I would rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

This was such an up and down reading experience for me. There is a reveal half way through the novel that I did not see coming and, for me to be shocked in a book, is a huge win for me, I love when that happens.

Having said that, the remainder of the story was just okay for me. The remainder of the story was quite predictable and the writing was not my favourite.

Definitely worth checking out for the shocking reveal if nothing else.

My thanks to Union Square Publishing, Victoria Selman and Netgalley.
I'm not gonna blow smoke up y'alls asses. Although if its warm smoke?
In all honesty, I didn't read too much of this book at all. The subject matter is not something that I want to spend time.with.
Everybody has subject lines that either bore, scare or whatever.
This is just not anything I care to read..
So, I'm giving this book a middling rating.

This was my first book from the author and the story had potential. It read so quickly which is a huge plus for me, as it makes me feel like I am getting through the book faster. However, it did seem slightly repetitive at times which was a bummer.

. I would be open to trying another book by this author and it could potentially be a big hit. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.

All The Little Liars
Victoria Selman

“When traumas are left unprocessed, they metastasize,” the principal told my father. “Talking is the only way to heal.”

All The Little Liars is a suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. It explores the complexities of female friendships and the blurred lines between truth and deception.

“Turtle Lake Case” shocked the world in a way few other crimes ever have. Twenty years on, people are still talking about what happened that night. Three friends went to a party. Only two came back.

Narration is set as BEFORE and NOW. We get diary entries and true crime reports / news articles peppered throughout to provide context and clues.

“Be careful who you trust. Salt and sugar look the same.”

This hinged on determining criminal responsibility and was there extenuating circumstances that rendered the majority of the culpability elsewhere. We question if you didn’t commit the murder, why would you say you did?

“It was an accident. Trust me.”
My father always said when a person asks you to trust them, it’s a sure sign you should do the reverse.

I loved the twist. Chefs kiss!

‘The famous prosecutor, Vincent Bugliosi, once said people see what they expect to see, not what’s right in front of them. Is that what I’ve been doing? Seeing but not looking?’

I always enjoy the psychology in Victoria Selman books, are they a victim or a perpetrator and the lines that crimes crossed and the psychology of loving people in the grey area. I read Truly, Darkly, Deeply in July 2022 and it put Victoria Selman firmly on my radar, this being the third book of hers I’ve read.

‘Ghosts have a way of following you. Doesn’t matter how far you flee. You can’t outrun the past.’

Thank you @Victoriaselmanauthor and @unionsqandco.
All The Little Liars is out now!

Curiosity kills the kitten, they say. Only there were no kittens there that night. Only angry cats…’

All the Little Liars by Victoria Selman was a phenomenal mystery. Almost immediately I was drawn into the mystery and the characters. I thought the writing was compelling and Victoria had me hanging onto every word. The twists and turns that this story took me on was amazing. The book's suspenseful plot and well-crafted characters made for an intense and satisfying read. A story full of secrets, mystery and revenge. It’s one you won’t want to miss

This was a well written story with two timelines that seamlessly flowed together. If you enjoy mysteries with cultish vibes and toxic relationships, you will love this one. However, the star of this show was Dita, the caretaker of not only the house but the children as well, becoming like a second mother to them. She had a powerful presence and personality, and her character alone was worth the read to me. Overall, this was a solid, highly entertaining story that evoked so much emotion through its pages while keeping the reader fully engaged until the very last page. Four stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Union Square and Co. for this ARC.

I passed this ARC up many times before I realized it was about to be published. Sometimes (okay, a lot of the time) stories that start with “20 years ago, xyz happened, and now…” bore me. This book shattered that trope with a shocking and suspenseful story.

Before: In 2003, Finn is ten, and her 13-year-old awkward and friendless sister, Izzy, has gotten involved with two girls, Plum and Lu. Lu is also awkward, and Plum clearly is friends with them so she can be the alpha and have people to boss around. Plum is manipulative and ornery, obviously not a true friend. After a night out at a party, Izzy disappears. Her friends claim to know nothing - but a lot has been going on. They’ve been hanging out with Ryder, a man who plies them with drugs and grooms them before having sex with them in group settings. Plum was getting jealous of the attention Izzy got from him…could this be a motive?

After: Finn and her father move to London, and Finn changes her name to “Kat”. Kat and Izzy’s mom died in a car crash years before, so it’s just them, having left their housekeeper/nanny, Dita, behind. Kat’s father later has a stroke, so Kat takes care of him and tries not to think about the past.

Now: It’s been 20 years, and Kat gets a call from a woman named Elsa, who wants to make a documentary about the story. Then EVERYTHING CHANGES out of nowhere, with a huge twist that made my jaw drop!

