Start this book when you have plenty of time to read. You won't want to put it down once you begin! I was very excited to see that Terry had a new book and I'm so thankful for the ARC that NetGalley provided for this review.

In this novel, the readers are plunged into a tense psychological thriller where familial tensions and buried secrets collide with devastating consequences. The premise revolves around a seemingly perfect life shattered by distrust, manipulation, and a desperate struggle for survival.

The story unfolds through the eyes of the protagonist, whose newfound pregnancy should be a moment of joy but becomes a catalyst for fear and paranoia. Her stepdaughter, Ellie, harbors deep resentment, viewing her stepmother as an interloper in her once-idyllic family life. As tensions escalate, the protagonist discovers disturbing secrets that threaten not only her marriage but also her very existence.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of complex relationships and the dynamics of blended families. The author adeptly explores the psychological undercurrents between stepmother and stepdaughter, portraying Ellie as a multifaceted character whose actions blur the line between innocence and malevolence. Despite the plot holes noted, such as inconsistencies in security measures and occasional predictable reveals, the narrative maintains a brisk pace with short, compelling chapters that drive the story forward.

Rowan's internal struggles and growing sense of isolation are palpable, drawing readers into her escalating paranoia and desperate attempts to protect herself and her unborn child. The author skillfully weaves together themes of deception, maternal instinct, and the lengths one will go to safeguard their future against unforeseen threats.

While some readers may find the protagonist's occasional hints about her past burdensome, overall, "The Stepdaughter's Lie" delivers a gripping, accessible read within the psychological thriller genre. Ellie's character development is a standout, showcasing a young woman whose cunning and resentment are balanced by a poignant vulnerability that adds depth to the narrative.

In conclusion, "The Stepdaughter's Lie" offers a compelling exploration of family dynamics, deception, and the fragility of trust. Despite its flaws, it remains a solid choice for readers seeking a suspenseful tale with well-drawn characters and a plot that keeps you guessing until the final pages.

P.S. Book cover didn't have any connection with the story!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This is told through two view points the step daughter and step mom. Neither have gotten along and now that step-mom is pregnant their relationship reaches further tension. While I did like the general plot and writing style, it felt like there were a couple gaps for me. It seemed like there was more assumed about knowledge about Alex. The reader also would have benefited from a bit more background on Ellie and Rowan’s relationship.

Stars: 4
Pub Date: July 29, 2024
Format: E-Book
Review: The Step Daughter's Lie was my first Teri Terry and it will NOT be my last. This read was everything I am looking for in a psychological thriller. Secrets, lies, tumultuous relationships, and twists and turns at every corner. Absolutely bingeable.
Pros: Loved the Step-Mother/Step-Daughter relationship- It was the perfect amount of unhinged behavior on both sides. Also love multiple POV's
Cons: There were some great twists but I did predict a bit of the ending. I could have done with some more details about Rowan's back story.
Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): Yes, Absolutely! If you're a thriller lover this is a great read. Definitely all the things I am looking for and I have already called several friends to share the book. Very well done!
Content Warnings: Sexual Violence, Domestic Abuse, Gaslighting, Abortion
Thank you NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to review the title.


#THRILLER #NETGALLEY

I really enjoyed this book. It was just enough suspense right off the bat to keep my interest and I devoured this book in one sitting. There's a good story with twists and keeps you guessing. Definitely recommend!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this copy.

I am definitely in the minority of the ratings I saw. This book took me forever to read. Started out strong for me and then just dragged on and I was getting bored and couldn’t wait to finish. I actually skimmed the last 35% of the book. I quickly began to even dislike Rowen after becoming pregnant. This book just wasn’t thrilling enough for me and repetitive.

Twist and turns and just when you think you have figured it out another twist. I enjoyed this book and would read another by this author in this genre. It was an attention holder and I would recommend it to others.

This book is well-written with interesting characters and various twists and turns.

I liked Ellie- though I feel we are perhaps not supposed to like her. I feel her POV being used at times really helped me to sympathise with her, particularly towards the end of the book.

Theo was a mysterious character as we do not get to see his POV, and that certainly worked for the story that was told.

I found Rowan a little annoying at times, but considering all she goes through over the course of the novel, and within her past, this all makes sense!

The twist was enjoyable, however felt a little rushed at the end and I found myself wanting a little more. That said, the book kept me gripped all the way through and I am glad I read it!

Thriller, it certainly did that I couldn’t put it down, but also did not want to read it in the best of ways. A gripping novel which had me hooked, the twists and turns so unexpected. I would highly recommend this book.

A well paced domestic thriller told by Rowan and her stepdaughter Ellie- two women who really dislike one another. Rowan is pregnant-yay! Not so much joy on Ellie's part but seriously, would Ellie like anything that takes attention away from her? And how far will she go? Rowan's having problems sleeping, probably because she's got some secrets from her husband Theo that are swirling in her head and which she fears Ellie will discover. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

This is an impressive psychological thriller. The plot is superbly dark and twisty!

