4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the advanced copy of this title.

This story has a great premise, and I enjoyed the dynamic between Anna and Willow. Anna (Willows' best friend in the loose sense) and Milo (Willows’ on-again, off-again boyfriend) have orchestrated this elaborate prank to scare Willow. Why? To put her in her place and show her that her friends aren’t objects to be used to work out your shit.

I can’t say that she didn’t have it coming. There’s no excuse for bad behavior; humans always have a breaking point so that this bubble will burst. The plan was going to be great, but it just so happened that said plan was to go down on September 11, and the events of that day would be something the world would never forget.
.
New York is upside down. People are in search of loved ones and friends. Pooling their resources and trying to make sense of the devastation. This doesn’t change the fact that Willow is a narcissist. She’s played on everyone’s emotions, including her parents. You want to love her, you want to trust her, but she buries that knife in your back each and every time and will then say, “Babe, you're bleeding”.

Anna met Willow at Baldwin College, and Lizzie, Tom, and a few others were a close group. They were all art and photography students, and being one myself, I remember the beautiful relationships I had when everyone was hungry and lived for their art and creating. Nothing else mattered.

Willow has spun this fantastic tale that she’s just like everyone else, but she’s much more than that. Coming from money, her circumstances were different.

Anna was from a small town and is one of the thirstiest characters I’ve seen in a long time. A sheep in the herd. She tries so hard to emulate everyone that she’s lost herself. She wants to be famous, she want to be loved and adored…ok boo freakin hoo. ⛆ You have to get to a point (even in your young adulthood), where you stop being the flock.🐑

These characters are not despicable but immature. The story is about unraveling Willow and Anna’s relationship (and their group of friends). Oh, the manipulation. Once into the story, Anna drove me crazy. How many times does a dog have to bite you before you leave it alone? Even children know that if they touch the hot stove, they should not touch it again, but not this one.

I felt like screaming into the book. She wanted everything Willow had because she envied her. I’m not sure she wanted Willow's life, but just the attention. However, once you get it, what will you do with it?

One of the things I really love about this story is the depiction of New York during this time. It’s resilience. The grittiness and passion for New York lives in this story. That underbelly and fire of the art scene still burns hot to this day.

It's what we used to read about in our art textbooks. The clubs and dives where …if you know, you know. 😜 And it's one of the things I enjoyed about this story. People came together during 9/11, and this captured the beauty of the human spirit one frame at a time.

I love taking a break from my horror titles for this mystery-thriller novel. Great story! I highly recommend it.

**Review of *Tell Them You Lied* by Laura Leffler**

*Tell Them You Lied* is a gripping debut novel that dives deep into the complexities of friendship, the boundaries of art, and the secrets we keep buried, especially when those secrets could destroy us. Laura Leffler’s taut writing and intricate character development make this story a thrilling ride, one that stays with you long after the final page.

At its core, the novel revolves around Anna and Willow, two New York artists whose friendship was once full of promise but has since become increasingly toxic. Anna, initially swept up by Willow’s mysterious and magnetic persona, has grown disillusioned as Willow’s true nature—a manipulative and self-centered force—becomes painfully clear. Anna’s internal struggle is palpable as she attempts to reclaim her own identity and artistic integrity in the cutthroat New York art world, where survival often takes precedence over creativity.

The novel begins with a disastrous prank—a staged mugging meant to bring Willow to her senses. Anna believes it’s the push Willow needs to realize the damage she’s caused in their relationship, but the prank goes horribly wrong. On September 11, 2001, after the mugging, Willow goes missing. The narrative shifts between Anna’s past with Willow in art school and the aftermath of Willow’s disappearance, revealing Anna’s growing unease and guilt as she starts to question whether her actions were truly as innocent as she initially thought.

Leffler’s writing is sharp, dark, and emotionally charged. She expertly explores the complexities of female friendships, particularly those that are toxic and manipulative. The dynamic between Anna and Willow is so engrossing because it’s not simply about betrayal—it’s about the slow, creeping realization that a bond you once thought was genuine was nothing more than a power struggle, each person trying to outmaneuver the other. Anna’s struggle to understand her role in Willow’s disappearance is at the heart of the novel, and Leffler keeps the tension high by making readers question who is really at fault—Anna, Willow, or both of them.

The setting of New York, especially during the aftermath of 9/11, adds another layer of poignancy and urgency to the narrative. The tragedy of that day hangs over the characters, adding an emotional weight to the already tense and fraught relationship between Anna and Willow. The timing of Willow’s disappearance on such a monumental day amplifies the confusion and chaos that Anna feels, both about her friendship with Willow and about the world around her.

*Tell Them You Lied* is also a fascinating meditation on the nature of art and the role it plays in the lives of its creators. Anna’s journey as an artist parallels her emotional journey, and Leffler skillfully explores how art can be both an escape and a prison. Anna’s art school days were once filled with boundless ambition and idealism, but the harsh realities of the New York art scene have shattered those illusions. The tension between the purity of artistic expression and the corruption of the art world is at the heart of the story, making it not just a thriller but a thoughtful commentary on creativity, ambition, and authenticity.

