I was so thrilled to have access to this story, I have loved many stories by this author. The book did not disappoint. There are equal parts of mystery and suspense, feel good moments and an all around out together plot. The story works through various viewpoints and leads the reader through a mysterious trail of secrets and hidden truths.

read this in Sept 2024 through Netgalley e-ARC. I didn’t realize it was part of a series (#12), I just knew had to try my hand at requesting a copy since I’ve enjoyed Karin Slaughter books in the past. Honestly you could read this as a standalone and still enjoy it, that’s what I did and clearly it wasn’t a reading issue bc I still found it thoroughly entertaining! Whatever important events happened in previous books gets touched upon in this book if it’s relevant for the reader to understand the situation at hand. Reading this book made me want to read the series and watch the TV series adaptation (didn’t know there was one until requested the book!).

I’ve never felt so many (conflicting) emotions for a character in a long time. Mercy was such a well developed character. I was heartbroken for her in many points of the novel. She’s a character I’ll remember for a long time. I read this book 4 months ago from this review and I still remember this character and her story vividly in my mind. Karin Slaughter did a great job creating each character for the story.

Overall great thriller and looking forward to dive into the series further!

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow books for an eARC copy to review!

I will literally read anything this woman writes. She never disappoints.
This Is Why We Lied is a dark and gripping mystery/thriller set at a secluded mountain lodge, where GBI Special Agent Will Trent and Medical Examiner Sarah Linton find themselves entangled in a chilling murder investigation. The narrative captivates readers with its Agatha Christie-esque isolation and twisted VC Andrews-style family drama, as secrets unravel and suspects multiply. While the beginning is slow, focusing on the McAlpine family’s dynamics, the pace intensifies, culminating in a shocking and gut-wrenching finale. With compelling twists and deeply uncomfortable revelations, this book is both unsettling and unputdownable. A thrilling read, but not for the faint of heart. Four stars. Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. While I did enjoy this book, I found the overwhelmingly long chapters to be tiresome. Instead of flying through, I had to stop after a chapter or two (25-30 minutes per chapter), which led me to not enjoy this story as much as I'd hoped.

This Is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter was an exhilarating experience from start to finish. As the twelfth installment in the Will Trent series, the novel showcases Slaughter’s mastery in crafting intricate plots and compelling character dynamics.

The story follows GBI investigator Will Trent and medical examiner Sara Linton, now newlyweds, as they embark on their honeymoon at the secluded McAlpine Lodge. Their plans for a peaceful retreat are abruptly disrupted when Mercy McAlpine, the lodge’s manager, is found dead. As Will and Sara delve into the investigation, they uncover a web of secrets and lies among the lodge’s guests and the McAlpine family, all while a killer remains on the loose. 

The interplay between Will and Sara’s personal relationship and their professional duties adds layers of complexity to the story, making it both a gripping mystery and a psychological exploration.

This is a fantastic series and I can't wait for the next book! All the stars!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This Is Why We Lied
Karin Slaughter

Will Trent is back and oh boy was this story sooo good!! Will is on his honeymoon when one of the caretakers is murdered. Because Will can’t help himself, he investigates this crime while on his honeymoon.

The Will Trent series is top tier!! My goal is to go back and read them all but for now I will continue to read each and every one that continues to come out. The stories are always fast paced, the characters are always relatable and well developed. You can’t help but crush on Will when he’s on the pages. This novel was no different. Her novels are long, but they fly by! I couldn’t get enough of Mercy’s story. She was very complicated and sympathetic, I wanted to know more about her. In typical form, the last 15% was a whirlwind of information, twists and 🤯🤯 moments!!

Highly, highly recommend!!

Will and Sara Trent are a newly married couple off to a cabin resort in the wilderness for their honeymoon. With all intentions of leaving their work behind (Will is an agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Sara is a medical examiner), they arrive at the resort with assumed histories.

The resort is not a Fodor's 5 star resort, but a family-run business with plenty of family drama. The resort is jointly owned although most of the work is done my Mercy, who controls two shares of the business - hers and her teenage son's (until he turns 21). Mercy finds satisfaction in the work, loves the resort, and sees it as something valuable to leave her son. The rest of the family wants to sell it to an investor from the city who wants to modernize the whole thing. That investor is visiting the same weekend as Will and Sara.

