What a sick family this was. I could not stop reading this book. The twists and turns started early and didn't really let up throughout the novel. I predicted some of them, but I definitely didn't get my mind in an effed up enough spot to see some of it coming. Hands down never would have guessed. I can easily say it's one of the more messed up endings I have read, and this one will stick with me like very few books have. Karin Slaughter knows how to write a thriller that will leave you feeling satisfied...as weird as that is to say about this genre. I highly recommend this entire series.

Having not read the previous books in this series, I think that other readers could start here and feel like they are able to keep up with the plot well enough as I did. This works fine as a standalone, but probably even better if you've read the previous books in the series. While this is long, it doesn't feel like it has excess to cut. The story is excellent, disturbing, and very readable.

Karin always writes novels that really suck you in and this is no different. I didn't realize this was in a series when I requested it so I feel like I got dropped in at a point that i wish I had more background information on but I still enjoyed the book.

What's the key to a good psychological thriller? Trying to paint everyone as a suspect and Slaughter perfectly did this and I couldn't settle on any one theory until the closure of the novel.

MERCY DESERVED BETTER! Man, there was so much I wish could have gone differently for her character.

have been a HUGE fan of the entire Will Trent series and have made my way through all 12 of the books in the last 1.5 years thanks in no small part to my friend Christa who introduced myself to the series. Her and I have a long distance book club (we live in different states currently) and we read all the books together, which has been really fun. We love discussing and predicting what is going to happen. Sometimes we predict correctly and many times we do not. Karin Slaughter is an excellent author and is great at writing compelling characters. Sarah is my favorite, but I do have a soft spot for Will as well. And Amanda Wagner because we both have the same name. haha. And because of how much she has helped Will over the years.

Anyway, this book was BRUTAL. But I could not put it down. I had to flip between the kindle copy and the audiobook copy so I was able to read any free moment whether I was cleaning my condo, running, or chilling on the coach with my husband and cat. I don't want to give any spoilers, but gosh did one of the main characters deserve so much better. :( You will not believe this story! I was spot on about who committed the major crime (which was surprising), but the other aspects to the situation and other crimes were so surprising it was shocking and absolutely devastating.

The book had me hooked within the first 20 pages. Partly because Will and Sarah were supposed to be on their honeymoon, but neither of them have ever been any good at unplugging from work...and more so because of what they found. What unfolds before them is so horrific, confusing, and shocking that it takes until the very end to figure out all the answers. Like I said previously, I knew who did it almost right away, but I did not see the other aspects coming or how everything ties together. Karin is so good at giving you everything you need to figure things out, but hides them in plain sight and also makes you fall for most of her characters for one reason or another. But trust no one!

If you haven't read the previous 11 books you need to first! And then return to this one. But prepare yourself first because this one and really all her books are not for the faint of heart. They are very detailed medically and crime wise and genuinely the crimes that occur are so upsetting, but this in part because they are realistic and some cases based on real crimes. So what keeps me and many others reading? The hope that a "good guy" will win, to "solve" the crime, witness more of Sarah and Will, to witness more of Amanda/Will/Faith, to learn what Jeremy will be when he grows up, to learn why the criminal did it, etc. Because learning why can sometimes help us understand the world at large and fellow humans better. There's always a reason why, but finding out is the tough part.

I really hope this series has more books in the future and plan to read all of Karin Slaughter's other books. She's up there as one of my favorite authors. This book and the series overall is easily 5 out 5 stars for me!

A complimentary ARC on kindle and audiobook was provided thanks to William Morrow and to NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this book. I love all of the Will Trent books so that is no surprise. This book was almost like a locked-room mystery being set at a lodge resort (of course on Will and Sara's honeymoon). I'm so glad that Faith made an appearance to help the couple solve the crime. While the murderer wasn't a super-duper surprise, I definitely wasn't expecting the slew of crimes committed by, well, everyone. Damn Bitty, what a horrible person.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for my ARC in exchange for a review. Can't wait for the next installment!

Karin Slaughter thrillers are a joy of my life! I have been along for the ride of all of the Will Trent series and much like the prior 11 books, this did not disappoint. If you've never read this series - WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! This book can absolutely be read as a standalone but you'd be missing all of the juicy fun along the way.
This one is all about GBI investigator Will Trent and his medical examiner wife Sara Linton, as they head to McAlpine Lodge for an idyllic and relaxing honeymoon celebration. McAlpine Lodge is a secluded cabin in the woods high up in a mountain range with a select number of guests allowed at each time. The views are gorgeous, it's off the grid, and they're enjoying a much-needed opportunity to unplug and reset together as newlyweds - that is, until a bone-chilling scream cuts through the night.
Will and Sara realize that they're never truly off the job, as they uncover Mercy McAlpine, the manager of the Lodge, is dead.
With a storm raging and the one access road to the property washed out, the murderer must be someone they're with on the mountain. Will and Sara get to work investigating the McAlpine family and other guests and quickly uncover that everyone is lying.
In typical Karin Slaughter fashion, she did a fantastic job making everyone a suspect in this book and held my attention the entire time. It's well executed, perfectly paced, gripping, and TENSE! Multiple times my mouth was hanging open from the suspense. It's a quick read and I recommend you book yourself a chiropractic appointment
- between the whiplash, red herrings, twists, and turns - you'll need it!
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Will Trent, an investigator for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), is on his honeymoon with his wife, Sara Linton. Despite the challenges posed by Sara’s demanding job as a medical examiner, they seek respite at a secluded mountain retreat. However, their idyllic vacation is shattered by a chilling scream one night.

