very cool twisty little thriller that was defintely predictable at points but recommendable and enjoyable. 3.5 stars tysm for the arc.

This was such a good book I couldn't put it down I wanted to learn more and more what is going. This was such a binge book for me I read this in less than 24 hours. I love the cult aspect in this book its something that interests me. I did kind of call the twist just as it happened but it still was good. This is my second book by this author and will be for sure looking up more.. This was a thrilling ride...

Thanks netgalley for this great book, I loved it, itv was exciting and could not put it down.
Olivia and her sister Quinn. Had never really been close, Olivia’s mother had died giving birth to her and Quinn blamed Olivia also for the death of their father.
So Olivia was very surprised after many years apart Quinn had contacted her and said she was engaged to be married and wanted to invite her on a cruise to meet her fiancée and see if they could repair their relationship.

Olivia worked on a pod cast and was an influencer and Worked really hard so it was silly to turn down a holiday and to see her sister,
Little did she know there would be quite a few people of this particular. Cruise all carefully picked by Quinn’s fiancée and all on this cruise for a reason that was not made clear at the beginning of the cruise.
By the end of the cruise a lot of things were made clear.
Enjoyed this book very much,

I was really looking forward to reading this book. Mostly, because the author seems to hang around other authors I love (guys, I don’t know how you do it, but every book you ever write is a WOW one, do I need to spell out your names? Ok, I will do it at the end of this review), and I was assuming that somehow means all he ever writes will also be equally good.
And. Let me tell you something. My assumptions were not wrong here. Not. At. All. Yes, I had read another book by him forever ago and I loved it, so I kind of already knew that he can write great books, so, I wasn’t actually going in totally blind.
Although the blurb kind of sort of has it all spelled there, it’s not mentioned anywhere how this book will move in to live rent-free with you wherever you go. It’s not mentioned anywhere how it will make you (me, that is) stop a zillion times as you read and think about things that aren’t happening in the book – it makes you (me, that is) think about real-life events and real-life people, relationships, families, friends, and society in general.
The book itself deserves all the screaming from all the rooftops there can ever possibly be. A fast-paced, anxiety-inducing psych thriller, filled with book crazies (yay, love those!), lies, manipulation, tons of blood, and surprising characters. Surprising in their depth, rawness, and realness. And then, astonishing in their craziness too.

The book’s pub date is set to November 1. So far the best description for recommendations regarding this book I have come up with, are the mention of those other authors I love and say you most likely will enjoy this one if you also happen to love books by Noelle Ihli, Faith Gardner, Steph Nelson. It’s like they all are members of the same weird, intense, wild, unhinged book-writing cult. Wait, it’s not a real thing though, is it? IS IT?

The cover is stunning, definately judged this book by its cover which did not disappoint. This pulled me in from the very first chapter and didn’t let me go until I finished the book. It had great twists and turns and left me on the edge of my seat! It’s my first book from Caleb Stephen’s but, will definitely not be my last! Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for my honest review!

i was in between a 3 or a 4 with this one, so i’m just going to round up to 4! this book had me STRESSED. i’m normally pretty good at guessing twists but “if you lie” had me shocked with some of things that happened. thank you to netgalley/booksirens and the author for this ARC!

This uses that thriller element perfectly and was engaged with the suspense going on in this. Caleb Stephens was able to weave a strong story and that the characters worked overall. I thought the ship element worked well overall and that it uses the cult element in a unique way.

Fast paced, tense, suspenseful. Thank you for an advanced copy of this! When I saw the synopsis, I knew I HAD to read it! Cults, family, locked room, this book is the perfect propulsive thriller.

If You Lie is a captivating read, with a unique storyline. I’ve read books set on cruises before, and often find them frustrating and predictable. Not this one! The twists and turns had me gasping, right until the very end! This is my first read by Caleb Stephens and it won’t be my last! 5 stars from me!

I would like to start off this review by thanking Thrillerscape Press and Caleb Stephens for allowing me to read this book, If You Lie, via Netgalley. All opinions following are my own.

