This is the second book I read by Thomas Erikson (first one was Surrounded by Idiots), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Erikson was able to describe the behavioral science behind lies and liars that was much easier to understand than when I took a psychology class in college. I learned ways to identify and deal with liars - if you read Surrounded by Idiots or any of his other books, he references his four color behavioral model a lot (and if this is your first read by him, I recommend learning this model beforehand since he doesn't cover it in full detail here. After reading this book, I realize that I kind of see myself lie sometimes (as does most of everyone else), and I'll try my best to resolve it.

Thomas Erikson has spent his life studying human behavior. He is a consultant, bringing his ideas to companies across the world. In his first book in this series, Surrounded by Idiots, he introduced four personality types, and through seven books, he’s stuck with these personalities and encouraged readers to use his ideas to get along better with bad bosses, narcissists, setbacks, energy vampires, lazy employees, idiots, and now, liars.

But the problem with being surrounded by liars? Chances are that you are a liar too. Most of us are. But there are differences in how often we lie, the types of lies we tell, and the reasons we have for lying. Erikson breaks all this down, using his personality traits as well as stories about real-life liars and the consequences of their actions.

In Erikson’s world, there are 4 main personality types (although keep in mind that most of us are a combination of these traits). There is the dominant personality, which he designates as red, the yellow is inspiration, green is stability, and blue is conscientiousness. Since each of these personalities value different things, they have their own reasons for choosing a lie over the truth. Some do it to get ahead, others do it to smooth things over in a relationship. And they all react differently to being lied to.

Most of us are willing to tell a little white lie about a family member’s new haircut, or a friend’s dress, or the boss’s new car. These are lies where the consequences of telling the truth would probably be worse than lying. But all lies can potentially erode away at trust and damage the relationship. And while we may not all become as deceptive as Richard Nixon, Bernie Madoff, or fake heiress Anna Delvey, we have to know that there can be consequences to any lie. And while most of us probably won’t find ourselves in prison or having to step down from a political office due to our lying ways, we still have to face up to the lies we tell and deal with the lies we are told. And Surrounded by Liars will help you understand the lies, spot the liars, and make smart decisions about the truths you tell.

I was fascinated by Erikson’s Surrounded by Liars. This is not the first book in the series that I’ve read, so I was familiar with this personality breakdowns going in. He doesn’t go into as much depth in this book about them, so if that’s something you’re interested in, I’d suggest you go back to start with Surrounded by Idiots to get a deeper look at those. But if you’re interested in deception in general, then this is an amazing book to devour. I loved how he brought in modern liars and their stories and shared his own feelings on lying and the choices he makes in his own life. Anyone hurt or confounded by a liar will find understanding and thoughtful compassion in this book.

Egalleys for Surrounded by Liars were provided by St. Martin’s Essentials through NetGalley, with many thanks.

I found this book to be interesting, but I thought it was too vague. He didn't really back up his premises with research and it was just kind of all over the place in that way. I did learn a lot about lying and how it invades and affects everything about our lives.

This book gives you much food for thought and things to ponder. The four-color behavioral model is brought up again and I find that interesting. If you liked Thomas Erikson's other books, you will most likely find this one informative and enjoy the read.

Surrounded by Liars takes a look at how to identify and deal with liars. A majority of the examples given are for the handling of issues with coworkers but much of it can be applied to other everyday situations.

Having read some of the author’s previous books, Surrounded by Liars is a 50/50 split between new information and repeated techniques/suggestions from previous material. This is helpful if someone is reading from this series for the first time but those familiar with the author’s system may find it unnecessary.

While I found a lot of it to be common sense, there were a few parts that I was able to glean some helpful tips. The “infamous liars” portions at the end of each section added just the right a out of humor to break up what could be a daunting subject.

Overall, Surrounded by Liars was an interesting read. If you have read any of the author’s other books, you could probably pass on this one.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Surrounded by Liars by Thomas Erikson offers an intriguing approach to identifying and dealing with deception, drawing once again on the four-color behavioral model introduced in Surrounded by Idiots. Erikson aims to equip readers with tools to navigate the murky waters of lies and manipulation, whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or broader societal contexts.

The book is peppered with Erikson’s trademark humor, making complex psychological concepts more accessible. His anecdotes and case studies help illustrate the various types of liars and the motivations behind their deception. The integration of the four-color model adds an interesting layer, breaking down behavioral patterns in a way that’s easy to follow.

However, while the framework is useful, the book sometimes feels repetitive, particularly for readers already familiar with Erikson’s earlier works. The focus on behavioral types can also lead to oversimplification, and some strategies feel more like general advice rather than actionable steps tailored to specific situations. Additionally, the tone occasionally veers into lecture territory, which might not appeal to everyone.

Overall, Surrounded by Liars is an engaging read that offers practical insights but falls short of being transformative. It’s a solid pick for those new to Erikson’s methods or seeking a light introduction to detecting deception, but seasoned readers may find it less impactful.

Once again Thomas Erickson has done it again. Reveling the human psyche and helping us understand the whys of lying. Does everyone lie? Hmmmm

Surrounded by Liars by Thomas Erikson explores the intricate dynamics of deception, shedding light on how falsehoods permeate our daily lives. This book stands out as a personal favorite among Erikson's works. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves reflected in his narrative, prompting introspection and a renewed commitment to honesty.

As someone who is certified in DISC, I have a high bar for books that claim to offer insights into human behavior, particularly when it comes to understanding liars. Unfortunately, this book didn’t meet that standard.

