The Family Lies by Angela Henry is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go. Set against the eerie backdrop of the Dorsey family's sprawling, secretive estate, this book is a captivating blend of suspense, deception, and unexpected twists that will leave your heart racing.

The story follows Sabrina Adams, a down-on-her-luck librarian who takes a seemingly dream job restoring the Dorseys’ vast private library. But from the moment she steps onto the estate, it’s clear things aren’t as idyllic as they seem. Strange rules, mysterious figures lurking in the woods, and the forbidding third floor create an atmosphere of unease that intensifies with every chapter. Sabrina’s interactions with the enigmatic Theo Dorsey and the stern housekeeper Mrs. Manning only deepen the mystery, as she uncovers the chilling secrets the family has worked so hard to bury.

Henry’s writing shines as she expertly weaves multiple perspectives into the narrative, offering readers tantalizing glimpses into the truth while keeping the full picture tantalizingly out of reach. The tension builds steadily, leading to a series of revelations and plot twists that are both shocking and satisfying. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out, Henry pulls the rug out from under you with a jaw-dropping twist.

The characters are complex and well-drawn, particularly Sabrina, whose determination and vulnerability make her easy to root for. Theo’s charm and darkness keep you guessing, while the Dorsey family’s secrets add layers of intrigue and menace to the story.

The Family Lies is perfect for fans of The Housemaid or Verity, combining a gothic atmosphere with modern psychological thrills. It’s a story about trust, betrayal, and the lengths we’ll go to uncover—or protect—the truth. While the ending may feel a bit over-the-top to some, it delivers the adrenaline-pumping conclusion that thriller fans crave.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an early copy of this thrilling page-turner! Angela Henry proves once again why she’s a rising star in the genre. This is a must-read for anyone who loves dark, twisty, and utterly addictive thrillers. Five stars and a spot on my "recommend to everyone" list!

Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc. I have now read several of Angela Henry's books and I love them all. She is a true thriller writer. This book had a great plot, was well written and a fantastic pace. I couldn't put it down. I like the characters, the twists, the turns, everything. Highly recommend.

The Family Lies by Angela Henry
4.5/5 Stars

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this advance reader copy! Releasing January 22, 2025, The Family Lies is an intense, suspense-driven story that had my heart racing and my mind spinning by the end. The twists came out of nowhere, and the final reveal completely blew me away 🤯—I’m still thinking about it!

As a fan of Freida McFadden, this was everything I wanted in a thriller: tension, surprises, and an ending that left me breathless. Even the cover reminded me of Freida McFadden’s The Housemates series, which drew me in immediately. I’m officially adding Angela Henry to my list of favorite authors, and I feel so lucky to have gotten my hands on this before its release to the public.

The only reason I didn’t give it a full 5 stars is that parts of the story felt a little familiar to another book I read earlier this year. But that didn’t stop me from loving it—Angela Henry’s storytelling is sharp, addictive, and unforgettable. Don’t miss this one!

The Family Lies is a suspenseful psychological thriller by Angela Henry that will keep you glued to the pages from beginning to end.

When Sabrina Adams manipulates her way into a position as librarian to the wealthy Dorsey family, she has no idea what she is getting herself into. When she arrives at the Dorsey estate, she's greeted by an unfriendly housekeeper, and a handful of strict rules she must follow and it isn't long before she comes to realize there is something mysterious going on with this family.

The book is mainly written from Sabrina's first person point of view, but it does switch occasionally to several other characters giving the reader more insight into the mysterious goings on in the Dorsey family. It's soon obvious that there is more going on here than just the mysterious death of a young girl near the Dorsey home.

The Family Lies will keep you glued to the page. From the beginning it's obvious that not only is everyone in the family lying, but so is practically everyone else in the book, which makes for an exciting read since you don't know who to believe or what is really going on.

This was my first Angela Henry book but I'll be going back to check out some of her previous books to see if they are just as enjoyable.

The Family Lies follows Sabrina Adams as she gets offered a job restoring an old library for the Dorsey's at their family estate. With so many rules to follow, locked doors and places that are off limits, Sabrina soon learns there a secrets within this family and doesn't know who to trust.

This is the second book I've read by this author, and I did prefer it to the other book I've read. I did enjoy reading this, and even though some of it was a little far-fetched for me, I just didn't love it. The story is entertaining, and it kept me interested throughout. This is a perfect book if you want something that's easy to get into, a quick and easy read. There are lots of twists, and although I had an inkling about a couple of them, it kept me guessing right up to the end. A story that is full of family drama, secrets, and lies. I recommend to those who love Freida McFaddon.

Thank you, Storm Publishing, for the opportunity to review this book.

4.5 ⭐️

I’m writing the review for this, weeks after finishing "The Family Lies" by Angela Henry, and I’m still thinking about it!

I loved trying to uncover the mystery as I read and thought it was enjoyable throughout. I was happy with what I thought was the big reveal and then the twists kept coming for a stunning ending.

