Lies on the Serpent's Tongue weaves a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue set in the picturesque town of Caball Hollow. Sarah Beth Durst's unique premise of characters who can smell or taste lies offers a fresh and intriguing perspective on the human condition.

Rowan James, the protagonist, is a complex and relatable character. Her ability to detect lies has both empowered and isolated her, making her a compelling figure to follow. The author's exploration of her internal struggles and her relationships with others is both poignant and thought-provoking.

The mystery surrounding the missing items and the rumors of a new monster adds a layer of suspense to the story. Durst expertly crafts a chilling atmosphere, building tension and keeping the reader guessing until the very end.

The supporting characters, including Hadrian Fitch, Linden James, and the quirky townspeople, are well-developed and contribute to the richness of the narrative. Their interactions with Rowan are both humorous and heartfelt, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Lies on the Serpent's Tongue is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. Durst's writing is both evocative and accessible, making this a must-read for fans of fantasy and mystery.

This sequel to Bittersweet in the Hollow is a great follow-up to the first book, but readers will *definitely* have to read the first one before jumping into this one for it to make much sense. We're once again in Caball Hollow, a tiny town in the Appalachians, and this time the story focuses on Rowan, sister of Linden, the protagonist of the first book. There are bad things going on in the forest that surrounds the town, and in town as well--memories go missing, strangers are found dead or unconscious, and ginseng poachers threaten local livelihoods. The mysteries, alliances, and relationships that ensue are exciting, well-paced, and rendered with delicious description. It's too bad this won't be out around Halloween, as the action takes place then--but it'll be a top read for spooky season 2025.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Kate Pearsall’s “Lies on the Serpent's Tongue,” the second installment in the Caball Hollow series, is a captivating blend of Appalachian folklore, supernatural mystery, and slow-burn romance. Picking up shortly after the events of Bittersweet in the Hollow, this book shifts its focus to Rowan James, the middle sister of the James family, known for her unique ability to detect lies by their scent. Alongside Rowan is Hadrian Fitch, a mysterious figure whose relationship with Rowan is fraught with tension—and an undeniable spark. Set against the haunting backdrop of the Appalachian wilderness, the book immediately draws you in with its immersive atmosphere. Pearsall’s vivid descriptions of the dense forests, eerie wildlife, and secluded small-town life enhance the book’s gothic tone, making it perfect for fans of atmospheric, spooky reads. Unlike the first book, which focused more on small-town dynamics, Lies on the Serpent's Tongue leans into the supernatural, with strange creatures, lost memories, and a growing sense of unease as Rowan and Hadrian unravel the mystery threatening their town. There is also more of a focus on the Appalachian wilderness and additional folklore, which I absolutely loved. You definitely need to read “Bittersweet in the Hollow” before going into this one.

Rowan and Hadrian’s relationship is central to the story, and Pearsall handles it with expert care. Their constant bickering and underlying romantic tension create a dynamic that is both engaging and emotionally satisfying. Fans of the slow-burn romance from “Bittersweet in the Hollow” will be pleased with how their connection deepens throughout this book. I actually wanted more moments and tension from them as sometimes their building tension fell to the sidelines in favor of the plot. The first book made me wish for more Rowan/Hadrian, and I definitely got that wish in this story. Maybe the next book will continue to highlight their relationship.

While the relationship between Rowan and Hadrian is a highlight, the book also excels in its exploration of the James family’s deep-rooted magic. Each of the James sisters has a unique ability, and Pearsall does a fantastic job of fleshing out Rowan’s powers, while also providing closure to some of the unanswered questions from Linden’s story in the first book. After recently rereading the first book, I wanted more of Linden and Cole, who are not as present in this installment. Cole is only briefly mentioned in this book, though he may be more present in the next book.

