Slaugther has done it once again. In this enthralling thriller, she brings to light the true horrors that could lie in wait for any of us. As Will and Sara embark on their honeymoon, the camp site they are staying at isn't everything it seems, especially when they discover a woman they had met only hours ago, murdered and sumped in the lake. What follows is a story of survival and a game of cat and mouse as they try to bring the real killer to light. The twists will have your head spinning and keep you guessing until the end.

During their honeymoon at a remote lodge, Will and Sarah are thrust into a deadly mystery after discovering the brutal murder of a woman.
Perched on a picturesque mountaintop, McAlpine Lodge seems like the perfect getaway for newlyweds Will and Sarah. The property holds a special-yet-complicated place in Will's heart, deepening the significance of their retreat. Their idyllic escape shatters, however, when a blood-curdling scream rends the night. Will soon finds the lodge’s manager, Mercy McAlpine, brutally stabbed.

A vicious storm rages and with everyone trapped on property, it’s clear the killer is among them. With no escape, Will and Sarah begin to investigate, uncovering a web of lies that entangles everyone at the lodge. The McAlpine family’s toxic secrets run deep, and suspicious connections between the family and their guests reveal that everyone has a motive for wanting Mercy dead.

With this latest, Karin Slaughter masterfully crafts a tangled, locked-room thriller brimming with unrelenting tension. Clever red herrings kept me guessing until the jaw-dropping revelation of the killer. The narrative expertly blends a procedural investigation with a harrowing exploration of a deeply malicious family and the emotional scars they’ve inflicted. From the first page to the last, I was utterly captivated.

One of my favorite series for a reason. Brilliant.

It is different coming to this book in between also watching the TV series that is like this world but also completely different. I first picked up this series at book 10 and binged the whole thing. It is also a bit different returning to it again after such a long gap between this and book 11. As such, it took me a while to get really into the story.

Much of this book feels vastly different than the rest of the series. It is more of a slow burn. Yes, there is a lot of action right from the start, but the actual unfolding of the story is far slower than I'm used to with this series. I was ultimately sad, but not surprised by the direction the story ended up taking.

My one gripe is in the interpersonal part of the story. We, the readers, usually receive a few pages of significant interpersonal connection between the lead pair, but this book lacked that. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the wedding rather than starting at the honeymoon and jumping right into the action.

4.5 stars.

Absolutely loved the storyline and the suspense. Karin Slaughter has a way with writing her stories and her characters and they don’t disappoint. This book draws you in from the very beginning and keeps you interested up until the very end. With the suspend, the romance and the plot. I couldn’t get enough.

And they keep getting better! THIS IS WHY WE LIED is now the twelfth book in the Will Trent series and our favorite GBI crew is back and ready for action. In signature style, Slaughter delivers complex relationships, layers of tension surrounding a murder, and elements of wit to break up the darker aspects of the book.

From beginning to end, I was hooked. The twists, turns, and carefully crafted reveals were simply perfect. For as much as I hoped for Will and Sara to have a blissfully uneventful honeymoon, it was not meant to be. They naturally are thrust right into the thick of it after a murdered woman is found by Will. This should be the big event, but it is just the beginning. The way the author weaves in the secrets kept by almost all who are at this vacation retreat and the dysfunctional family dynamics of the Lodge owners take over as the suspense builds.

Honestly, what is not to love about this book? You have a mystery surrounding a murder. There is a compelling investigation unearthing the pasts of all the characters. And an ending fitting for a Will Trent novel. Slaughter continues to demonstrate just why she is the best at what she does. Her thrillers pack an emotional punch as she brilliantly and poignantly shows the best and worst of humanity. I cannot wait for more.

Audiobook Note: Narrator Kathleen Early did a wonderful job with this audiobook. As with the previous books she has narrated by Slaughter, the pace is ideal for a thriller, and the diction is on point. The way she gives each character their own voice and style of speaking truly rounds out a suspenseful story.

If you haven't read any other Will Trent books, stop now and go back and start at the beginning! Karin Slaughter is a master at twisty thrillers and so much of the enjoyment of her books for me is trying to guess who dunnit and why. The other part I really love about her books is the way the characters develop in realistic ways from one book to the next and how their relationships grow/mature/change from one book to the next. You will miss out on all of that if you start here. Please, go back and start with Triptych.

Ok, if you're reading this there's a very good chance that you've been with Will and Sara on their journey since the beginning. It's not a spoiler (since it's in the publisher's marketing blurb) to tell you that they're now on their honeymoon at a secluded cabin retreat in the north Georgia mountains. At the end of their first day there the manager is murdered and it turns into a partial locked-room mystery. I say partial because it's not solved in the locked room, but the only possible suspects are those at the resort, which is accessible only by hiking in or on one tiny road but it's storming and impassible at the time of the murder.

This book is interesting in that it's not a serial killer, nor is it the grisly mo of most of Slaughter's books. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of violence against women, but most of it is in the past and not described in detail. It felt lighter to me, even though by the end the twistedness was more than glaringly obvious. I was actually surprised by the resolution and did not see it coming, which is something rare that I enjoyed.