What makes *Tell Them You Lied* so compelling is how Leffler blurs the line between victim and villain. Anna is not a clear-cut heroine, and Willow is not entirely a villain. The nuances of their friendship, the way they both manipulate and use each other, make them both sympathetic and deeply flawed. This moral ambiguity makes the story all the more engaging and leaves the reader constantly questioning the truth.

In conclusion, *Tell Them You Lied* is a dark, engrossing thriller that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. It’s a story about the messy, sometimes painful realities of friendship, the search for truth, and the consequences of our actions. Laura Leffler has crafted a debut novel that is both compelling and thought-provoking, making her an author to watch in the future. Highly recommended for fans of complex psychological thrillers and character-driven stories.

*Tell Them You Lied* by Laura Leffler starts with an intriguing premise, blending psychological tension with themes of truth and manipulation. The writing is engaging, and the mystery keeps you turning pages, but the execution feels uneven. Some character development lacks depth, and the pacing drags in places, making it hard to stay fully invested. While the novel has its gripping moments, it doesn’t quite deliver the impact it promises. A decent read for fans of slow-burn psychological dramas, but not as compelling as it could have been.

Tell Them You Lied
Laura Leffler
05/27/2025
Hyperion Avenue

Tell Them You Lied is full of arrogant, self-centered, toxic characters. The kind you love to hate, and simultaneously can’t get enough of. The book centers on the turbulent friendship between two artists, Anna and Willow, who meet in art school. Their individual struggle for dominance spirals out of control when a prank goes sideways, and Anna arranges for Willow to be mugged at knifepoint to make sure she knows who is on top.

This psychological thriller explores the destructive power of secrets and deception. Leffler excels at creating a sense of unease throughout the novel, with well-crafted twists and a pacing that keeps the reader on edge. The characters are complex and multidimensional, particularly the protagonist, whose internal conflict adds depth to the narrative. Issues such as trust, guilt, and the consequences of dishonesty, making the novel not just a thriller but a reflection on human nature. If you are ready to change up the pace and get a little Mean Girls action, add to this to your TBR!!

I was looking forward to reading a thriller, so I was surprised by the storyline related to 9/11. I think I should probably move away from books that are heavily focused on academic themes, whether they’re aimed at art students or not. Thank you for providing an early copy to read; I realize this book isn’t really meant for me, but I hope others enjoy it more!

The unraveling of tumultuous friendship that gets turned on its head on fated 9/11, when one friend goes missing and the other may be to blame. A taut slow-boiler that will appeal to readers who enjoy alternating timelines and unreliable narrators.

Will include in BookTrib Chill Quill monthly round-up in May 2025.

I was really excited for this book. The concept sounded very interesting. However, I just ended up not loving it.
The characters were too unlikeable. Pretentious art school students are normally intriguing to me, but these ones were just written in a way that had me not caring about a single thing that happened to them.
The writing overall was not my favorite. The plot devices did nothing for me. Even getting to unveil all the truths in the end had me feeling dissatisfied.
As much as I was excited and wanted to read this one, it was an unfortunate miss for me. I think that others would definitely like it, just not me.
Thank you NetGalley!

I don’t understand the art world and I do not claim to but dang does it make for some good, dark, twisted drama. On paper, I didn’t think this book was a good fit for me. I’m not a huge fan of academia or art. However, I was willing to take a chance and I’m so glad that I did. I could NOT put this book down. The secretive, obsessive, incestuous circle of friends was so entrancing. I also think the format of the book helped keep my interest piqued the entire time with its dual timeline and short chapters. I went through all of the emotions when traveling alongside willow and Anna. I hated them, felt sorry for them, liked them, all of it. I think that characters are really what sets this apart from your average thriller.

this book simply wasn't for me. i was hoping for a thriller, not a 9/11 book. i think the topic is overdone and it is rare someone has something new to say. i will not be recommending this to my followers but i will also not be discouraging them from reading it as i feel as though i'm just not the target audience for this kind of story.

This book is very nostalgic and is all about friendship told in alternating timelines. The characters are well developed and the dynamics between them draws you in.

Amazing thriller. When Mean Girls meet Pretty Little Liars.

You got those vibes into that.

LOVED IT.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars. "Tell Them You Lied" scratched an itch that I haven't been able to reach since I watched the first season of Pretty Little Liars in 2009. This mean-girl-thriller-mystery was a wild ride. Our FMC- Anna, feeling dejected by her best "frenemy", Willow, arranges for Willow to be mugged at knifepoint on her way to work. The mugging is meant to drive Willow back into Anna's waiting arms- except that the "mugging" has been arranged for Tuesday, September 11th, 2001. Now Willow is missing and it's unclear whether the mugging went wrong, or if she was injured/killed in the 9/11 attack, or if she disappeared on purpose to teach Anna a lesson.

