's Womens Murder Club series (as well as many standalones) multiple times and given so many copies to those I travel with, this will now be at the top of the list for recommendations and great twisty mysterious suspense thrillers. David Ellis also had me in a chokehold with Look Closer and he's now an auto-buy author for me. Just wonderful and gripping and I don't want to give a thing away - just READ IT!!

Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Lies He Told Me by James Patterson and David Ellis is a fast paced thriller with twists and turns everywhere. Some of the twists I saw coming and some I did not see coming at all. This book had a good plot and good pacing. I enjoyed the short chapters, which made this book feel like a quick read. While I enjoyed this book, I wish the chapters had a title of whose POV that chapter is in. It was confusing at times. This book is worth the read and will be released on September 30, 2024.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC of this book. I voluntarily read it and gave an honest review.

Here is some information about me:
I will be posting my review on Goodreads, Instagram, BookBub, Storygraph and Amazon. On Instagram I have 880 followers. Once I post my review on Instagram I will update my review here by inserting the link below.

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This book had my undivided attention from the start and never let go of it! Marcie and David Bowers appear to be the perfect, All-American couple especially after David reaches viral fame after jumping into a river to rescue someone whose car went off a bridge. Unfortunately, David's heroics bring back secrets from his and Marcie's past that they never thought they would have to worry about again. I'm afraid to try to say too much more for fear I'll inadvertently spoil one of the many plot twists that make this a fantastic book. Just know that you're going to need to carve out some uninterrupted time to start this book, because once you start, you're going to need to finish it as soon as possible because it's that good! I started and finished this in just a few hours because I HAD to know what happened next.

Thank you toNetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for the ARC to review and give my honest review on.

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"Lies He Told Me" by James Patterson and David Ellis is a fantastic book that had me hooked from the very first page. The authors have crafted a story that is twisty, interesting, and utterly immersive.

The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me engaged and entertained throughout. Just when I thought I had things figured out, a new revelation would come to light, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The suspense is masterfully maintained, making it hard to put the book down.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each contributing to the depth and intrigue of the story. Their motivations and secrets are unveiled in a way that adds to the overall tension and mystery, making the narrative even more compelling.

The writing style is clear and concise, yet rich in detail, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The pacing is perfect, ensuring that there's never a dull moment while also allowing for moments of reflection and deeper understanding of the characters and their predicaments.

In conclusion, "Lies He Told Me" is a wonderful book to read and enjoy. It's a gripping thriller that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. Highly recommended for fans of suspense and mystery!

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"What am I willing to do for my kids? It's a question all parents ask themselves--a rhetorical question usually. Would you give your life for your children? Almost every parent would say yes. Would you lie for your children? Almost every parent would say yes. Would you break the law for your children? Would you kill for your children? Questions I've never confronted. Never thought I would have to confront. But now I do."

Wow! I literally finished this book in a day! It was completely unputdownable! And, I really thought I figured out the twist, only to find that James Patterson had delivered the mother of all red herrings and I'd totally gone down a wrong path! This book truly has it all: strong characters, suspense all the way through, so many twists and turns that keep you guessing. I can only hope that James Patterson and David Ellis team up again because they truly make an amazing team. They kept me interested and guessing and unable to stop reading all the way through!

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I'm a sucker for anything James Patterson writes, but a collab with David Ellis? Sign me up! Lies he told me delivered! It was fast paced, and kept me on the edge of my seat. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, I was wrong. Thriller fans, this one's for you!

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This is one of those books that you pick up and simply can’t put down. David and Marcie Bowers are living an idyllic life in a small town until David's saves a stranger in an accident and becomes a local hero— complete with internet fame. Suddenly, secrets from David’s past start surfacing, and Marcie is left questioning everything she thought she knew about her husband.

The story does a great job of balancing suspense with emotional depth. There are twists I saw coming and others that blindsided me completely, which kept the tension high and the pages turning. The love between David and Marcie was beautifully written, and even left me in tears at one point even as I questioned how much of their relationship was real and how much was based on lies. Patterson and Ellis have created a suspense novel that's gripping without being overly stressful, making it a perfect pick for a cozy weekend read.