The author took several true crimes and wove them into this book, which made it even more thrilling - things like this have actually happened. That, along with stories from the media and Izzy’s diary, made this very compelling and gripping. The number of times this book had my jaw on the floor helped determine my rating for this one. Five stars!

(Thank you to Union Square & Co., Victoria Selman and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)

I feel like the story had potential, but it just didn’t do it for me. I read it pretty quickly but the pace was slow and felt repetitive at times. I liked the twist about 80% through, but the ending was just annoying. I don’t want to give anything away, so I won’t go into detail. I would be open to trying another book by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.

"All The Little Liars"
by Victoria Selman
★★★★★

“Victora Selman's thriller "All Pretty Liars" is more than just an entertaining read; it is the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and character-driven drama!”

Turtle Lake, California, 2003
Three teenagers went to the lake that night but only two came back, and the word LIAR written in blood is discovered on the trunk of a nearby tree. Later, they confess to murdering their friend. But why? And did they act alone? And what was the involvement of the mysterious and alluring Manson-like figure Ryder Grady?
Finn “Kat” Jackman is a 10-year-old girl living with her sister, father, and beloved housekeeper. Kat’s life is turned upside down since the events of Trutle Lake… and a big question remains unanswered: What REALLY happened at Turtle Lake?

Victoria Selman proves she is a great storyteller by perfectly interweaving between two complex timelines to build suspense. Her sharp and evocative writing keeps readers on the edge as they navigate the labyrinth of relationships and long-buried secrets. The fluid shifting between past and present enriches the narrative, breeding a compelling web of intrigue that keeps the reader hooked from beginning to end.

The plot is rife with jaw-dropping twists, that will leave readers gasping in surprise. Selman expertly develops her characters, imbuing them with depth and complexity that reveal their vulnerabilities and motivations. As the story unfolds, the revelations become increasingly shocking, culminating in a slow-burn finale revelation that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.

"All The Pretty Liars" is not only an entertaining thriller but also a profound exploration of the cost of keeping secrets, sisterly love, the ripple effects of trauma, and how much people are able to sacrifice to belong. A Must-Read!

(P.S.: Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher Union Square & Co. - A subsidiary of Sterling Publishing, for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review)

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

When I started reading and realized there were multiple timelines, I was a bit worried as I became easily confused.

Lucky for me Victoria Stelman can keep the story from becoming overly confusing while jumping back and forth through time. A lot of authors seem to have problems with this, causing me to stop reading out of frustration.

The story did get slow after a while, and I had to push myself to keep reading; lucky for me, I did.

I'm torn about this book, really. I want to give it five stars for the first half that was soooo good, and that magnificent twist almost halfway through, but wow, the second half was just so incredibly disappointing.

With the story unfolding in three timelines, the "before" storyline - the one before the murder - was the most interesting for me. I loved Finn's character as a ten-year-old, but not so much so as a grown up in the "now" timeline, which - thankfully - is the shorter timeline of the three.

To be honest, though, I found all the characters rather lifelike, and their unique personalities fascinating, yet very real. The author did a magnificent job with character development, and although some of these characters are quite horrible, they're ultimately what kept me reading during the parts that I felt bored. Dita, the housekeeper, was by far my favorite character.

When it came to the plot...well, that felt a little lopsided to me. While I can sing the author's praises for creating solid characters and one mega plot twist, I can't say the same for the plot or the last twist - specifically the final chapters that unfolds in the "now" timeline. Whereas I was speedily turning the pages during the first 50% of the book and getting slapped in the face by a major plot twist that had me re-evaluating my point of view at how I was trying to solve this murder mystery in my mind...let's just say after that behemoth of a twist, everything else in the rest of the story paled in comparison, most notably the ending.

I've seen one or two reviewers mention they found several loose ends that weren't tied neatly in the final chapter, but I, on the other hand, wasn't left with any questions; only a profound disappointment at such a mediocre ending.

Mind you, there is one question I would like answered, but can't share it here as it would most certainly be a spoiler for those who haven't read this novel yet.

I think fans of Frieda McFadden, Jeneva Rose, and Shari Lapena will go easier on this book than I have.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the privilege of reading this book in exchange for an honest review.

"All the Little Liars" by Victoria Selman dives into the complexities of sisterly bonds and toxic friendships. Its unique structure, featuring dual timelines, adds to the suspense, keeping readers guessing until the very end. This book is highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers, although it includes a content warning due to its exploration of child grooming involving much older men and practically pre-teen girls.

The story unfolds in California, 2003, with the disappearance of a thirteen-year-old girl from a party at Turtle Lake, marked by a chilling message in blood—'LIAR'. Only two of the three teenagers who attended the party return, confessing to the murder of their friend. Yet, doubts linger: did they truly commit the crime, and if not, what compelled them to confess?