Through alternating timelines, we see Anna desperately trying to find Willow and slowly unraveling mentally in the weeks following september 11th paired with Flashbacks to Anna and Willow's time in college; the development of their relationship and the manipulation between the two of them that drove Anna to stage the mugging.

Had to rate this one 3.5 stars because although "Tell Them You Lied" was so much fun, the ending felt rushed and, honestly, a bit out of place.

Thank you, Netgalley, Laura Leffler, and Hyperion for the ARC!

When Anna's best friend and roommate disappears on September 11, 2001, the toxic nature of their friendship begins to come to light. I loved a lot of the themes that this book touched on, including the art school/college theme that takes place during one of the timelines, the September 11 historical fiction, which felt fresh and truthful, and the theme of backstabbing friends, and I also liked how the book alternated timelines and perspectives. Overall, if you like dark, twisty books about female friendship, I recommend Tell Them You Lied.

2.5 ⭐️ rounded up. I think this book would have been better if the story had been split up better. I found it a little hard to follow. I’m also not really sure what 9/11 had to do either the story. It felt like it was only added for some sort of attempt at shock value. I’d probably try this author again but this book just wasn’t for me.

This story took place around September 11 and the college years before that. I was around the same age at the time so this felt very nostalgic to me. The story centers around an intense friendship that changed both of the young women. The loner and the cool girl. It’s shocking and familiar. How we so badly want validation through the acceptance of others. How we do need community unless it’s trying to sabotage you. This was a beautifully written story of being a girl with secrets. We can all relate. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was exactly the type of novel I was looking for right now. Nonlinear storytelling, manic pixie dream girl and toxic relationships that come with these personas, and a small mystery set in the art world made this a fast-paced read.

First the bad. While I enjoy nonlinear storytelling, I’m not sure what the purpose did for the plot overall. I think that it should have instead been split into two parts: while the characters were in college, and when they were living in NYC during and after 9/11. This would’ve then focused more on the main theme of the book of portraying female objectification in two parts: a friendship slowly turning sour as the Anna, the main character, and Willow, the manic pixie dream girl type character, objectify their work, themselves, and each other pre and post 9/11. I think this would have tightened up the story overall.

To the good: one thing that drew me to the book was it being set in NYC during 9/11. I have never ever read a book set during this day in history, and I think it’s because it is still a raw historical event for those that witnessed it (not to make anyone feel old, but I was a toddler when it happened and have no memory of it). I didn’t know what to expect, whether it would be kitschy and overbearing. Instead, it took a backseat to the main story and themes- which I was glad for - and acted more like a symbolic representation of these characters relationships falling apart and the ensuing chaos when Willow disappears. Speaking of characters, everyone is a toxic mess, but I am here for it. The need to possess others and simultaneously wanting to be obsessed over was such a big part of these characters motivations and basis to their relationships. The complexity was fun to read for the drama, but as the reader you are also like, “dumb this friendship for your mental health PLEASE.”

So. Overall, this book is for people wanting dramatic relationship development and downfalls, academia within an art school, and themes of feminine possession with a manic pixie dream girl trope.

Thank you to Hyperion Avenue for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, I enjoyed this, but feel it lacked an ending. There were no twists or turns, nothing truly shocking. I found that the past and present being written in 1st and 3rd persons was a bit off-putting. Overall, I would recommend this to someone who wants to try psychological thrillers, but not for someone who reads them as their main genre.

I’m giving this 2.5 stars (rounded to 3) because it’s the author’s first novel and she deserves credit for her effort. That being said, the book was well written for the most part up until the end. I didn’t quite understand the need to tie 9/11 into this… as a native New Yorker, throwing this day into a book for no real reason kind of put a bad taste in my mouth from the get go. The “twist” wasn’t well explained AT ALL (I had to go back and read numerous times to understand and I still didn’t). It felt as though the last quarter of the book was rushed. I will definitely read another one of Ms. Leffler’s books, so long as it doesn’t involve a national tragedy, as she seems to have the je ne sais quoi I enjoy from an author.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Enjoyed this book, appreciates the slow reveals throughout the story with everything getting resolved at the end. Readalike to The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud.

I will always remember where I was on September 11th, 2001. It actually feels almost insane to me that books are now being set in this time period, because I surely don't feel this old! Anyways. Anna and Willow are great friends, bonding over art and the city and growing up and becoming their own. There is a familiarity between the two, an almost untouchable bond. When we fast forward five years, we find Willow has loyalty mostly to herself, and Anna has some problems with her "friend". Anna prepares a stabbing for Willow, a gimmick in which the point is for Willow to see her actions reflected in the fearsome and gruesome nature of such an attack. That in itself is pretty brutal, but it's also September 11th, so things understandably go awry and now the script has totally flipped. This one is full of suspense, nostalgia, reflection, and secrets- just like I like my thrillers and mysteries. Despite some problematic characters, I found this one to be very engaging and would recommend. Thankyou so much to the publisher and author for the chance to read and rate an eARC!