📚 Book Review 📚

This is a dark and twisted love story between Lydia, a forensic photographer and Adam, a charmingly sadistic serial killer.

The book is written from both perspectives of the main characters and it’s pacy, intriguing and deathly enthralling.

There are some pretty horrific descriptions and emotive scenes but as a horror, and a thriller with a hint of twisted romance, it is a great read. I really enjoyed it, it is well written and the author has definitely done her homework. I am very much looking forward to reading her next book, although I won’t be going camping any time soon!🏕️

I’d like to thank Mad Axe Media, NetGalley and the author for the arc and the fantastic opportunity, in exchange for my honest feedback 😊

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A thrilling horror novel from a debut author, this book was fast-paced and exciting from cover to cover. This was an exploration of what unresolved trauma can do to a person, what it can cause them to do, who it can shape them into.

Lydia and Adam were the perfect cat and mouse duo as a forensic photographer and a serial killer, and the story has you both rooting for each of them and fearing that the worst might happen.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, I just with there had been MORE. Sometimes it felt rushed, like conclusions were drawn or decisions were made a bit more hastily than they should've been. I would have liked to have seen a bit more time taken with character development and the evolution of their relationship. That being said, I would highly recommend this book and if a sequel were to come, I would pick it up immediately, because the ending felt slightly abrupt and there just wasn't enough, it definitely left me wanting more!

I'll be keeping an eye on Stephanie Rose and crossing my fingers for more of her work!

This was a great read. Very intense. Reminds me of a law and order episode. If you like that show this is a great read for you.

Hiding lies was a very fast paced book. Coming from the pov of a forensic photographer and a serial killer , there is a few twists and turns I was not expecting at all , but I was also expecting more to come from this story, I think there could of been a lot more to it , hence the 3 stars , but what I did read was really good!

This book was amazing. I was hooked from the first page! Although I knew what was coming, it was still so wild when it happened! I wish the book kept going! I'd love a second book and to know how she photographs the crime scenes nowadays ;) I don't want to give any spoilers out!

If you are a fan of anything that has to do with TV shows like criminal minds, CSI, or law and order then this book is the book for you. I loved that this book was based off of a serial killer and a forensic photographer, and made it sort of into a romance, but with the thrill and excitement of an episode of what one would expect in a true crime TV show. Seeing how the main characters evolve and then meet and connect with one another, and all of the things that come from it is written so well and keeps you hooked throughout the entire read. Even the end of the book made me want to read more and left me wondering what was going to happen next, and on the edge of my seat like there is no way this can end here, but overall I loved every minute of it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this!
I was hooked, spooked, enthralled, captivated and anxious all at the same time with the level of detail in this book and how intricate the murders were. This played out like a movie in my head - I thought the ending was abrupt and wasn’t my favorite way to end the novel but I do understand the thought process. It left me with more questions than answers. Overall, a decent read. Definitely getting me into more horror books and that genre.

Lydia Walker is a forensic photographer working boring cases over and over again. Then one day she's called to the scene of a grizzly murder in the woods. All around the bodies are photos marked with the word "lies". Lydia is immediately drawn into the case, her love of true crime and the dark side of death shining through her normally quiet personality. When things take a turn in her personal life she becomes deeper involved in this case. Who is Lydia really? Will she face the music of reality or trudge into her dark side.

I loved this book. Not only are there some gruesome scenes, there are also some plays at humanity. We as people all have some dislike for another person. Lydia is no different. I flew through this book. This is a debut novel you'll want to read. I only wish there was more! Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

Let me start by thanking NetGalley and everyone else for the advanced copy of this book.

Release date: October 2024

I freaking loved this book. A forensic photographer with an interest in the macabre works on a case involving a serial killer and she’s not disturbed, she’s interested. She wants to know how his mind works and why it’s these particular victims. Almost like she doesn’t want to catch him, she wants to study him. This is a multiple pov story from hers and the killers povs. I just devoured it. I’m gonna buy the physical copy as soon as it comes out.

This was intense, fresh, and so dark. It's more of a horror romance than anything, which I didn't feel was well represented in the description or listed genre. I wouldn't have picked this up if it had. So, it's dark, and the characters are evil, which I liked. However, there was a lot that was either weakly explained or not at all. There was too much that wasn't believable in the characters as well as inconsistencies. I think a good editor could flush things out and fix weaknesses, making this a five-star book.

Thank you, Stephanie Rose and NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

This was a phenomenal read. I couldn't stop once I started. I absolutely loved the two points of view that we get to explore during the entire book. The details and the passion in this book were very much felt. You can't help but feel a strange connection to the main character and hope for the best. You hope she gets to be with this guy she meets, and just so much happens, it makes me want to scream.

A serial killer that kills those that lie on the outside. He thinks that by doing that, he's making the world a better place for the people he's saving and the world in general. The main character is documenting the kills and learning all she can about him. She feels something for him. What's to happen? Will they meet? Will she eventually show her true colors? Read and find out.

This book is fast-paced and a book well worth the read. It deserved every star I'm giving it. If I could give it more, I certainly would.

Stephanie Rose hits hard with her debut novel, "Hiding Lies." This psychological thriller takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the twisted mind of a serial killer. From the get-go, it's clear that this book isn't for the faint-hearted. Trigger warnings abound, with graphic scenes that delve into dark territories like child and animal abuse. But while the subject matter might be disturbing, Rose's writing is undeniably clever.