One of the book's other strengths lies in its intricate world-building. The lore of Caball Hollow continues to evolve, with new magical elements, folklore, and creatures adding depth to the story. The mystery surrounding stolen items, lost memories, and unnatural wildlife keeps you hooked as Rowan and Hadrian piece together the puzzle, though some the various subplots a bit overwhelming at times. Nevertheless, Pearsall masterfully ties everything together by the end, delivering an exciting and fast-paced conclusion while also setting the stage for a potential third book. Based on the events from this book, I feel like the sequel may focus on the youngest sister, Juliet, as well as a new potential love interest who was introduced in this story. I absolutely can’t read to read more about these sisters.

Overall, “Lies on the Serpent's Tongue” is a worthy follow-up to “Bittersweet in the Hollow.” Pearsall created a story that feels both eerie and poignant. Fans of the first book will find much to love here, and the rich Appalachian setting combined with supernatural intrigue makes it a perfect read for those looking for a chilling page-turner. I am now eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

I absolutely loved this book, getting into Rowan’s view was a bit different than following Linden, but as the book progressed and the story unfolded I found myself in ever awe of the James Family. I’m hoping there are more books to come; the story ending could lead us either way. #netgalley #liesontheserpentstongue

This book is a follow up to Bittersweet in the Hollow. It follows Rowan, sister of the fmc in book one. The author does a great job of building the rural Virginia atmosphere by using your senses to transport you to their small Appalachian town. There, Rowan and her family run a diner and put together remedies for the townsfolk, despite their superstitions about her family.

The first book was focused around a missing girl and local folklore, whereas this one continues to branch off of the mythology of the area, as well as suspicious behavior and strangers. With the ability to taste lies, Rowan has work with the man she trusts the least.

I will say I liked book one more, just the characters/story/lore/ending in general- but it’s easy to get through. The ending of this felt a little rushed. I do like the writing, the atmosphere and the family of characters. I have my suspicions for what the next book might be about and I do look forward to that story if/when it comes out!

Eerie. Magical. Breathtaking.

I absolutely loved Bittersweet in the Hollow, but I loved this one so much more! It had even more family dynamic. More emotion. More folklore. More mystery. More spookiness. More secrets. More excitement!

I loved that Bittersweet was sprinkled in to this one with healthy reminders of what happened, and feelings of familiarity, but it also felt different like it could be read without feeling like anything was missing from the first book (though, I will always recommend reading Bittersweet in the Hollow). Lies on the Serpent's Tongue had a lot of the same flavors I fell in love with from Bittersweet in the Hollow, but it was like a new recipe.

I loved the return of our favorite James women. As this was set shortly after Bittersweet concluded. But, what I really loved was seeing all these characters through Rowan's eyes vs Linden's. And, I related to Rowan so much. She was a firecracker!

And, Hadrian, swoon! Like I said before, all the best things carried over from Bittersweet, but they changed and grew because Lies was a completely different perspective, personality, and magic of its own. It was beyond a 5 star read for me, and not only am I ready to reread it, but I am dying for news about a third book, because that ending was 😱! And, there was just so much from both books that could be expanded on. I would read an entire series about these strong, brave women!

Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC!!

𝐋𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓’𝐒 𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐄 | 𝐊𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐋 | 𝐀𝐑𝐂 |

Something new has been stalking the forest that surrounds the caball hollow. Now things a disappearing, people are losing memories including but everyone is lying.
Rowan James the second oldest child of the James family possessing the power to smell lies the moment it’s told sets to unravel the mystery and get the stench of lies out of her nose.

This was one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read and I actually learned a lot of information about conditions that I didn’t even was very important. I thought Rowan was clouded by her power and it was frustrating because you couldn’t blame her if she could know the moment someone lies.

Since I didn’t read know there was a first book,

I noticed that the romance between Rowan and Haldrian seemed like a long time coming. They abruptly fell into the relationship despite Rowan obstinately thinking there wasn’t any redeeming qualities about him.
The lore blended seemlessly throughout the the book and it kept me on the lookout. I wonder what happened to James and the rest of the unanswered questions.

