Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler is a must-read for the girlies who love a twisty, toxic tale. Set across two contrasting backdrops—pre- and post-9/11 NYC and a small, cutthroat art school in Ohio—this novel introduces Anna and Willow, the most dysfunctional best friends you’ll ever meet.

Anna seems perpetually torn between wanting to be Willow and wanting to be with Willow (who is like...kinda the worst). One thing she’s sure of, though: she wants Willow to suffer. Case in point? Anna’s brilliant (read: deranged) idea to have her best friend mugged as a "lesson"—only for 9/11 to completely derail her plans. Yes, it’s as wild as it sounds.

Leffler’s stunning prose masterfully explores themes of toxic friendship, envy, and the complex dynamic of women as muses. The result? A beautifully written and deeply unsettling novel that will linger in your mind.

Fans of "Girl, so confusing" by Charli XCX, [book:Looking for Alaska|99561], and [book:My Year of Rest and Relaxation|44279110]...this one is for youuuu.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC <3

**Home Is Where the Lies Live** immerses readers in the complex dynamics of a seemingly ordinary street, where each family hides dark secrets that threaten to unravel their lives. The story unfolds through the perspectives of multiple characters, allowing us to delve deep into their hidden truths and internal struggles, creating an intricate web of relationships that keeps readers guessing.

This novel is a standout example of a slow-burn drama thriller, which is particularly effective given the multitude of characters involved. By taking the time to explore the unique stories and backgrounds of each family, the author skillfully builds tension and suspense throughout the narrative. Hints and clues are strategically revealed, leading to gradual uncovering of secrets that add layers to the story. As a seasoned reader of mystery and thriller genres, I often find myself predicting outcomes, but Wilkinson managed to surprise me at every turn—particularly with the jaw-dropping conclusion that left me reeling. The character development is rich, and the shifting points of view enrich the narrative, providing insight into each family's inner workings and motives. This technique makes the story feel much more dynamic, setting it apart from similar offerings in the genre. While I appreciated the deliberate pacing that allowed for this depth, there were a few moments where the narrative dragged a bit longer than necessary; however, these instances did not significantly diminish my enjoyment of the book.

I want to extend my gratitude to Bookouture Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. I assure you, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This engaging and scandalous drama is overflowing with intricate secrets and lies that personify the complexities of suburban life. Set against the backdrop of the Huntington Grove neighborhood, every neighbor carries their own burdens and hidden agendas, which contributes to the mounting tension that defines this slow-building mystery. The narration elevates the experience by adding an extra layer of suspense and emotional resonance, transforming this intricate domestic drama into a gripping tale that kept me focused and entertained from the very first chapter to the last. A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for providing me with this audiobook!

I would give this a 2.5 if that was possible. I didn't hate this book but it just plain old didn't keep my interest. The main character is boring and the other one is a bitch... plot was ok. Nothing to distinguish from any other in its genre.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Anna starts art school with little knowledge about art and quickly becomes obsessed with Willow, her mysterious and edgy classmate who seems to have it all figured out. Anna is desperate for Willow’s attention, and Willow knows exactly how to manipulate that.

The story alternates between their college years and a year after graduation, when Anna and Willow are roommates in Brooklyn. Things take a dark turn when Willow goes missing on 9/11,, leaving their group of friends scrambling to piece together her last known whereabouts. But Anna is hiding something—she knows more about Willow’s disappearance than she’s letting on.

Although it was longer than necessary, this was a great book. Willow is one of those characters you love to hate, while Anna is one you just straight-up hate. I thought the story did an amazing job exploring the darker side of the art world—ambition, jealousy, insecurity. While it might initially seem like a story of “girl power,” it goes deeper into how men exploit women, how women exploit each other, and the messy reality of female insecurity.

I often have difficulty following shifting time streams, but this was very well done, and I'm a sucker for a morally ambiguous unreliable narrator.

This was a great debut with characters that were compelling, even if not always likable. Anna, in particular, is a wonderfully written character that I felt a lot of things about throughout the book. The central mystery is equally compelling, especially with the slow release of information readers gain from the past/present switches, learning information about Willow, while also unraveling the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be checking out future releases from this author.