The retreat’s manager, Mercy McAlpine, is revealed to be the source of the scream and has subsequently been found murdered. Given the three-year hiatus since the publication of a Will Trent thriller, readers anticipated a compelling narrative. Karin Slaughter delivers on this expectation, presenting a dysfunctional family that clings to their lodge for reasons that remain unclear.

As the story unfolds, readers gain insights into the McAlpine family dynamics. Mercy’s marriage to her husband was tumultuous, marked by infidelity and emotional turmoil. They had an adult son who was grappling with his own challenges. Mercy’s father had suffered a crippling accident, leading to years of anger directed towards her. The family’s dynamics were deeply troubled, and Will and Sara soon discover that each member harbors secrets and lies.

Trust becomes a rare commodity as Will and Sara grapple with the complexities of the case. The pursuit of the truth becomes arduous, and the revelation of Mercy’s murder exposes a web of deceit within the family.

Throughout the series, Will Trent has endured a tumultuous past, leaving him emotionally scarred at times. His recent marriage to Sara has provided a glimmer of hope and healing. Faith, Will’s partner, plays a pivotal role in his ability to manage his cases effectively.

This latest installment in the series is a captivating read. Readers who have not read the preceding books will not be lost, as Will Trent’s complex past and personal struggles are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The portrayal of Will’s newlywed life and Faith’s significant influence on his case-solving abilities adds depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Karin Slaughter’s writing continues to captivate readers, and the prospect of more books in this series fills us with anticipation.

Many thanks to William Morrow and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

First of all, this book works very well as a standalone if you’ve never read a Will Trent book before. It’ll make you want to go back and read all the others, but you’ll have no trouble understanding the plot if this is your first Karin Slaughter novel.

Second, I LOVE the map. I referenced it so many times. It really helped me put myself in the scene. Is it weird to say I would love to stay at this lodge? It seems right up my alley–a gorgeous hike in, but luxury of prepared meals and fun activities (and a real bed) when you arrive.

I very much enjoyed this installment of the Will Trent series. I love hiking, glamping, and the woods, so the setting couldn’t be beat. Will and Sara can’t go anywhere without crime following them, so it’s no surprise that they happen across a shocking case on their honeymoon. Despite the remote location, this book had every bit of gruesome horror that Karin is known for. Poor Mercy! I won’t say too much, but it’s another good one. Hats off to Karin again!

This was my first Will Trent book but not my first Karin Slaughter book!! I love everything she writes, so not sure why I took so look to read a Will Trent book!!!

I loved the twists and suspense of it all! I don't have anything to really base it off of but as a book on its own... its very VERY good! I really enjoyed it and it was right up my alley. Very much my kind of book. A fast read that I could not put down. I would love to go back and read more Will Trent books and continue to read them moving forward. Loved this world that Karin has built.

Thank you Karin Slaughter, William Morrow, and NetGalley for this ARC!

If a Will Trent book is released, I will read it. I love this series and I've read most of the books more than once. This was a good book, and I didn't expect the twist. As with all her books, this is an intense book with multiple unlikable characters.

Sara and Will are finally married! Yay! They're on their honeymoon and the location is very thoughtful and Will-like. We're introduced to the ownders of the camp, and honestly, it's heartbreaking to read how Mercy's family treats her when she does all the work at the camp. The father is particularly vile. Mercy is murdered and Will and Sara have to figure it out because...I don't know. They're just unlucky.

There are a lot of twists and turns and red herrings. The stories eventually connect in a good way. There is one character that is introduced and seems way too convenient (like here?? Now??) but it is explained. I typically like Karin Slaughter books and this was no different.

But here's my con: We get that Sara and Will are in love. We are all very happy about it. They've been through a lot and get to be happy now. We also know that they love sex. Awesome. But it is ridiculous at this point. I'm so happy that they like to have sex 8 times a day, but it just...doesn't go with the story. It's enough that I clocked it and it felt out of place. Very minor con, but there nonetheless.