Angela Henry has solidified her place as a new favourite of mine, and I eagerly await her next release.

2.5/5.0
I am honestly so sad about how I feel about this book. I was very excited to have the opportunity to read this and it kind of fell short for me.. When I started this book it was going good, but it felt so slow for me. I felt like I was just like where is this going..... This book reminded me a lot of The Housemaid and Verity. The story line with Sabrina and her sister really touched my heart. I could not believe that their relationship was so rocky, my heart was breaking visualizing how her family life was set up. Once Sabrina started to work with Theo I was like alright we are moving and grooving but then it felt short for me. Sabrina and Theo were the only likable characters for me! I really thought the whole time the house keeper was hooking up with Theo because she was waaaaaay too involved. The person who was found guilty of all the crimes was not who I thought it was. Way too many moving parts I felt lost and confused half of the time, but I feel like with the twist that essentially was the point because it all made sense. I enjoyed mystery of who killed who and all that, but overall I think this book took too long to get going. Once I got about 76% in everything started clicking and then 88% is when I started getting excited. I LOOOOOOOOVED the ending though!

**Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me an ARC copy of this book!**

Star Rating: 4.25

I think the book is great for Freida McFadden fans, especially the Housemaid because it follows a similar forced proximity feeling that we get from that book.

I love books where you can’t tell who is telling the truth and who isn’t and this is one of those books!

We follow Sabrina who is in a bad place in her life. All she wants to do is be a librarian, but that has been taken away from her for a very specific reason that is honestly her fault. But then, early on in the story she is offered a job restoring and appraising the books in a very expensive library for a family on their luxurious estate. This job requires that she live on site and throughout the novel, we get snippets of a mystery that unfolds as the story progresses involving the estate and possibly the family who owns it…. There are real life and psychological elements at play. I really loved following along with our main characters, because I really felt like I wanted to root for her.

We do switch up the POV to a lot of different characters, but in a really good way that unravels and reveals the story as it goes. As for pacing, I wouldn’t say it is particularly super fast paced, but by no means is it slow. The writing style was fairly straightforward and easy to read. The last 10% of the book are exactly what you’d want from a thriller! I personally didn’t guess the plot twists, but felt they made sense and had my adrenaline pumping. This is one plot element that really seemed out of left field and not super believable, but I’m not holding that against it.

All in all, I definitely recommend to thriller readers!

This book has a bit of a gothic feel to it. I do think it was slow moving and it seemed to take me forever to read. There’s some twists, turns and unexpected surprises.

The Family Lies: A Twisting Tale of Deception
Angela Henry, The Family Lies, Storm Publishing, January 2025.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

5 stars!

Angela Henry's The Family Lies is a captivating and fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end. This is my first encounter with Henry's writing, and I was immediately hooked. The story unfolds with a deceptive ease, drawing the reader into a world of secrets, lies and betrayals.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to connect with their struggles and emotions. The plot twists are expertly crafted, surprising and shocking the reader at every turn.

The Family Lies is a must read for fans of domestic thrillers and anyone who enjoys a suspenseful and unpredictable story.

THE FAMILY LIES BY ANGELA HENRY.
Release date set for the 22nd of January 2025.
This was a quick enjoyable read for me.
Fast paced and left me hanging till the very end.
I also noticed that i have a few of this authors on my TBR pile so i'll be jumping into them ASAP.
There were multiple POVs but i followed the story with no problems.
This was my first book by this author.
Thank you to Storm Publishing, Netgalley and Angela Henry for allowing me to read this ARC.

Every family has secrets, but the Dorseys have buried theirs so deeply that uncovering them could prove deadly. Angela Henry’s The Family Lies is a thrilling page-turner packed with tension, mystery, and jaw-dropping twists.

When Sabrina Adams secures a job as the librarian for the wealthy and enigmatic Dorsey family, she believes her luck has finally turned. But from the moment she arrives at their sprawling estate, it’s clear something isn’t quite right. Surveillance cameras monitor her every move, the third floor is strictly forbidden, and the stern housekeeper, Mrs Manning, enforces an unnervingly rigid set of rules. To make matters worse, Sabrina notices a shadowy figure watching the house from the woods.

Sabrina isn’t entirely honest about her reasons for joining the household—she’s lied her way into the position, partly drawn by her attraction to the tall, dark, and charming Theo Dorsey. But Detective Jared Green warns her to stay away, hinting that Theo may be connected to a string of murders involving young women. Ignoring the warning, Sabrina soon finds herself entangled in the family’s secrets.

As suspicious accidents pile up and troubling discoveries come to light, Sabrina’s doubts grow. Theo was the last person to see a missing local woman alive, and years earlier, he was linked to another mysterious death. Even more unsettling, no one can account for the whereabouts of the family’s previous librarian. With her job—and life—on the line, Sabrina is forced to confront the sinister truth: who can she trust in this family, and will she survive to uncover their lies?