Rowan is the stepmother, having a fractious relationship with stepdaughter, Ellie. The relationship between the 2 definitely doesn’t improve following the surprise discovery of Rowan’s pregnancy. Married to Theo, Rowan is delighted by her pregnancy but also experiences panic attacks triggered by this that appear related to trauma in her childhood. The childhood plot unfolds as the novel progresses and this adds to the suspense and intrigue embedded in this novel.

A great ending - it won’t give to much of a spoiler to say that the stepdaughter isn’t the only one telling a lie or 2!

I would 100% recommend this well-written twisty novel!

My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this novel in exchange for an advance copy.

FANTASTIC read - so many twists and turns. Edge of the seat and very chilling. I read this book in a day. Cant wait to check out more by Teri, so very talented.

Wow! This book is a page turner! I could not put it down. As a stepmom, I knew I wanted to read it from just the title. Thank goodness I can’t relate to this stepdaughter though! I love how we got different perspectives throughout the book. I would feel sorry for each character when I heard their side of what was happening but I love when an author does that - who do you believe?? The technology of Vera seems all too real in today’s world - the idea of the system going down and not being able to get into your house seems terrifying to me! If you are looking for a wonderful psychological thriller that will keep you on your toes til the end, this book is for you!

This was SO GOOD. what a journey!
4.5 stars!
So much happened in this book, It's about a character called Rowan who is married to her husband Theo and lives with their step-daughter Ellie and follows their journey as a family when Rowan gets pregnant, It is creepy, secretive and really keeps you guessing! and just when you think you've been hit with everything then oncoming something else and just goes somewhere else! I couldn't believe the amount of stories this follows in one book and doesn't get confusing either and just works so well. I honestly loved this, was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down towards the end.
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The ONLY reason for losing 0.5 star for me and missing out on it being a 5 star was I felt like Rowan/Grace going craaaazy had to have been more than sleep deprivation? I honestly thought that Theo was drugging her and I understand he was working overtime to make her not sleep, like why didn't she check the heating? wear earplugs? - I felt like allll the shit that went wrong over her not sleeping just felt like there had to be another reason. - for me anyway!
But overall, this was minor and I LOVED this so so much!!!

Overall rating: 4.25 stars

This story follows Rowan and her stepdaughter, Ellie who, have a distant if not contemptuous relationship.
When Rowan finds herself surprisingly pregnant, her relationship with her husband suddenly becomes quite strained. Beyond that, she can’t seem to get any restful sleep… which never helps anything, does it?

In The Step Daughter’s Lie, we get to hear from both Rowan and Ellie as narrators. Despite a (imo) predictable overall story arc, I did find some elements of the story surprising along the way. This was a fast-paced read that kept me wanting to turn the page. Ellie’s perspective was interesting to read, and I thought the author did a good job capturing the perspective of a teenage girl (where every problem is someone else’s fault…). The technology of the house also added an interesting element to the story.

I would definitely read another thriller from Teri Terry in the future.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture Publishing, and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed Teri's debut The Patient, and found this twisty domestic thriller just as compelling. The dual narrators, haunted step-mum Rowan and her husband's damaged daughter, Ellie, were deftly drawn and the series of deceptions that fuel the plot keep the reader guessing at all times. What the Stepdaughter 's lies ultimately uncover is horrifying....

Another great thriller from this author!

I loved Teri Terry's debut adult thriller The Patient so couldn't wait to read The Stepdaughter's Lie - another corker! Terry's use of multiple POV is incredibly effective, giving the reader glimpses and insights into different characters' emotions, memories and motivation, which help us gradually piece together the secrets and lies the family is keeping from each other in this incredibly intricately-woven plot - but still I didn't guess the ending! And what an ending! I was glued to the page, real world forgotten, breathless until the very end. Bravo Teri Terry - I can't wait to read more!

4.5⭐️
The Stepdaughters Lie is a story about a family consisting of husband, wife and a teenage daughter.
This book mainly focuses on characters Rowan and Ellie (stepdaughter) who plots against her step mother to separate her father from Rowan (step mother)
While plotting against her step mother, Ellie finds out some past truth about her real mother and her father’s past. This book also focuses on the past of Rowan as well.
The only reason this book is not a 5⭐️ is because it seems a little bit stretched out in the middle and feels like the characters are not progressing. Takes too much time to get on the plot twist. Focused too much on Rowans character which was a bit unnecessary.
Overall this book stands out and i will definitely recommend it to psychological thriller genre audience.
Lastly, i would like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to read this ARC and give an honest review

Rowan lives with her husband Theo and his daughter Ellie, who was abandoned by her mother when she was a baby. She dislikes her stepmother and is always trying to cause trouble.
Rowan tries her best to get on with Ellie but is often tipped to the edge and is haunted by her past. Things escalate when she becomes pregnant and is delighted, but also terrified as it brings back awful memories from her childhood.
This is a fast paced thriller with short chapters, told by Rowan and Ellie and I raced through the pages to find out how things would end.
I wish I could give half marks as this was a solid 3.5!
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first Teri Terry novel i have read in a while. i really enjoyed her previous books and this one didn't disappoint.

thank you for the opportunity to review