Who is the freakin' killer!!
OMG! I could not be happier when I got his book from Netgalley in exchange of my honest review. Thank you very much.
These characters, we thought we could just go on with our lives and forget about them. Guess what, they will come back and haunt us because Karin Slaughter gave them the permission to!
Will and Sarah finally tied the knot, and we know they will! Now, they’re off on their honeymoon but it won't be that sweet of a getaway if things will not get mysterious! Because there is going to be a body. A body that was brutally murdered and left for everyone to find. So, who was the victim? The daughter of the resort owner. Who killed her? The hell we know but will find out!
Ahhh.. I was holding my breath and tipping over the edge! Drama, Suspense. Thrill. Crazy characters that were all suspicious and driving me insane!
I love this! It was a fast read and just the right amount of entertainment for me!

I love this series. I love this author. & I love Will Trent.

I’ll have to say that I really did like every single thing about this book. The characters I loved, even if I hated them or they broke my heart. Will, Sara, Faith and Amanda are my favorite! I will forever be stuck in love with this series.

The only thing I’d say negative is I felt it was a little drawn out and very, very long

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Okay this was such a hard loss for me because I absolutely LOVED the book previous to this in the series. The Will Trent series can be super hit-or-miss and unfortunately this was a big miss for me.

As soon as we started this book I knew immediately who the killer was. If you're someone who is well-versed in how important language is by a character I have a feeling you're also going to figure this one out very quickly. While I figured that out there was still some shock as we wrapped up the crime story, but in a way that made me SO uncomfortable. It felt like this book had to add in every possible horrible thing a human being can do to another human being.

While I really wanted to like the story it felt like an Agatha Christie trauma porn dump and I didn't really love that.

I thoroughly enjoyed the next story of Will and Sara, they’ve been on quite the journey and they’re finally married! Off to celebrate their honeymoon! Naturally, that does not happen. Naturally, a murder occurs and they sprint into action. This was a gut wrenching story where yet again, the women deserve so much better.

Such a good suspenseful read! For fans of this series, it gives so much insight into our heroes life. Such a page turner with twists and surprises that kept me guessing till the end!

I have never read a Will Trent book before but this was good! This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter is packed with the suspense, psychological depth, and gripping twists! In this installment, special agent Will Trent is drawn into a case where lies, secrets, and deception take center stage. Very suspenseful and perfect for fall! Thank you Karin Slaughter, William Morrow, and NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of Karin Slaughter’s gripping new novel, “This Is Why We Lied.” Will Trent and his wife Sara Linton decide to take their honeymoon in the relaxing campgrounds of the McAlpine Lodge. Unsettling secrets, betrayal, and people from the past begin to emerge! This supposed to be relaxing honeymoon makes a turn for the worse when Mercy McAlpine ends up dead. Karin Slaughter masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue in this fast-paced thriller, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the tension escalates with every page. The twists and shocking revelations will keep you up all night, desperate to uncover the truth. A thrilling adventure awaits, 5 well-deserved stars!

How did I go so long without reading Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent novels? It’s almost embarrassing that I was led to them via the (excellent) television adaptation, but I’m glad to be here belatedly. “This Is Why We Lied” finds Will and Sara married at last and on their honeymoon. Drama, of course, ensues, @s the newlyweds are caught up in investigating the death of a woman whose family-owned mountain resort hides a lot of dark secrets. Starting with the crime having been committed and then flashing back to lead readers through the victim’s final days isn’t my favorite way if structuring a procedural, but here it gives Slaughter a chance to flesh out the victim and those around her. We also see Will stepping gingerly into the role of husband, with Sara there to reassure him he’s doing it right.

I'm a big fan of Karin Slaughter, Will, Sara, Amanda, and Faith and "This Is Why We Lied" is one of my favorites in the Will Trent series. Late in the book one of the characters describes the case they are working as Agatha Christie locked room mystery meets VC Andrews and yup, that's it in a nutshell.

The setting is a remote mountaintop lodge and cottages resort that's been in the McAlpine family for seven generations. There are legends about the family in the area, but the current crop of McAlpines are so awful it casts doubt on the veracity of those legends; remember, the victors tell the stories and people don't get as deeply corrupt as these folks in just one generation.

While who committed the first murder was clearly foreshadowed, the twists along the way to resolution and the why are pretty shocking.

But what really sold me on this book was the greater emphasis on the mystery and the lesser emphasis on the private lives of Will, Faith, etc. It's as if all of the characters had matured and arrived at the places they are meant to be and are ready to just solve a mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this fine read.

Karin continues to be one of the only thriller writers that can surprise (and profoundly horrify) me again and again. The plot twists are always foul and shocking and deeply upsetting. The story flows and the plot tugs you along with it, sometimes in a hundred different directions at once.

Will and Sara are also SO cute. The way they gravitate to each other, the smiles and winks and the way they’ve learned to communicate without speaking. The way they will make each other laugh even in the most awful circumstances just to give each others hearts a break. They deserve the good in each other.

I have to get up for work in 5 hours and I’m just now going to bed because I couldn’t put it down. Also I will probably have gruesome nightmares.