Selman skillfully blends three timelines—Before, After, and Now—narrated primarily by Kat, complemented by flashbacks from her sister Izzy’s diary. This narrative technique intensifies the suspense as secrets gradually surface. The novel is rich with unexpected twists and turns, though some aspects, such as police procedures and legal outcomes, may strain credibility despite serving the plot.

The book's strength lies in its nuanced exploration of toxic relationships, particularly among young girls, and the profound impact of these dynamics on individuals. Selman's characters are vividly portrayed, their voices resonating authentically through diary entries and present-day reflections. Kat's journey, navigating her emotions and uncovering buried truths, captivates readers, even as they may question the plausibility of certain events, especially concerning the consequences of grooming.

While the present-day timeline occasionally feels less impactful compared to the intense flashbacks, the novel's intricate plot and inclusion of various narrative elements—such as newspaper clippings and online forums—ensure sustained engagement. "All the Little Liars" stands out as a gripping thriller, blending dark secrets with psychological depth and delivering compelling twists that make it essential reading for enthusiasts of the genre.

Thank you Netgalley and Union Square & Co for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"All the Little Liars" by Victoria Selman is a gripping psychological thriller that focuses on the complexities of sisterly love and toxic friendships. With its unique dual timeline structure and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, this book is definitely one I recommend for fans of psychological thrillers. Before getting into the review, I do want to note a content warning where there are extensive moments of child grooming, specifically a much older man with practically pre-teen girls.

The story is set in California, 2003, where a thirteen-year-old girl disappears from a party at Turtle Lake, leaving behind a cryptic message—'LIAR' graffitied in blood. Three teenagers went to the lake that night, but only two returned. They confess to murdering their friend, but did they really do it? And if not, why would they admit to such a heinous crime?

Selman skillfully brings together two (technically 3 timelines with a Before, an After, and a Now), with the present-day narrative led by Kat and flashbacks from both Kat as well as being filled in through her sister Izzy’s diary. This dual approach builds suspense and tension as secrets gradually come to light. There are several twists and turns throughout the book with what really happened that night as well as the consequences of the murder. Many of these twists were ones I was not expecting, though some of them were a bit implausible, specifically with the police and legal procedures. Based on all the information presented in the book (and shown through chapters that take place in the courtroom itself), the results of the trial just don’t seem realistic at all, though they do work with the plot itself.

The book's strength lies in its detailed exploration of the psychology of toxic relationships. Selman examines the intricate dynamics of friendship and the lengths to which people will go to belong, especially pre-teen girls. The characters are well-crafted, and their voices and behaviors (especially when shown through the sister’s diary entries) feel authentic and relatable. I felt so bad for Kat as a child when all she wanted was to be close to her older sister who was pulling away due to the toxic relationships. It seemed like Kat was the only one who could see the truth of what was going on. Kat's journey through the story is compelling, as she navigates her complex emotions and the fallout from the crime, especially when she was reflecting on her past with the knowledge she has now. I had to suspend some disbelief when it came to the grooming that occurred and how nothing really happened to the older man.

I also found that the present-day timeline, while essential, sometimes feels less impactful compared to the intense flashbacks. I wanted more of the Now timeline in the first half of the book to situate myself more with Kat herself as an adult.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "All the Little Liars" is a riveting read. I had to keep flipping back through the pages to catch the subtle hints and lies I missed. There were lots of clues and subtle twists and turns that I really enjoyed. The inclusion of newspaper articles, police reports, and online forum messages kept me engaged throughout as well.

Overall, "All the Little Liars" is an outstanding thriller that will keep you captivated from start to finish. Its combination of dark secrets, psychological depth, and stunning plot twists makes it a must-read for fans of the genre.

I liked this book but I didn’t love it. It centers on Finn, who was only 10 years old when her sister was involved in a sensational murder case in Southern California. The book takes place in 3 timelines: before the murder, after the murder, and 20 years later. Behind the mystery of the murder, the reader gets a deeper look into the dynamics between Finn and her sister Izzy as well as the rest of their family.

The twist partway through the book was a big surprise but it actually made me feel like I had missed something- I felt the need to go back and reread to ensure that the author intended me to be surprised. I also wish that the author had gotten deeper into some of the characters, Ryder in particular. While I could see why the characters made the decisions they made, there wasn’t as much depth to those decisions as I had hoped; I imagine this is why people say that this reads more like a YA novel. Lastly, the police investigation didn’t entirely ring true and I wanted a better understanding of what the detectives looked into. I did like the way it ended and though I felt that Finn was able to shed her trauma awfully quickly I also appreciated her growth.

