I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Short, cute and fun, I enjoyed this book. While it wasn't the most original story the writing was well done and the characters kept me interested. The setting of Maine also added another pleasant dimension. Overall, nice read.

This book is billed as a mystery but the mystery element is pretty minimal. I'ts pretty obvious that the father is having an affair. The subject of that affair is an odd twist but not a true mystery. My bigger issue with this book, though, is the protagonist's actions. She does more than follow her father; she stalks him She sees nothing wrong with breaking into his house, letting out the pets, stealing items. It's creepy, not sympathetic.

The premise for A Lie for A Lie is attention-grabbing and unique -- which is why it's such a shame that book shares neither of those two traits. The main character of Kendra faces a tough situation with her father/family situation and the chance to really grow up while handling it. However, this is a stunted, very rushed novel that exchanges emotion and honesty for a simple and easy ending. The potential for more is left unfulfilled or unexplored, and this YA thriller ends up shallow and silly.

This book is rather disappointing in several ways, both big and small. For one, it's too short to make any real impact -- less than 215 pages to create realistic characters and storylines? Secondly, (and a direct result of the first issue) the characters all lack depth and the ability to evoke empathy. Even Kendra is under-developed and deliberately facile. The plot is handled with bluntly or dispassionately, despite the supposedly dramatic subject matter. Unpolished and simplistic across the board, at least A Lie for A Lie is over quickly.