3.75 This is an arc review

I enjoyed this book. I loved Bunny by Mona Awad and this one was compared to it.
I love a toxic friendship book, exploring that is so interesting. We are following the story through Anna's perspective so keep that in mind. Anna didn't have a sense of self when we first met her. Her friendship with Willow makes it worse. Everything Anna did was intended to try to be on the same level or one-up Willow, never living her life for herself. Willow used Anna too, let's not get it twisted. Willow is not innocent and has her demons.
This author does a good job of showing how women are mistreated and shadowed in the art world. The idea of a muse or as the artist puts it in her acknowledgments m(is)use is illustrated well in this book! I never looked at women in art in that light but my perspective has shifted.
I was interested to see how this author used 9/11 as the backdrop for this book. I think it added a layer of panic for the characters. Anna, however, mostly wondered if it was her actions that led to Willow going missing. She was resistant to the truth that she was looking for answers everywhere else.
I did get whiplash moving from one timeline to the next. I got used to it about 30-40% of the way through. The pacing was slow initially, speeding up in part 2, and I thought the book was too long. However, the pieces slowly fell into place by the end. Overall, it was a good read!

I didn't love this book but I bet it will be the other book about a prank on 9/11 that anyone will ever read. I enjoy a toxic friendship book but this one was slow yet shallow at the some time. I don't know how she pulled that off.

his book was like watching a train wreck—I couldn’t look away but was horrified by the plot, the way the characters behaved and the conclusion! Which is not to say I didn’t like it because I did. It does seem a bit out of my belief in the way people live and the way people behave, at least people I know and have known. However, it made for a compelling read and to have it partially take place in NYC was a bonus. This one will stick with me for awhile, for sure.

Thanks to #netgalley, the publisher and author for this ebook ARC to read. All opinions are my own.

Oof.

As I start to review this book, I realize that almost everything I have to say is negative…yet it kept me reading and ended up with a very satisfying conclusion.

I’ll admit that I originally thought it would be a DNF.

The characters are…not my thing. Every last one of them is arrogant, precocious, self-centered, precious, and toxic. I didn’t like them and didn’t want to spend time with them. Yet, I was intrigued by our missing girl (also toxic) and what might have happened with her. And what did happen? It was definitely a surprise!

I’ve read some books about the 9/11 connection and, yeah, there really isn’t one. It’s backdrop and, unfortunately, unnecessary backdrop that. You could have dropped our pretentious, angsty art students in any big city in the world with the same result.

I did like the ending and the various truths that were eventually revealed. I still didn’t care about any of these people, but finished the book feeling mostly okay about it.

• ARC via Publisher

A dark and twisted tale from the first page. Set against the backdrop of the immediate aftermath of 9/11 in NYC, and alternating with a narrative leading up to the opening events, Tell Them You Lied is a gripping story of friendships that aren't at all what they seem. Anna's story that is an interweaving of past and present is something that all of us can identify with, especially those of us who have been the influenced rather than the influencer. It was hard to put this book down, and I would recommend it for those who love suspense.

I found this book very hard to get into. The writing was not overly engaging and I didn’t get into the story line at all.

I tried my best with this - but perhaps wasn’t in the right mindset? Either way, what I read was well written and I enjoyed the characters - I just got a bit side tracked and pulled out of it unfortunately.

.In Anna's first year at art school, she encounters Willow, a mysterious and captivating individual whose cool demeanor and elusive nature draw Anna in. As the narrative unfolds, the story shifts between various timelines, providing a rich tapestry of experiences that highlights the complexities of their unexpected friendship. The ups and downs they face together illuminate the depth of their connection and raise thought-provoking questions about the true intentions behind their interactions.

Throughout the book, the author skillfully weaves together moments of joy, creativity, and growth, as well as periods of conflict and uncertainty. However, I found it somewhat challenging to fully immerse myself in the story as I had hoped. There were instances where I felt the pacing was uneven, which made it difficult to maintain my engagement. Additionally, the book's connection to the events of 9/11 felt somewhat forced, as if it was shoehorned into the narrative rather than seamlessly integrated. While I appreciate the author's attempt to explore significant themes, this particular element detracted from my overall enjoyment of the story.

I really wanted to like this book but went in with little to no expectations and came out on the other side still not pleased with my experience.

I always hate giving a negative review but there was little here that I felt intrigued by or left in the end with any positive feelings toward having read it.

A lot of the negative reviews harped on the unlikeability of characters but that’s one of the few things I didn’t hate about this. I went in thinking this would almost be a mix of Anna Delvy smashed with the “older” movie The Roommate. I absolutely love heinous characters and they shouldn’t have to be likeable to be apart of an amazing book.

