This book was such a fun, wild ride! I loved how realistic the characters were, three girl friends who have grown apart since college, trying to reconnect on a trip abroad. They all have changed, evolved, and kept some insane secrets from one another! I was not ready for the twists and thought for sure I had the ending figured out, but Chelsea got me there too! I always love a well done multiple POV book, with some flashbacks and short chapters! This one was a treat!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the arc of So I Lied by Chelsea Ichaso.

I love a good YA read and have yet to not love anything by Ichaso. I was so excited to get a copy of this through netgalley and like all of her other novels this did not disappoint.

Three life long friends find themselves traveling overseas to celebrate Jocelyn’s upcoming marriage to her college sweetheart. Staying at Jocelyn’s aunt Helen’s B&B in a remote town is the get away they need. A trip that is supposed to be about bonding and unwinding quickly turns to deception and secrets. A trip that starts as a threesome leaves only two returning home.

Despite being besties all of these women have held secrets from one another that irrevocably changed their paths in life. Secrets that ultimately come out and cannot be taken back

The women meet another couple at the B&B who are also a mystery and have an agenda of their own. Convinced Magnus and his cohort Valentina are trying to stalk them the girls try and cut their trip short to escape the couple. This only leads to more lies, deception, and another murder.

In the end everyone has a secret and the self preservation runs rampant. To what cost would you go to save yourself and would you do it at the expense of others?

So I Lied is full of twist and turns that ultimately show what humans are conditioned to do when they feel they have no other choice. This is 100% a must read in 2025.

Pub Date: January 28, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

Thank you NetGalley! This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed this book. The flipping back and forth between the past, present and characters. I love this style of novel.

★★★

Jocelyn is about to get married, but before she gets hitched, she wants one final girls' trip with her best friends, Rowan and Cadence. They leave sunny California for a small rural town in North Wales. The trip doesn’t go as expected. A combination of poor planning, long-held resentment, and deeply buried secrets quickly turns the bachelorette trip sinister…

<i>“…just be careful, that’s all I’m saying. Always stay together. Never walk alone on the dark, rural roads.”</i>

This started off quite promising: three friends stuck in the middle of nowhere in Wales, with plenty of secrets slowly starting to be revealed. Add to it a missing girl and a potential serial killer— the perfect locked-room mystery setting!

Unfortunately, I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, which is a shame. I found myself wanting to tell them to finally cut ties and that it’s okay to outgrow your school friends. I also found the story quite long, feeling at times like it dragged a bit— a missed opportunity for a fast-paced mystery readers cannot put down.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy YA mysteries/thrillers. Thank you, NetGalley and Chelsea Ichaso, for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Jocelyn is getting married and what better was to celebrate than a bachelorette party with your closets friends. Best friends Rowan and Cadence will go with Jocelyn for a fun weekend away. But friends have secrets and lies and someone will end up dead. flowed smooth and told from different points of view.

This was a good and fast read but I enjoyed his authors prior books much more.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Mercer for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my review

So I Lied is definitely one of those novels that can be finished in one sitting. I found the writing to be compelling, my interest was maintained throughout. This novel is about 3 friends who go on a trip but they are on thin ice- the deception, lies and conspiracies come together to make a great thriller. Well done!

As Jocelyn is getting married her and her two closest friends take a bachelorette trip to a B&B. when the come across a handsome man what can go wrong. when they realize he isn't who he says he is and starts stalking them everyone's secrets start to unravel. ending in murder all they can hope is they get away with the skeletons in their closet.

This was a quick, entertaining read about loss, deception, and friendship. I can honestly say that there wasn't any character that I particularly loved, but the main protagonist had at least some redeeming qualities, including her love for her child. There were unpredictable twists and despicable acts that were like watching a car crash that's hard to look away from. I loved the writing style, which was descriptive, but not overly so, and had an addicting quality to it. The story was intriguing, and I was left overall satisfied by the end. I rate this one three and a half stars rounded up.

Thank you, Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer, for this ARC.