Overall, this was a decent mystery and though I wish that it had gone a little deeper, it was a good story overall. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An nice paced thriller geared towards YA. I always get worried when we have multiple time frames in a story but Victoria nailed it here. Easy to read and enjoyable story I will recommend to my readers. Great work!

"What REALLY happened at Turtle Lake?
You think you know.
Think again."

Thank you Union Square & Co. for letting me read and review this book!

In all the little liars you get to meet Kat, whose real name is Finn. You get to follow her through different timelines. The before, the after and now. She lives with her teen sister, Izzy, her father and their housekeeper (stand in mother), Dita. One day, three teenagers walk into Turtle lake where a 13 year old girl disappears with the word LIAR written in blood on a nearby tree. This incident will change Kats entire life. As I quoted at the start of this review, you think you know what really happened, think again.

This book had a information-filled start where we got to know Finn and her sister Izzy, while also looking into the future where Finn (or Kat as she is now called) gets in contact with someone who claims to have information. Around the 50% mark the story took a turn that had me questioning everything i had read previously. I still have the feeling I want to start over again just to see if I missed something or if Victoria Selman is a genius.

I rated the book a 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4). The reason I didn´t rate it higher is I think the start was a bit too slow for my liking but when it picked up, I loved it! This is definitely a book every thriller reader should pick up when it´s released on August 6th 2024.

First, a to all British writers who want to set a book in America, with American characters, to ultimately be read by an American audience….have someone who is from the U.S. read your novel before publication to weed out British English. We don’t study “maths” here. There were plenty more examples, but that’s the one that springs to mind at the moment. I see this nearly every time I read a book where this is the case, and you likely see it in the other direction and the advice would be the same. It takes the reader right out of the story.

It’s hard to know what to say about this book, a thriller where in 2003 in Carlsbad, California, Finn “Kat” Jackman lives with her teenage sister, her father and their housekeeper. One night there’s a party, a mysterious disappearance and the word “liar” written in blood on a nearby tree.

Later two teenagers admit to murdering their friend. Why did they do it, and who is Ryder Grady, and what did he have to do with the crime?

There’s a big twist here and when it occurred, instead of “wow,” I was honestly just confused. Now, we must always allow for the fact that perhaps so am just slow (definitely likely) but I don’t know how much I loved the twist. I wanted to like it, but I kind of felt like I had been had.

Oh, and some minor quibbles. Owen King was an odd name choice for the police detective since he’s an accomplished writer (and Stephen King’s son.) That’s all I could think of every time I read the name.

Oh, and I’m not a cop, but I am a lawyer, and I’m not sure these girls would have been arrested. Based on the information given in the book they offer no story as to what happened to the body. SPOILER…..It was thirty miles away. There was no clear way the girls could have moved it, even with that throw away remark from a witness who may have seen two girls. There had to at least have been a third person involved, if it was them at all. And they are THIRTEEN and from good homes. One is the CHILD OF A JUDGE. Believe me, the police are down on their knees praying that it isn’t them. Anyway, just some thoughts.

So, it was an interesting book, not a cookie-cutter thriller like so many are.

All the Little Liars by Victoria Selman is told across two timelines involving many lies and deception.

What really happened at Turtle Lake? You think you know, but think again.

In 2003, three teenagers went to Turtle Lake, but only two came back. Discovered on the trunk of a nearby cottonwood tree is the word, 'LIAR' graffitied in blood. Later, they confess to murdering their friend.

But did they really kill her? And if not, why say they did?

It took some time to get into the story. I did like the main character, Finn, whose sister Izzy went missing at Turtle Lake. The story had some good twists, and I didn't really guess the ending.

Overall, an okay read for me. It wasn't as fast-paced as I was hoping. A good YA book.

#NetGalley @UnionSquareandco

I struggled to get thru this book at first. I thought about putting it down and not finishing it. But I have a hard time even when I’m not enjoying a book to stop. I’m glad I continued cause it did get better. The big twist in the end helped bump it up to 2 stars for me.
I found the book to jump between past and present in a bumpy way. I agree with other people whose reviews say it reads like a YA novel. I think the whole Ryder story line should have been a lot more the. Just a little talk. That to me was the whole reason 3 girls went to a party but only 2 came back. There was so much that I feel was left behind in this book that’s why I can only give it 2 stars. There is so many holes where you want to understand more but you just can’t.
If you’re looking for a book with a good twist that is easy to read I would recommend this to you. But if you want something with a lot of substance and depth this isn’t going to be for you. I don’t think I would really recommend this one to many people over the age of 25.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy for my honest review

Entertaining thriller, fast paced, couldn't put down. I loved the plot twists and look forward to recommending it to others this summer!