First, it feels out of touch. The author fails to mention any of the significant events from the past few years that have dramatically changed our understanding of truth, misinformation, and deception. Most of the examples in the book of infamous liars are more than decades old (using Watergate as an example, seriously?!), and the personal stories the author shares don’t resonate because they lack context. Without knowing the people involved or the circumstances, it’s hard for the reader to relate or care.

The book also presents a very oversimplified version of lying. The author spends nearly 40% of the book—about four chapters—giving shallow explanations of what lying is and why people do it. It reads like filler, stretched out just to meet a word count, without offering anything substantial. There’s nothing fresh here, just a rehash of old ideas that add little to the current conversation on deception.

For those unfamiliar with DISC, this book does them no favors. The way the author uses the framework is so broad and vague that it doesn’t help the reader see any real patterns or insights. Instead of a thoughtful application, DISC is reduced to a handful of categories that lump people together in ways that just don’t make sense. Anyone looking to understand DISC in a meaningful way should look elsewhere.

The most frustrating part is the lack of credible research. The author frequently refers to studies that he “can’t remember” or admits there is “no scientific evidence” to back up his claims. This is highlighted by quotes like: "My own thesis, which I can’t present any actual data to support, is that…” followed shortly by “however, as I mentioned, I have no scientific evidence to support this idea…,” and then concluding with, “What I gave you just now was more or less a description of myself.”

These kinds of statements make the whole book feel like a half-baked personal opinion rather than a well-researched work.
Ironically, the best part of the book is in the appendix. This section contains much more practical advice and insights—so much so that it feels like the first eight chapters could’ve been cut entirely. It’s almost as if the author found an old draft of a book from 2015, dusted it off, and added the appendix to make it seem more relevant. The rest of the book feels recycled and stale, with chapters that seem to repeat content from the author’s previous works.

In summary, this book doesn’t deliver. It lacks depth, relies on outdated examples, and misrepresents DISC in a way that’s not helpful. Readers deserve better research, clearer insights, and more up-to-date content—especially in today’s world. If you’re looking for a book that truly explores why people lie, this isn’t it.

This book gave a lot of interesting suggestions on how to spot a lie and what to use instead of lying. While everyone lies, he articulates how important it is to understand why people lie. This allowed me to reflect on my own experiences with lying both when I was lied to and when I have lied to others. I liked the addition of him explaining the value of the whole truth. This would be a good book to add to your tar if you ev er struggling with lying or are looking for insight.

**Review of *Surrounded by Liars***

In *Surrounded by Liars*, bestselling author Thomas Erikson returns to equip readers with the tools to navigate the murky waters of deception and dishonesty in everyday life. Building on the foundational concepts from his previous work, *Surrounded by Idiots*, Erikson employs his engaging four-color behavioral model to help us identify and manage the liars around us.

From the very first page, Erikson’s trademark blend of insightful analysis and humor makes for an enjoyable read. He addresses the all-too-familiar feelings of doubt and distrust we encounter in personal relationships, workplaces, and even in the media, making the content immediately relatable. His conversational tone ensures that the subject matter, often heavy with implications, is accessible and engaging.

What sets this book apart is Erikson's practical approach. He doesn’t just highlight the signs of deceit; he also provides actionable strategies for dealing with insincerity. Each chapter is filled with practical examples and illustrations that reinforce his points, making the behavioral concepts not only easier to understand but also easier to apply in real-life situations.

Erikson encourages readers to cultivate their intuition while also arming them with scientific insights into human behavior. This dual approach fosters confidence in one’s ability to discern the truth amidst a sea of lies, ultimately promoting a more grounded and reliable life.

One of the most refreshing aspects of *Surrounded by Liars* is Erikson's emphasis on emotional intelligence. He advocates for understanding not just the behaviors of others, but also our reactions to those behaviors. This perspective encourages self-reflection and personal growth, enhancing both interpersonal relationships and self-awareness.

In conclusion, *Surrounded by Liars* is a compelling and practical guide that empowers readers to protect themselves against deception. Erikson’s insightful analysis, humor, and actionable advice make this book an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to cultivate honesty and integrity in their interactions. Whether you’re navigating friendships, workplace dynamics, or the news cycle, this book will help you feel more grounded and secure in your understanding of the truth. Highly recommended for anyone looking to sharpen their discernment skills and lead a more authentic life.

Free ARC from Net Galley

Interesting but nothing really new. Most of the information is opinion based but does bring a little clarity to the sad state of journalism in the country.

I could not finish this book. I did not enjoy it. It simplified lying but it was based on a lot of personal opinions.

Surrounded by Liars

Surrounded by Liars is the third book I’ve read by Thomas Erickson. While I sometimes find his narration style grating, I think he captured the many complexities of lies fairly well. I especially liked how he approached the idea of deception from a modern day perspective including influencers, advertising and technology.

What is a lie? And what is the cost of a lie to us and society? If I filter my instagram pictures so that I look thinner, is that a lie? All of us are liars to a certain extent. We lie to save face or to avoid conflict. We lie to make people feel better, we lie to gain something for ourselves.

This book gave me a lot to think about, especially when it comes to my own relationship to the truth. How often do I tell white lies to protect someone’s feelings and is it always necessary?

In the beginning of the book, Erickson talks about the three ways we can respond to a situation 1） tell the honest truth (as we see it) 2) say nothing (silence) 3) or lie. I felt the Erickson believes you should never tell a lie using honesty or silence instead. But I disagree, I think there are times when it’s better to give the answer someone is looking for rather than the honest truth or silence. If someone asks me “do I look fat?” And I know they want me to respond “of course not” then that is what I will do.

There is a lot to this book, more than I can cover in one review. If you are interested in knowing more you should check out the book which is will be available November 5, 2024.

Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Publishing for an ARC of this book.

Rating 4/5
Genre: Non-Fiction