This book kept my own my toes from the first page until the last, and I was able to finish the book in less than 12 hours. The story follows the main character, Olivia, who is trying to make amends with her older sister Quinn. Quinn is her only surviving family member, and Olivia hasn't spoken to her in years after she last saw Quinn strung out on drugs and blaming Olivia for all her life problems.

Seemingly out of the blue, Quinn invites Olivia on a cruise to celebrate her high-profile engagement and to try to fix their relationship. Olivia has several qualms. The biggest one being that she is naturally suspicious because she was kidnapped and barely escaped death seven years prior. This has led her to start a very successful true crime podcast, but this tragedy has also caused her to be suspicious of situations that can potentially put her in danger. Perhaps, against her better judgment, because of her desire to reconnect with her older sister, she accepts. Will she regret it?

I gave this book a strong four stars. I felt like some things could've been answered better at the end, but I also think there could be a sequel. I also felt as if some of the twists were predictable. These are really the only two things that kept me from giving it a five-star review.

3.75 stars

If You Lie be Caleb Stephens is a fast-paced thriller that has hints of a cult with insidious intentions that makes it an intense ride.

Olivia, the main character, is a podcaster who usually researches true crime, and winds up on a cruise with her sister she has been estranged from so they can reconnect. Characters in thrillers who run true crime podcasts has apparently become a recent draw of mine as I can't seem to get enough of these. True to the previous ones I have read, this book did not disappoint and I enjoyed how Olivia's role as a true crime podcaster ties in to the storyline as she tries to uncover what Xclivity really is.

Olivia's background is unique and ties into the person she is in the present and why she became a true crime podcaster. This makes for an interesting character who struggles with the trauma of her past, as well as using her instincts from looking into crimes to discover the truth behind the strange happenings occurring on the cruise she has unwittingly become a part of. The plot really starts to come together near the end of the book and ties together everything in ways that made for an unputdownable book and I enjoyed all of the revelations.

Olivia's relationship with her sister, both in the past and in the present where they try to piece it back together is the aspect that really makes the characters stand out in this book. They have many issues to overcome and not all of these are clear at first which amps up the intrigue of the story, as well as the hope that they can overcome the strain of their relationship.

Perhaps my only questionable note about the book is that it felt like everything came together a little too smoothly at times, and everything wrapped up very quickly. It almost felt a bit too rushed and clean to be plausible, particularly with the danger characters were in and the swiftness with which it is suddenly overcome after so much buildup.

Regardless, it was still an enjoyable read and held my attention from start to finish and is a perfect read for thriller lovers.

It’s exciting! It’s a page turning thrill ride from start to finish. Olivia accepts an invitation to a cruise from her estranged sister, Quinn. Olivia is hoping for a reconciliation aboard this private cruise ship but all is not as it seems and she finds herself in a fight for her life. Will she be able to escape this floating prison? I highly recommend this great story. Also, be sure to download the bonus epilogue, The Letter. Hmmm??

The premise of this book is SO GOOD, but the story itself ended up being just fine. It's suspenseful and action-packed, with a few twists. The plot seemed inspired by a combination of a few of real-life situations, so it didn't feel completely new. It was a quick weekend read, but I wish the author would have taken this premise and really crafted a unique, layered mystery.

Seven years ago, Olivia was stuck in a trunk, only narrowly escaping death. Now she finds herself stuck on a yacht with a new-age cult. This isn’t how she envisioned being reunited with her estranged sister.

This book has a lot of chaotic energy. It starts with a recount of Olivia’s previous trauma and how it led her to become a true crime podcaster. The podcaster element is merely a side note, as the book quickly shifts to the cult on the yacht. As cults go, it veers away from the norm, as they show their cards immediately. There isn’t a wooing stage, as one would expect with a cult.