Thank you so much Netgalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review

i received a copy of this on NetGalley and let me just say THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
i absolutely LOVED bittersweet in the hollow as a wv girl, and lies on the serpents tongue continued my love. the story, the writing, the characters, everything 10/10. i love rowan and hadrian, and honestly i did Not expect most of that. like the twists and turns? chefs kiss. absolutely adore it.
SPOILERS IN THIS NEXT PART
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zephyrine coming back at the end? amazing. showstopping. brilliant.
AND ROWAN AND HADRIAN MAKING A NEW BONE TREE WAS SO 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹

Thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me an early copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

Once again, Pearsall writes a love letter to Appalachia that combines mystery, folklore, family and love to bring a spectacular book that will keep you glued to the pages from the start. Rowan's story feels like a perfect way to continue the family's story, and I loved getting to know her more. She is such a strong character and really highlights such a love for her home and her family that brings the heart of Appalachia to the forefront of the book.

The mystery of this book is different from the first but does just as well at keeping you guessing. I never saw the twists coming, and I loved the revelations and the way everything ties up at the end. It was such a satisfying mystery and the ways that everything twists together was so well crafted.

Don't even get me started on the romance either. I ended up kicking my feet and giggling, and I absolutely loved the way it all unraveled. I think the romance was absolutely perfect for Rowan and really highlighted both her heart and her strength.

This book will take you on a ride through the Appalachian mountains that you will not easily forget. It is the heart and soul of the south, and Rowan's story is truly the one to watch.

My thanks to Penguin Young Readers Group for sending me a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Kate Pearsall is back to me earlier and brought me back to the secluded small town of Caball Hollow with Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue! Set a month after the events of Linden’s book, this new gothic paranormal thriller focuses on Rowan James and Hadrian Fitch, along with a new set of interconnected, intriguing mysteries that can only be solved by a girl who can detect lies and a boy shrouded in secrets. What I initially loved about these books was how fast they were to get through, but Pearsall has a way of delivering a haunting yet realistic tone to her books that will transport you to the Appalachian Mountains as you read. She also knows how to work her characters through good slow burn romantic tension. All of the characters feel like family to me, and I trust that this author will give justice to the future of this series given the ending of this second installment opens up possibilities for where book 3 might head to. The James women are absolutely amazing and will once more be in shelves on 07/01/25!

Very much enjoyed this second book in the Bittersweet in the Hollow series. I enjoyed Linden's perspective; the book does a good job of making you care/want to learn more about characters such as Rowan. I do feel that the pacing is not as quick as the first in the series, and however it didn't take away much from the enjoyment overall. I really liked the family dynamics as well as the romance. I hope to see more about Juniper and Sorrel in the future!

I read and loved Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall, so I was excited to read this companion novel to it. Lies on the Serpent's Tongue has the same feel that I loved about Bittersweet in the Hollow. It feels ominous, like a foggy autumn morning. Rowan knows when people are lying, so she knows that everything that Hadrian Fitch says is a lie; but when she shows up at her front porched bleeding and injured, asking for her help, it's only the start of more oddities happening in town.

4 Stars

I really enjoyed this! It was definitely a slow start, but about halfway in I couldn’t put it down.

This was similar to the first in the sense that we’re following one of the James sisters as she tries to unravel a mystery taking place in a small town in the Appalachian mountains.

Poachers, creatures slipping through the breach between worlds, and an annoying farm hand that can’t seem to stop lying all make Rowan James’ life so very difficult.

What I was missing from the first book, I got in this one. I love Hadrian and Rowan’s back and forth, and do wish we had even more of it. The bond between the sisters shines through, and is deeply heartfelt. There were questions left unanswered that I’m sure will come up in the next book, just as they did with this one. I have a suspicion that we’ll see Juniper’s book next, and I’m looking forward to it!