One of the things I loved most about this book is its pacing. I finished it in just three hours because I couldn't tear myself away. The short chapters and fast-moving plot made it an incredibly quick and satisfying read. If you love thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat but don't leave you feeling frazzled, this book is right up your alley.

I give the book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s ideal for fans of suspenseful mysteries who appreciate well-developed characters and surprising plot twists. Whether you’re a die-hard James Patterson fan or new to his books, this collaboration with David Ellis is not to be missed.

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Fans of bestselling author, James Patterson (who writes with dozens of authors who most likely make the novels better), will want to pick up Lies He Told Me, which introduces David and Marcie Bowers who live in the small town of Hemingway Grove, Illinois. David owns the local pub and Marcie has given up her law career in the big city to practice in the small town. As far as Marcie is concerned, her life is almost perfect with a wonderful husband and two kids. But when David jumps into the river and rescues a stranger, making him a hero with his picture all over the news, strange things lead to her finding out her husband is living a secret life. As the story unfolds, readers will wonder whether Marcie is just living in a dream world.

This is one of Patterson’s better novels, probably due to David Ellis, and the characters are well developed. The story is captivating, and will keep readers on edge throughout. The story has plenty of twists and turns, and ends up with a big surprise at the dénouement.

As the story is told, it has enough unexpected scenarios, that most readers will be on the edge of their seats. All told, this is a viable thriller that will keep every reader’s interest.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

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This is one of the best mystery/thrillers I have ever read! Both authors are excellent and together they are dynamic!
I would rate this up there with Gone Girl as one of my favorite books ever, it’s that good. Expect a lot of twists, you will not be disappointed. I am definitely going to read all of their collaborations now.
Thank you to Net Galley and Little, Brown and Company for an e-arc of this book.

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Another great book from a great author.
I love the way Patterson writes. He lets you think you have figured the plot if the story…. But only within a couple of pages you realize nope you’re wrong lol.
I figured the first twist … yay me !!! But then it twisted and I didn’t see that coming .
Well dove Mr. Patterson!!

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What is better than a rainy day spent on the couch with a cup of a tea and a book by one of your favourite authors? Nothing I tell you… nothing. It is no secret that I am obsessed with James Patterson books, and with Lies He Told Me, the added bonus of the co writer being none other than David Ellis!! A win all round I would say.

I started and finished this book in a few hours. It is super fast paced and full of twists and turns you will not want to stop. I had my theories, that kept changing throughout the story. Was I right.. I rarely am and this time was no different.

An ordinary suburban family, 2 kids, a happy life. Until an heroic incident shines a light on them and every thing changes. That is all you need to know. I don’t think I even knew that much, it is James Patterson after all.

One of his best, and he has so many books. A stand-alone book that will have you holding your breath while you turn those pages. Don’t miss it. Publishes on September 30th.

Thanks so much to Little, Brown and Company for my advanced copy to read. Always an honour to have the chance with this author.

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A chance meeting brought love into your life but what if your husband has been lying to you all these years? Marcie and Davide seem to have the perfect marriage until David risked his life to save a drowning man and their lives spiral out of control. Why is someone targeting the Bowers and how can Marcie save her family?

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the early edition of #LiesHeToldMe in exchange for an honest review. James Patterson and David Ellis pen a novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. I found myself paging through the book to discover the truth and then more twists were revealed.

Be prepared to re-evaluate the situation throughout the novel or you'll be caught up in a web of lies. Is David innocent, was Marcie part of the scheme, will the Bowers survive and if they are innocent, will the real criminals be caught? I'll never tell and you'll need to read 'Lies He Told Me' to discover the truth.

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I will never recover. This book. The twists and turns it took you on. Just when you thought you had it all figured out, you didn’t! With every detail I thought I had it pegged and then even the most mundane thing would change to completely rework your theory. I realized I haven’t read much of David Ellis’ work but that changes today. I have always been a huge Patterson fan but this book was next level. I can’t wait to sell this title. I very much wanted to call off work to finish this one but the time in between the twists allowed me to recover and handle the next one. Beautifully done.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc!

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James Patterson is one of my all time favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. It kept me guessing the whole book and makes me want more.

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This was a super fast paced book with short chapters. I really enjoyed the fact that it kept you guessing, and there were a lot of twist and turns.

I will definitely read these authors again!

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