Mainly, I wish there was just more intention here. From the “unlikeable” characters to the writing and technique, to the 9/11 backdrop to overall plot devices. Everything was met with a caveat in a plot device that I just felt were strung together in a way that wasnt enjoyable for me to read.

I can see this book doing well on booktok and feel like maybe I’m just not the right target audience for it. I do enjoy a good thriller and a mindless read but I still require a depth I couldn’t find here.

This was my first time reading Laura Leffler, and I received Tell Them You Lied as an ARC from NetGalley. The book had a compelling premise with its focus on a toxic friendship set against the backdrop of the September 11 attacks. The dual timeline added depth to the narrative, allowing readers to see the evolution of Anna and Willow's relationship. However, I found the pacing to be inconsistent, with some parts dragging while others felt rushed. The characters, though intriguing, could have been more fully developed to enhance the emotional impact of their story. The use of 9/11 as a plot device felt somewhat forced and didn't always integrate smoothly with the rest of the narrative. Overall, Tell Them You Lied is a decent debut with an interesting storyline and a dark, atmospheric setting. While it had its shortcomings, it shows potential for Laura Leffler as a new voice in the thriller genre. I'm curious to see how her writing evolves in future works. #netgalley #tellthemyoulied

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the opportunity to read this ARC!

Anna and Willow had a tumultuous friendship in art school. Despite a rocky friendship and a humiliating incident at graduation, the pair move to New York City together. Anna, desperate for her friend to realize her wrongs, decides to stage a mugging to scare Willow. That mugging is supposed to take place on September 11, 2001… and Willow never returns home.

What an interesting, gripping story! I really enjoyed the dual timelines between their days at art school and present day in NYC. Anna and Willow’s friendship is so toxic; it almost makes it hard to like either of them. The focus on how women are treated in the art world, especially in academia in the late 90’s, was so eye opening.

While the premise of everything taking place on 9/11 is interesting, it did sometimes feel like it was just randomly mentioned instead of being the backdrop of the story. I enjoyed the twists and turns, it was sometimes hard to follow along with what was happening.

Overall an enjoyable read that kept me entertained and guessing until the end!

Thank you to Net Galley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC. This is a hard one to pin down, but it was absolutely gripping! Part dark academia, part suspense, part thriller. An exploration of toxic friendships and more!

It is hard to classify the genre of this book. Academia. Domestic Thriller. Love triangle and angle and angle. Anna doesn't seem to believe anyone has any reason to actually like her. She begins Art School and there, she meets Willow. Willow has not a care in the world. She's cool without trying. She's mysterious and moody. She is ready to help Anna become. In the process, Willow manipulates and cajoles Anna into doing things she would otherwise never do.

This story alternates between those college years (late 1990's) and the year 2001 in New York City. Life in the Big Apple is expensive. While Anna is a talented artist, she has to work to survive. And through the years, Willow has kept Anna in her orbit while also sucking her dry emotionally. Anna is weary.

So Anna takes action by hiring a guy and staging Willow's mugging on a Tuesday morning, thinking Willow will have self reflection after the fact. Maybe Willow will see the terrible person that she is. The morning in question: September 11, 2001. Anna begins to panic as the days pass and Willow does not come home to their shared apartment. Anna is in a panic. Did the prank go terribly wrong? Or has the crafty Willow bested her once again. Does Anna even want to know at this point?

As a person who struggles with friendship, in that, I fall for the manipulative people and become a pet or place holder because I just want to be liked, I felt to strongly for Anna and her lot in life. She valued herself at times, only to be torn back down in some way, sometimes subtly, and a lot of the time by Willow. Anna is a good person, wants to be a good person, but at times struggles with it and roars out of being a doormat.

I literally heard a soundtrack in my head while reading this and I hope it is adapted for film.

Tell Them You Lied is a gripping exploration of art, friendship, and the lies we tell ourselves to feel in control. The story dives into the complicated dynamic between Anna and Willow—two artists bound by admiration, rivalry, and manipulation. The dual timelines, alternating between their art school days and the haunting events of 2001, create a rich and layered narrative.

The novel masterfully captures the New York art scene’s stark contrasts: boundless creativity vs. brutal survival. Anna’s evolving perspective on her relationship with Willow is as compelling as it is unsettling. Set against the backdrop of 9/11, the story’s intensity is heightened, blending the personal and the catastrophic into a narrative that’s as thought-provoking as it is chilling. It’s a fascinating character study that leaves you questioning morality, culpability, and the meaning of truth.