This was just okay for me. I enjoyed it, but nothing really stood out to me. I would read more from this author

Jocelyn, Rowan, and Cadence tell this story of a pre-wedding getaway in Wales gone wrong. Know in advance that their voices aren't distinct from one another but that won't much matter. Someone is dead but who? They all knew something was creepy about Marcus and Valentina-the other guests at the B&B-but are they the problem? These women have been "friends" for many years but they don't like each other, which comes through loud and clear. This is a familiar plot but Ischaso has embroidered it. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

Chelsea Ichaso’s So I Lied weaves a compelling tale of secrets, lies, and the unraveling of friendships. The novel centers on a group of girls embarking on a trip, though each carries a burden of secrets they are desperate to keep hidden. As the journey unfolds, those secrets begin to surface, exposing the fragile dynamics of their relationships.

Ichaso’s storytelling is immersive, with a steady buildup of tension that keeps readers hooked. The pacing is well-balanced, offering moments of intrigue and character development before delivering the twists that redefine the narrative. The characters, though flawed and secretive, are relatable in their struggles, making their revelations all the more impactful.

The plot twists are one of the book’s standout elements, adding layers of complexity and unpredictability to the story. While the premise might feel familiar to fans of thrillers, Ichaso’s execution breathes fresh life into the genre. The writing is sharp, with just enough suspense to keep readers guessing until the final pages.

Overall, So I Lied is an engaging read, perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and stories about complex friendships. It’s a testament to the ways secrets can both bind and break people, and Ichaso delivers it with skill and finesse.

I really enjoyed this read! It was fast paced, kept me on my toes, and kept me engaged the entire time.

The characters were all unreliable and pretty darn unlikable, but it was clearly a very intentional choice by the author. At one point, I disliked a character so much I was rooting for them to be the one that turns up dead 😳

Every time I thought I knew the direction it was going, I was very wrong. Each twist, even the minuscule, made this story so much more engaging.

I also enjoyed the multiple POVs in addition to the NOW chapters.

The ending had a satisfying resolution, but wasn’t perfectly tied up with every conflict rectified, which I always enjoy as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book!

what.

No really. what.

The entire book you never know who, what, where, how, why everything is happening. From the betrayals to creepy happenings to the weird coincidences between friends and between strangers. When you have it figured out, you don't. Edge. Of. Your. Seat. The entire book. You will hate everyone at least once and then not. and then feel for them. THE EMOTIONS. You will feel them. All of them.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

I'll be honest, I'm not sure if I liked this book or not. I can't super frustrated with unreliable character narration. All the people in this book have lied so many times. I think it's hard for them to keep track of what is real and what is fake.

I also had a feeling about what really happened, although it was way more complicated and after the 4th or 5th accusation I again became a little frustrated.

I did like that the ending had a clear concise finale, but it was almost too convenient like they pulled a rabbit out of a hat just to wrap everything up. I honestly would have liked it better if one of the friends actually did it. It would be more authentic I think,. 😂

Also, as a person who reads books in 1 to 2 days, this took me about 4 days. It was a whole lot of she said, she said.... And you never really get to the whole picture which can be confusing

Thank you netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

digital ARC was provided by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer

So I Lied opened my 2025 greatly!

Synopsis
Jocelyn, Cadence, and Rowan are three best friends celebrating Jocelyn's engagement in North Wales. The three have been friends for ages and are bounds by secrets more than they can handle. The trip to North Wales might be the one they need or break them all.

What I like
I was so involved in the reading, much more so that I read it on the span of three days and savouring every bits. The three friends had their own personality and, like most human, some of them sucked, big time. I might dislike one when her story came up, but then felt pity when her pov came up again.
The secrets that they hide worked well too. The unraveling didn't come all at the same time, but little by little. Just when you think you knew everything, well, you were wrong. And I like to be proven wrong in reading.
Although there were many (at least six to seven) major characters, but the limited three povs made it bearable to read. Not a waste space.

What I don't like
There were so many layers on the secrets that I think some subplot should be moot. It just acted as some random (although not really) red herrings. There was a point where I asked myself if the story will go another way unimaginable, but thankfully, not.