Family squabbles reach a fevered pitch, with many skeletons in the family closet being threatened to be released by Mercy if she doesn't get her way and the resort stays in the family. But when Will and Sara, looking to enjoy a romantic evening alone along the lake shore, hear cries for help and find Mercy taking her last breaths after being fatally stabbed multiple times, it will be up to Will (and his new wife) to uncover the killer among an entire family of suspects - the task made more difficult with no cell service or internet to reach the GBI.

Like many people, I'm sure, I discovered this series via the television show, Will Trent. Picking up here, this 12th book in the book series is somewhat of an eye opener as the Will Trents are a bit different. Will Trent on television is quite marvelously portrayed by Ramón Rodríguez. I like everything about this portrayal (it's my initiation to the series) but I would not call Ramón Rodríguez 'imposing.' Will Trent in the book is someone who can say, "That's my wife" and others would immediately back off by the implied, imposing threat of the man.

Overall, I enjoyed this read. The family dynamics among Mercy and her kin were more than dysfunctional. They were disturbing. I kind of really didn't care about any of them. This was definitely exacerbated by the fact that one of the prime suspects, a family member, is someone Will knew during his orphanage/foster family days. It was not a good meeting (of course). Even our victim, while painted to be someone trying very hard to change her life and who thinks about her son with everything she does, never comes out of the shadow of being someone whose luck has run out and who was probably never destined for anything better. She makes (made) choices that keep her as someone not to feel sorry for.

I don't know anything about Sara. She hasn't appeared in any of the tv episodes I've seen so far, so the fact that she's married to Will is interesting but a complete unknown to me. This is a case where you definitely need to have read more of the book series to understand and appreciate, I think. We're told she's a medical examiner and she does a few simple things in the course of the book, but other than a means to be out at a cabin resort (honeymoon), she doesn't play much part.

I'm not overly enamored with this book. I've picked up a lot of mysteries over the past few years and this one is not one that will stay current on my bookshelf. If I find an older book kin the series at used a bookstore, I may or may not pick it up. I will, however, keep watching the TV series, which I quite enjoy.

Looking for a good book? Fans of the Will Trent television series may be in for a surprise picking up this book. Twelfth in the Will Trent series, This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter probably requires greater background knowledge of the book version of Will Trent to truly appreciate.

I mean, it's Karin Slaughter, need I say more ?

Slaughter was the first thriller author I ever obsessed over. Once I read Pretty Girls, it was hook, line, sinker. I was in. Id never read anything so explosive without fear of crossing boundaries. That ending, whoa, it would be spoken about for years to come.

This is Why We Lied

Will Trent is back in the 12th installment of the Will Trent series.

As always, this book packs a punch. The minute you catch your breath from one twist, you are knocked right back on your tail.

A little locked room mystery with a side of humor. I was never once bored.

Slaughter is THE queen of thrillers.

Check out this teaser :

One toxic family.

Eight suspicious guests.

Everyone is guilty.

But who is a killer?


For GBI investigator Will Trent and medical examiner Sara Linton, McAlpine Lodge seems like the ideal getaway to celebrate their honeymoon. Set on a gorgeous, off-the-grid mountaintop property, it’s the perfect place to unplug and reconnect. Until a bone-chilling scream cuts through the night.

A murderer in their midst

Mercy McAlpine, the manager of the Lodge, is dead. With a vicious storm raging and the one access road to the property washed out, the murderer must be someone on the mountain. But as Will and Sara investigate the McAlpine family and the other guests, they realize that everyone here is lying….Lying about their past. Lying to their family. Lying to themselves.

Who killed Mercy McAlpine?

It soon becomes clear that normal rules don’t apply at McAlpine Lodge, and Will and Sara are going to have to watch their step at every turn. Trapped on the resort, they must untangle a decades-old web of secrets to discover what happened to Mercy. And with the killer poised to strike again, the trip of a lifetime becomes a race against the clock…

This was a great story, with solid characters. Pacing was good, with lots of little twist and turns, and then a few big twist and turns. I loved the ending

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!