I also enjoyed the random cadre of characters gathered at the lodge for vacation. And I loved watching how Sara and Will interact and care for each other while still letting each other be free enough to be themselves and meet their own needs. They love each other without trying to change each other and that's one of the best things about these books - they give each other the space to change on their own, when and how they choose to do so.

This is one of the best installments yet in this series! 5 stars



Disclaimer: I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

First, let me say that this is the first book I’ve read in the Will Trent series but the 2nd book I’ve read by Karin Slaughter. I don’t feel like I missed anything starting with book 12 in a series or not seeing the show. Also, hi, I am the problem because who starts a series at the 12th book! 🤦🏾‍♀️

What I’ve learned reading a KS book, is that she is going to give you all of the details, front story, back story, side story, and character development then drop some twists on you. This made for a lengthy read with various characters, stories, and intertwined messiness.

Speaking of characters, throw this whole family away because whaaat?? The whole family is a mess, has a secret or two, and is guilty of something. Even Mercy (rip) was guilty of some things. However, I did love Faith (can Faith have her own series?) Once all sides of the story and characters were built up and established, the ball dropped and rolled. The twists came out swinging. Overall, this was a solid 3-star read even if it was long. What I’ve learned is that I am not a long-chapter kind of reader. I’d rather have 100 short chapters than 20 long chapters.

Lastly, If you’re going to read a KS book then take a moment to read any content warnings and then decide how to proceed. Don’t blame the book and author if you don’t read the content warnings.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

I just finished this is why we lied by Karin Slaughter which is the 12th book in the Will Trent series.
This book follows will as he and his new wife Sara are on their honeymoon in a pretty isolated resort . One night while Will and Sara are out they hear a scream
and they end up finding the manager of the resort dead. Of course, being in an isolated area there’s limited cell phone access, the roads are pretty bad and there’s a storm coming, which makes it even worse.
Now Will and Sara have to investigate to try to find out who did this and what the motivations behind it was. To say the family is dysfunctional would be an understatement and as with many of Karin slaughter books definitely read your trigger warnings because there are some pretty messed up topics involved in this book. The book captured me from the very beginning. I found it interesting and there were multiple points of view in this book which I appreciated. There was also multiple time lines to help you understand what is going on. Even though this is the 12th book in the series, I don’t feel like you had to have read the previous books because Karin Slaughter did a good job at explaining some of the backstory as things were happening so even if you didn’t read them I don’t think you would be completely lost. I did enjoy this book. Really good writing as always from Karin Slaughter. I kind of guessed the twist but it’s still very well done and again a lot of messed up family dynamics going on. If you are able to get past the subject matter I definitely recommend it.

Karin Slaughter never ceases to amaze me with her style of writing and ability to build suspense throughout a novel. This Is Why We Lied tells the story of a honeymoon turned murder investigation with unreliable characters, twisty secrets, and a serial killer on the loose. The twists in this one made me quite literally gasp out loud. If you’re a fan of Pretty Girls, this one’s for you!

This Is Why We Lied ☾𖤓
by Karin Slaughter
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars

Karin Slaughter delivers another gripping read with This Is Why We Lied. Will Trent and Sara Linton’s honeymoon takes a dark turn when a murder traps them at a secluded lodge. The story is packed with twists, dark family secrets, and that classic locked-room mystery vibe. Even if you haven’t read the whole series, this one stands strong on its own. Slaughter’s sharp writing and complex characters keep you hooked from start to finish. If you’re into suspenseful, twisty thrillers, this is a must-read!

"This Is Why We Lied” by Karin Slaughter is the 12th gripping addition to the Will Trent series, blending a classic locked-room mystery with the dark, psychological twists that Slaughter is known for.

The novel follows Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Will Trent and medical examiner Sara Linton as they embark on their honeymoon at the secluded McAlpine Family Lodge. What begins as a romantic getaway quickly turns into a high-stakes investigation when the lodge’s manager, Mercy McAlpine, is found murdered.

The story is set against the backdrop of a picturesque but isolated lodge, where a storm has washed out the only access road, trapping all the guests. As Will and Sara delve into the investigation, they uncover a web of lies and secrets among the lodge’s inhabitants. Each character has a motive, and the tension escalates as they race against time to identify the killer before they strike again.

This novel pays homage to the classic locked-room mystery style with a modern twist. The isolation of the lodge and the stormy weather create a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightened the suspense for me. The relationship between Will and Sara is central to the story. Their personal and professional dynamics add depth to the narrative, showcasing their strengths and vulnerabilities. Slaughter delves into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of betrayal, guilt, and redemption. The characters’ backstories are intricately woven into the plot, revealing their motivations and secrets.

Karin Slaughter’s writing is sharp and evocative. She masterfully builds tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Her descriptive prose brings the setting to life, making the reader feel the chill of the storm and the eerie isolation of the lodge.

I enjoyed this book's complex plot and well-developed characters. Fans of the Will Trent series will find this installment particularly satisfying, while newcomers will appreciate the standalone nature of the story. Karin Slaughter has such an ability to blend suspense with emotional depth, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.