Final thoughts
As a love of this genre, I can say that this book managed my expectation. No meek and or boring characters, expect the unexpected, and most of all, enjoy the reading experience.

3.5 rounded up. I enjoyed this book. It is a story of 3 friends on a bachelorette trip and everyone has their own secrets. This story is told from multiple POVs. I always love a good unreliable narrator.

"So I Lied" by Chelsea Ichaso is a masterfully crafted thriller that delves into the complexities of friendship, secrets, and betrayal. The narrative follows three women—Rowan, Joss, and Cady—whose seemingly unbreakable bond is tested during a trip to Wales. As layers of deception unravel, the story takes readers on a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Ichaso's ability to create an atmosphere of tension and intrigue is remarkable. The dual timelines and multiple perspectives add depth to the characters, making their motivations and vulnerabilities palpable. The portrayal of "messy women" navigating the consequences of their actions is both realistic and compelling, offering a fresh take on the thriller genre.

The pacing is impeccable, with each chapter revealing new secrets that keep the reader on edge. The intricate plot is tightly woven, leading to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying. Ichaso's exploration of the dark side of love and friendship is unrelenting, making this novel a standout in its genre.

In conclusion, "So I Lied" is a twisty, unrelenting gem that will captivate fans of psychological thrillers. Ichaso's adult thriller debut is a testament to her storytelling prowess, delivering a richly satisfying read that lingers long after the final page. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a gripping and thought-provoking thriller.

So I Lied 4⭐️
Secrets, drama, lying, toxic friendships, and murder… oh my!

3 friends travel to Wales to celebrate Jocelyn’s upcoming wedding. Jocelyn, Rowan, and Cadence have been friends since high school, although their relationships with each other have ebbed and flowed. High school friendships don’t always translate to adulthood. These three seem to force the friendship when they don’t really even like each other, but nothing an international trip won’t fix, right? They arrive at a small bed and breakfast (owned by Jocelyn’s aunt and uncle). The B&B is secluded and only hosts 2 other couples, but the women can’t shake the suspicious vibes of the other guests.

Chapters are told from Jocelyn, Rowan, and Cadence’s POVs, with chapters in the present interspersed. The ‘Now’ timeline chapters are short and mysterious with an unknown narrator. One of the friends is found dead, but the reader is unsure who it is.

While this was a bit over the top at times, it pulled me in and was entertaining. The characters were well rounded and distinct. I found myself feeling very strongly about one of the characters and secretly hoping she may be the one to meet her demise 🫣 I liked the suspense that came from getting bits and pieces from each POV and the mystery from the chapters in the Now.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.

Pub Date Jan 28 2025

“The scream rings out beside me, piercing my ears, tearing through the whistling wind. ”
Here are reasons to read the Thriller book:

Welsh getaway - Jocelyn, Rowan, and Chelsea are having a Welsh getaway to celebrate Jocelyn’s upcoming wedding
Couple - They check into Jocelyn’s Aunt and Uncle’s bed and breakfast, and find themselves next door to a couple who will not leave them along
Unalive - As we go between the present, and what actually happened in the past, it’s clear that at least one person does not make it out alive.

This author is one I will pick up over and over, and I always love a thriller that takes place during a vacation. And while this book pops between 2 timelines, it also pops between 3 different points of views, being the 3 women on this trip. The real problem is that these characters are all hiding something and all unlikeable to a certain extent. The ending was pretty apparent to me, but don’t let that keep you from just enjoying the ride and the suspense.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It started quickly and kept up the same pace throughout the whole book. While, I wouldn't say it was extremely fast paced, the writing kept me engaged throughout the entire novel.
The idea of reading another book about 3 girl friends on a trip and they ask have secrets, was a little unappealing at first. I've read plenty of books with that M.O. but this one was definitely my favorite of the sub genre. The characters were flawed. I wouldn't say they were all unlikable, but a couple of them were the worst. So there was a huge chance for great character development and I think the author nailed it. The twists were unexpected, but not so much that they didn't make sense. The whole story flowed so naturally, I just really enjoyed this one.