Angela Henry once again delivers a masterfully crafted thriller. The Family Lies is fast-paced and brimming with tension, leading to a punchy, satisfying ending that lingers in your mind long after the final page. The writing is sharp, the characters layered, and the atmosphere suffused with suspense.

Fans of Freida McFadden’s gripping narratives will feel right at home with The Family Lies. Angela Henry has firmly established herself as a favourite for those who crave twisty, compulsive reads. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a dark and thrilling escape.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Great book.
Was enraptured from the start. Looking up the author now to see what else they have to offer.

Set in Harper’s Ferry Ohio, we meet Sabrina Adams, who after losing her job at the local library is now working in The Book Barn. Wealthy Theodore Dorsey is looking for someone to catalogue his family’s extensive book collection and their unexpected meeting ends with him offering her the job. Happy to move away from her spiteful sister Cami and lecherous brother-in-law Bruce, she looks forward to starting this new and rewarding job. However, Sabrina finds herself subject to certain strict rules as she moves into Theodore’s massive house, guarded by the dragon-like housekeeper Mrs Manning.
This story definitely has an air of menace about it. The house throws up a myriad of questions. Curious, Sabrina breaks the rules as she tries to work out what is going on. Has her employer any connection to the disappearance of two individuals who once held her job? Her quest for answers gradually lead her into more and more danger.
It is a gripping read and there’s a sinister feel about the house and its occupants. The only thing I had issues with was the writer’s voice. Written from several viewpoints, I found Sabrina’s narrative a little flat. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the story so have given the review four stars.
I would like to thank Storm, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of The Family Lies in exchange for an honest review.

this was pretty fun and easy to read, i wasn't a huge fan of the writing, but it also didn't bother me too much. the plot twists were pretty fun, not too predictable. it wasn't the best mystery book i've read, but still enjoyable :)

I loved this book. It was captivating from the beginning and with all its twists and turns it made for a real page turner. I loved the characters and how the story unfolded. I was taken aback at the twist at the end. A truly wonderful book.

Thank you NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for my free and honest review. This novel contained many twists and turns, while keeping me intrigued and trying to solve the several mysteries I knew about. The ending was nothing short of shocking with both the answers to the mysteries being brought to light, along with another surprise from Sabrina. Don’t wait, read this one now!

Here is the blurb "Every family has secrets. The Dorseys bury theirs.
Sabrina Adams thought her luck had finally turned around when she was hired to restore the private library of the wealthy Dorsey family. But as soon as she arrives at their elegant estate, she senses something is off. Rooms are locked without explanation. And why does the housekeeper, Mrs Manning, insist on so many rules?
Then police officers arrive at the door with questions about the disappearance of a local woman. Sabrina is shocked to learn her charming employer, Theo Dorsey, was the last person to see the missing woman alive. He insists he's innocent, and Sabrina believes him. Until she discovers Theo was linked to another woman's death several years before. And Sabrina starts to ask herself... Who can I trust in this family? And will I be next?"

This book was ok, the premise started off well, but to be honest I found it a bit unbelievable, why would Sabrina still be there after her initial worries about the family. I have to confess a reveal near the end surprise me in a good way but still I just found the premise a little far fetched. Any hint of romance in a book, especially when a character can't make a sensible decision because of their attraction to another character just puts me off a book. I am sure lots of people will enjoy this but I just wanted to give Sabrina a good talking to!

Family lies, drama, secrets, mysteries, murder...it's all here! Not to mention sliceable tension, thick atmosphere and swirling suspense around every corner. The majority of the story is, after all, set in a mansion. I love that the library is practically a character with its dusty old books and hidden secrets.

Librarian Sabrina is laid off her job in a library and is surprised by wealthy fellow book lover Theo Dorsey's job offer to restore his family's vast private library. The salary is generous plus room, board and health benefits are included. However, the housekeeper has a strange list of rules such as being home by midnight and no food allowed in bedrooms. Sabrina sought other sources for help on valuing books and generally liked what she did. But there is a pervasive sense of foreboding as snippets of stories of a sick sister and shadowy figures appear on the grounds. Teenager Luca helps out in the library but is obviously hiding something, too. The Dorsey household is quirky, mysterious and secretive but Sabrina is determined to discover who did what and why.

The atmosphere and setting drew me in most but my attention was held by the plot and subplots, questionable characters, sense of unease wondering how on earth it would end. I was happy with the surprises along the way. Bits of the ending were a bit over the top but I enjoyed my reading adventure nonetheless.

My sincere thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this smashing thriller.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed reading the book very much until the last 10% or so. I thought the story was interesting and the characters were well drawn. I wanted to keep reading which is a sign of a good book. But then, for me, it all went pair shaped. One of those books where less would be more. Too many twists and turns just too much. A certain suspension of disbelief is good but this went too far. A pity.