A HUGE thank you to Penguin for allowing me access to the second book in the Bittersweet in the Hollow series. I went into this book blind and I'm so glad I did because I truly thought the first book didn't need a sequel, but in a way, it isn't. It could be a standalone if it wanted to be, but reading the first book gives you a bit of a backstory into the James girls. As the first book follows Linden James, this book follows a different sister, Rowan. If you read the first book, you know that the girls can "taste" their feelings. For Rowan, she can taste when someone is lying. Rowan strongly disliked Hadrian Finch, who was a worker on their farm in the first book, and upped and left in the middle of the night, and hasn't been seen in a year. When he shows up on her doorstep, bruised and bloodied, asking for help, she wonders if she can trust him. They begin to realize that Hadrian's attack wasn't random when other people in town are telling the truth about their things up and disappearing, acting like the items weren't there at all. Rumors are swirling that there is a new monster in town, but how can Rowan know who is behind the attacks when the whole town is full of lies and secrets? I didn't realize how much I needed this story and I wholeheartedly believe that I need a story based on all four James girls' POVs. (Come on, Kate!). The two Bittersweet novels that I have read are beautifully written. The setting is so important to the story that it makes you feel like you're in the Appalachian mountains. I thought I loved reading Linden's story, but I think Rowan's was a bit more in-depth and you get to know her more. I really did want the book to go on more. I loved the ending, but I screamed when I turned the last page because something big was happening and I knew it would make my heart burst out of love. The James women are amazing, and I do hope we get a third in the near. future.

This book was even more magical that the first.

I knew there had to be something for Rowan and Hadrian with all their fighting.

The development on those two was sooo good. I enjoyed their banter and their fights.

I even cried getting to the end and everything.

I read it in a day because I couldn't put it down.

I hope the rest of the sisters get stories since I need more.

* Thank you NetGalley & G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *

This is my second ARC from this series, and Lies on the Serpent's Tongue is a great follow up to Bittersweet in the Hollow. Lies on the Serpent's Tongue follows Linden's older sister, Rowan, as she navigates lies, a broken Bone Tree, and items that keep going missing. In some ways, Rowan is a more relatable character than Linden was - she reacts to the town's distrust and mistreatment of her family with anger, and she is unable to allow herself to be apart of the town or forget the way they've treated her.

The Bittersweet in the Hollow series is a slow-as-syrup fantasy set in an Appalachian forest town that is fun, not too hard to understand, and I will continue to read as more come out. I'm excited to see more from the other James sisters!

Thank the heavens because Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue did not suffer from the dreaded ‘middle book syndrome’ wherein the whole series starts to fall apart due to eye-rolling fillers. Though I have not yet posted my review for the first book, Bittersweet in the Hollow, a simple Goodreads search would show that I gave it a 3-star rating due to issues that I just couldn’t let go. But that’s another story in a separate post. Let’s focus on the Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue.

Well, not so much time has passed ever since the events in Book 1; everything in Caball Hollow was going back to normal. Or is it? It started off as something that can just be swept under the rugs, but the residents of the small town are not only losing things but also losing their memories associated with the said things. For our inquisitive heroine, Rowan (one of Linden’s sisters), this felt like an omen for more bad things to come. And the bad things did come. First, fauna not only endemic but haven’t been seen and documented to inhabit the Appalachian Mountains are roaming the area. Second, there was her mortal enemy (and prolly greatest crush of all time), Hadrian Fitch, arriving at her doorstep bloodied and almost dying. For a supernatural being, who could have attacked and wounded him? Third, an unknown and dying person was discovered in one of the areas of the Appalachian Forest.

Just like her sister Linden, Rowan was not one to sit around while mysterious things are happening around her. While I admire the girl’s tenacity, I cannot help my frustration from surfacing at how competent the James girls are at solving mysterious murders putting the Sheriff Department to shame. There’s just an incongruence between the skills of Sheriff’s force vs. the James girls’. Come to think of it, Rowan and her sisters are surely bestowed with different powers but most of their lives were spent going to school, helping with the day-to-day chores in the Harvest Moon diner, gardening, foraging for herbs and stuff, and mixing tinctures, etc. They just don’t have the skills for investigating murders so I cannot wrap my mind around the idea that the Sheriff Dept. members are just a bunch of louts mooching off money from the government while less competent girls are doing their work. This is actually my biggest in Book 1 and now, in this sequel, too. Like how many times can the persons of authority be incompetent? Don’t they have any skills development training from Books 1 to Books 2?