One of the standout features of the book is its use of multiple points of view. We get glimpses into the minds of various characters, including the chilling perspective of the serial killer. It's a bold move that adds depth to the narrative, allowing readers to truly understand the motivations behind the heinous acts depicted.

However, it's worth noting that the ending might leave some readers feeling a bit unsatisfied. Personally, I found myself wishing for a different conclusion, though I can't quite put my finger on what that would entail. Despite this minor gripe, "Hiding Lies" kept me hooked from start to finish. It's a testament to Rose's talent that she can grip readers with her first novel.

Overall, "Hiding Lies" is a promising debut from Stephanie Rose. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea due to its dark themes, those who enjoy a gritty, unflinching thriller will find plenty to love here. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating Rose's next book.

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

One of the best horror books I've ever read!! I don't usually read horror so the fact I read one at all is a feat in itself! Stephanie has a fantastic voice and I imagine her having many successful books in the future! A great debut.

This was phenomenal — mind-blowing, unique, and enthralling from start to finish. Usually when a story is fast paced, character building takes a hit. That was definitely not the case with this one. We got very unique and deeply flawed and human characters while also keeping the story moving forward at a nice speed that had me binging this book in one sitting. The love story element was a pleasant surprise as well, and it was reminiscent of YOU by Caroline Kepnes in a more entrancing way. Would love to see a sequel or at least more of these characters in the future and I'll be highly recommending this to my following.

This was a quick dark read following Lydia Walker, a forensic photographer who uses her craft to 'deal' with her traumatizing childhood spent in foster care until she crosses paths with a serial killer whom she finds she agrees with more than she should.

This story really sucked me in, I read it in a day! I've always been fascinated with the macabre so getting to follow Lydia around at her job and experience how she investigates the crime scenes was a great time.

I was hoping for a little more character development from Lydia and felt like some of her thoughts were conflicting. Adam was an exciting character, I enjoyed how ruthless he was without making him seem crazy.

This book wasn't similar at all but had me thinking a lot about None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney, so maybe if you liked that one, you'd enjoy this story!

Thanks to NetGalley and Stephanie Rose for the eARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

WHAT I JUST READ!😱
This book was so twisty and disturbing that kept me on the edge of my seat!

A Forensic Photographer and a serial killer? Say no more.

The shared secrets and childhood traumas, combined with cat and mouse style, kept me hooked since the first chapter.

Is fast paced and I really enjoyed that I got to learn more about the characters, without adding any extra irrelevant events, just the important details to make more disturbing and interesting at the same time.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley, Stephanie Rose, and Mad Axe Media for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Coming out on 10/29/2024

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley, but the opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Huge thanks to the author and the publisher for the opportunity to dive into this exhilarating read!

Wow, this book is a rollercoaster! From the very beginning, it grabs you and doesn't let go..

What struck me most was the unconventional approach right from the start. The pacing is relentless, drawing you deeper into the narrative with every turn of the page. The writing style is so polished, it's hard to believe this is a debut novel. And just when you think you've got a handle on things, the story takes a sharp turn around the 60% mark, plunging you into a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase that'll keep you guessing until the very end.

One thing that surprised me was how early the author reveals the serial killer's motives and methods. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that every twist and revelation is meticulously planned. And amidst all the intrigue, there's an unexpected undercurrent of romance that adds yet another layer to the morally ambiguous characters. You'll find yourself simultaneously hating and empathizing with them, a testament to the author's skill in crafting complex personalities.

The character development is masterful. Each individual is painted in shades of gray, from the victims to the perpetrator to the investigators themselves. It's an exploration of the human psyche, making for some emotionally charged and at times difficult reading. But therein lies the brilliance – the line between fiction and reality blurs, forcing you to confront uncomfortable truths about crime and morality.

In a genre saturated with formulaic plots, this book stands out as a breath of fresh air. It's part of a new wave of thrillers that aren't afraid to push boundaries and defy expectations. And mark my words, it's destined to become a cult classic. I, for one, can't wait to see what the author has in store next.

This book is definitely not one for someone with a weak stomach. Multiple trigger warnings exist for this title such as domestic violence, animal abuse, child abuse, etc. Lydia grows up as a tragic case forced to live through the traumas of the foster care system. After aging out of the system, she channels her “therapy” for her past into her love of photography. She is a forensic photographer who becomes involved in a case that connects all too closely with her dark feelings towards those that have wronged her. She finds herself looking at crimes in a different light than other investigators. As her relationship with a man she meets at a bookstore grows, she learns they have much more in common than one could ever imagine. The story spins itself to a close leaving the reader wishing for a bit more closure and detail. Overall, it was a well built story with believable characters.

I had high hopes when I picked this book up. I liked the premise and the way it was carried out throughout the whole story. I just could not put it down for anything while reading. I really can't wait for the next one from this author.

WOW!!! Went in completely blind with this book and I am shocked. If Dexter and CSI had a love child, it would be this book!!
So interesting to be inside the mind of a morally grey serial killer and wondering if you’re actually mentally okay because you’re agreeing with them!!!??? Insane and equally beautiful. Going to checking out more of Rose’s books after this one!!
Thank you Stephanie Rose for sending me this ARC. This review is voluntary and my own personal opinion.