“This Is Why We Lied” is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and mystery novels. Karin Slaughter delivers a taut, suspenseful narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The combination of a classic mystery setup with modern psychological insights made this book a standout for me.

Will Trent and Sara Linton's honeymoon at a secluded mountain lodge takes a dark turn when the lodge manager, Mercy McAlpine, is found dead, and they realize the culprit is among the guests trapped by a raging storm. As they unravel a web of lies and hidden secrets, the couple must race against time to uncover the truth before it's too late.

I haven't read the full Will Trent series, but after reading After That Night, I knew I had to pick up This Is Why We Lied. This novel is a locked-room mystery set on top of a mountain, where every character introduced is deeply flawed and their backstories are full of conflicts. Karin Slaughter is an incredibly talented writer and it’s no wonder she’s considered a thriller powerhouse. She doesn’t hold back, delivering detailed descriptions while weaving in complex relationships and emotions that tug at the reader’s heartstrings. I love that the story is told in the third person, allowing us to get inside each character’s head and uncover what others don’t know which keeps the narrative engaging. The McAlpine family is seriously messed up and I didn’t see any of the twists and turns coming. Just when I thought I had figured it out, Karin would throw in another curveball, making me question my instincts. I loved how the story kept me on my toes especially Will’s decision at the end. I believe this book could be read as a standalone even if you haven’t read the rest of the series. Highly recommend picking this one up! If you do, please check the content warnings on StoryGraph first.

As a huge fan of KS's "Will Trent" series, I couldn't get my hands on this book fast enough. When I was able to get it through NetGalley, I tossed all other books aside and started reading.

Will and Sara. They are MARRIED!! Slaughter's books aren't romance or love stories, yet I am always team happy ever after for Will and Sara. However, even while on their honeymoon, the couple has to deal with a mysterious death at McAlpine Lodge, a resort that has a childhood connection for Wilbur. And in true Will and Sara fashion, they can't separate themselves from their occupations and before we know it, they are working to solve not only 1, but 2 murders. I never saw the twists coming nor did I guess who was responsible for the crimes.

"This is Why We Lied" contains the crime themes that I know and love from Slaughter, as well as elements of mystery, family dynamics, and a dark, tense atmosphere that are reminiscent of her other "Will Trent" books. With its fast-paced plot and complex characters, you'll be on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the web of secrets and lies at McAlpine Lodge.

I did not know that this book was part of a series when I requested it! However, this could definitely stand as a standalone easily. Karin's plot twists NEVER disappoint and I highly recommend!

Another brilliant installment of Will Trent!

Karin Slaughter is one of my favorite authors and this book did not disappoint. If you have read the rest of the Grant County/Will Trent series, then OF COURSE you have to read this one.

I loved how this book felt so intimiate and claustrophobic (in a good-ish way?), but of course still had all of Karin Slaughter's typical f'd up antics that we love her for.

The only disappointment I feel is that I devoured this so quickly and now have to wait another undisclosed amount of time for the next book.

Karin Slaughter knows how to write!
I am in awe of how I could pick up the Will Trent series in book twelve and get through the entire book without feeling like I’ve missed something. Karin Slaughter is an author who knows how to include just the perfect amount of backstory so that her biggest fans won’t be bored and new fans will be intrigued. Her pacing is quick, and the way she flushes out a story is art. Heartbreaking, emotional, humorous art. This book had triggers that made me uncomfortable at times. However, the author never jumped the track and did an excellent job leading the reader to the conclusion.

Quick recap without spoilers:
Will Trent, an investigator, is on his honeymoon with his new wife, Sara Linton, a medical examiner at a beautiful resort in the mountains. When going for a midnight swim, the couple hears a scream and discovers one of the lodge owners stabbed to death. After the weather traps the staff and guests at the resort, the trip turns into a killer game of who-done-it.

If you haven’t been reading the Will Trent series, you really should. Excellent characters and storylines. I go way black to the Sara Linton series which slowly merged with the Will Trent series. Now it’s the best of both.

3.5 I did not realize this was part of the series when I requested it, but I didn’t find the story lacking at all. In fact, it could be considered a stand alone. Slaughter can write those twists and turns, she keeps her reader on the edge of their seat with this one. I will definitely be diving into this series more!
I want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of This is Why We Lied.

I feel like I should start with, this should have all the trigger warnings so beware.

We find Will and Sara embarking on a honeymoon trip to a mountain hideaway. The location promises rest and relaxation in nature. But things don't stay quiet for long. Mercy McAlpine, manager of the resort, is found stabbed to death. Everyone on the mountain has a reason to want her dead. Can Will and Sara figure out who killed Mercy?

This book explores sensitive topics, which are not uncommon to Karin Slaughter. The overall story is good and if you don't mind the subject matter, worth the read.

3.75 ⭐ This story started out really strong! I was hooked from the beginning. It took me some time to get used to whose who in terms of the characters. But I did enjoy reading it! I loved the layout of how the story was told. I realized this book is part of a series but honestly, it could be read as a standalone. I loved the twists and turns this book takes. The whole investigative part had me on the edge of my seat! I can't wait to read more Karen Slaughter books! I loved her writing!