Had the author resolved the issue I’ve mentioned above, I would have given this book a 5 star rating. The mythos and the lore were beautifully elaborated by the author. Some of my unanswered questions from Book 1 were finally closed out. The twists were intricately positioned in the whole story for maximum shock factor. My hats off to Kate Pearsall for mentally straining me as I made a lot of guesses about who’s the culprit until the end. I was flabbergasted and at the same time, awed at how it all came together. And how can I forget about the giddying romance between Rowan and our resident liar, Hadrian Fitch? If there’s one thing I can say, I have shipped them since Book 1 and it’s gratifying to witness how they overcome their differences and made things work.

To sum it all up, Lies on Serpent’s Tongue had just redeemed the whole series for me. Kate Pearsall really upped her game with this book as she masterfully crafted a story that is eerie and poignant at the same time.

I liked it, I think it is the amount of spookiness I can deal with. I would consider it, one of the perfect readings for the upcoming Halloween season.
Unfortunately, I read it without knowing it was the second part of a series, so, at the beginning, it was a little rough for me to adjust to the topic and secret. Still, as I continued reading I understood better and ended up loving it.
I would say this is a mix between "Over the Garden Wall" meets "The Reaven Cyle" and if the story continues with the sisters and their love lives and adventures, getting to develop their powers I would say it a little like "Finding love" series by Joss Stirling, but in a spooky, witch-ish and obscure way.
I'm eager to read the first one and the next ones coming.

Lies on the Serpent’s Tongue was phenomenal. I was worried I wouldn’t love it as much as Bittersweet in the Hollow, but this one was just as good, if not better. Kate Pearsall is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorite authors and I can confidently say that I’ll read anything she writes.

In this book we read about Rowan, the James sister that can smell lies like burnt matches. We did get to learn a bit about her in Bittersweet, but having her for our FMC was great. She’s definitely my favorite of the James sisters. There’s new mysteries going on in Caball Hollow and a new creature. Rowan keeps seeing animals that shouldn’t be in that part of the world, from magpies who sound like they’re laughing to adders not native anywhere near where they’re at. Items are being stolen and then forgotten. So, Rowan teams up with Hadrian, despite her distrust and knowledge that he’s a liar, to figure out what is happening and help her family.

I was hooked from the beginning of this book and honestly a little sad I read it so fast. I absolutely love this world with all the magic and folklore. Each woman in the James family is written so well and so distinct and realistic. Probably one of my favorite fictional families ever. This would be an excellent read for spooky season- the atmosphere in the forest, the mysteries, spells and dash of romance. It’s a unique page-turner that anyone looking for a good YA book should check out. It’s definitely easy to become invested in this story. I really hope Pearsall keeps writing, I’d love to see more books in this world, maybe about the other sisters? 😉 An easy 5 stars for me. Thank you so much to Penguin Young Readers Group & Netgalley for the ARC.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

(3.5 stars)

this was truly a beautifully written novel, with every image in this novel illustrated so vividly. for a story like this one, where the location plays such a strong centre role in the plot, this is definitely a strength. the lore of the world ties into this very nicely as well.

i also adored the characters, especially hadrian. he was such a sweetheart, especially whenever he called rowan "love". it was very cute. his character arc and backstory seemed interesting, but my only complaint is that i feel like we barely scratched the surface of his character.

the relationship journey with rowan's parents definitely was a highlight for me. seeing two people fall in love all over again is such a delight, and the way their story is told is so beautifully bittersweet. i would love to see more of them.

my main complaint with this story overall lies with the length. it's too short, and as a result, i feel that many relationships feel underexplored. we barely saw much of rowan's relationship with her sisters, and as someone who has not read the first book, it was hard to differentiate them as individuals. and whilst rowan and hadrian's romance was a highlight for me, it still felt there should've been a little bit more established between them before the novel came to a close.