One challenge of the book is there are several characters to keep track of, and they all read as a bit one-dimensional. The villains are truly evil, almost to the point of becoming caricatures, and the reader doesn’t get to dive into the good characters too greatly. Olivia’s podcast partner feels especially overlooked.

While some elements felt off, this was a fun and fast read. Fans of the genre will find this an enjoyable addition to their collection.

Seven years ago Olivia woke in the trunk of a car after being beaten and abducted. She escaped her ordeal and now runs a successful podcast sleuthing cold cases. She receives and email from her estranged sister, saying she’s getting married and would love to get together and work out their past to start a future together as sisters again. She invites her on a cruise, and although Olivia is skeptical she accepts. Once aboard this ship, she knows something isn’t right with the other people on board, but how do you save yourself when you’re out at sea with no escape?

An action filled, twisty and suspenseful novel. I really enjoyed Stephen’s writing, and was captivated by the story. Olivia wasn’t the most easily loveable character, but I found myself more drawn to her as the story went on. A locked room like thriller where Olivia needs to find out the truth in order to save her save and others. I will be checking out more by this author.

This book was a wild ride! I was hooked from the first page and loved how this thriller was fast paced and constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. Family issues, cults and unexpected twists and turns had me gasp more than once. Definitely recommend this book and can’t believe I didn’t hear of this author before. Love the writing and will check out more of his books.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Caleb Stephens’ “If You Lie: A Thriller” is a riveting tale that masterfully intertwines suspense, psychological depth, and relentless action. Known for his ability to craft chilling narratives, Stephens delivers a story that is both haunting and exhilarating.

The novel centers around Olivia, a true-crime podcaster who escaped an ordeal seven years ago when she woke up in the trunk of a stranger’s car. Now, she dedicates her life to helping other women avoid similar fates. Burned out from years of covering violence, Olivia seizes the opportunity to reconnect with her estranged sister Quinn on an exclusive cruise. When someone goes missing, Olivia finds herself in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where the stakes are higher than ever.

“If You Lie” delves into themes of trauma, survival, and the quest for truth. Stephens explores the psychological scars left by past horrors and the lengths one will go to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Stephens’ writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the tension and paranoia that permeate Olivia’s world. His ability to create a claustrophobic atmosphere on the cruise ship adds to the suspense, making readers feel as trapped as the protagonist. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter ending on a cliffhanger that compels you to keep reading. Stephens’ knack for developing complex, relatable characters ensures that readers are deeply invested in Olivia’s journey.

“If You Lie: A Thriller” is a standout in the genre, offering a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Stephens’ skillful storytelling and the novel’s intricate plot twists make it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. This book is not just about the suspense; it’s about the resilience of the human spirit and the unyielding quest for justice.

Caleb Stephens has once again proven his mastery of the thriller genre with “If You Lie.” This novel is a testament to his ability to weave complex, emotionally charged narratives that resonate long after the final page.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling, thought-provoking read.

If you like books about cults and family issues, you will probably enjoy this book. It was pretty well paced throughout. I didn’t really feel like there were any moments in the book that lulled or got boring. There was pretty much always something happening. Some, but not all, of the twists were a little predictable, but overall, I thought it was a good captivating book.

I thought the concept of a cult on a boat was a good plot line. It was lots of family drama. I never really understood the whole reason the cult came into existence other than to just kill people? But why are any cults existing other than the leader is a little nutty? It was an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read If You Lie early.

A buried past. A new-age cult. A floating prison with no way off. Seven years ago, Olivia woke up in the trunk of a stranger’s car and barely escaped with her life. She’s been looking over her shoulder ever since! Wow!! What a book! This book had suspense, murder, mystery, crazy cult, double crossing, and some crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting and a bit out there but wild! I definitely recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley, the author and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

This was a great thriller, and I enjoyed reading it! This was a fast paced book with lots of mysteries, family drama, and secrets. This book had a great opening chapter and to me the ending was a satisfying one. A few of the twists and turns were a bit predictable so that took away from the book for me a little bit.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!