Thank you Netgalley and Hashtag Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

In "It All Started With a Lie" by Denise Brown, Pearl's perception of her seemingly perfect family is shattered when she stumbles upon a newspaper clipping featuring her father holding a baby abandoned outside a hospital. This discovery triggers a gripping tale of betrayal, obsession, and murder, setting the stage for a story that unravels around a central lie.

From the very first page, I found myself captivated by the intricacies of "It All Started With a Lie." Pearl, initially thinking her family didn’t have any secrets, is thrust into a world of deception, of secrets that adults keep because they think they’re protecting their children. Brown skillfully draws you into the heart of the story, creating an edge-of-your-seat experience that is impossible to put down. There were so many layers to the central mystery, so many different plot points that kept me engaged throughout the book. This was a very fast-paced book, and I read this book in only a few hours as I just had to know what was going to happen next.

The story is infused with tension, suspense, and unexpected plot twists that kept me wanting more. Denis Brown has a talent for immersing readers in the story, making them forget they are reading a book. The vivid imagery and engaging writing style made it easy to envision the scenes.

Pearl's journey of self-discovery and the unveiling of family secrets resonate with authenticity. Brown creates a complex web of relationships, leaving you emotionally invested in the characters' fates. I will say that I wanted more development of the characters, especially Pearl and Samantha. About halfway through the book when one certain truth is revealed, I couldn’t figure out the exact motivations of the characters and why they were so invested in the mystery. Learning more about the character motivations would have strengthened this aspect of the writing. And even though the book was fast-paced, there was also a lack of tension and urgency, which, again, I think the character motivations would have helped. Overall though, I did enjoy the mystery aspect, and I like how the ending wrapped up all the loose ends.

All in all, "It All Started With a Lie" is a compelling story that combines elements of mystery, family dynamics, and suspense. Brown’s ability to craft a narrative that keeps you guessing makes this book a must-read for those who enjoy immersive storytelling, especially for those who are entertained by stories focusing on obsession and the consequences of hidden truths.

This book is absolutely brilliant!!! This is one of the best books that I read in 2024. I love books when they keep me in the dark, I can't guess what's gonna happen and how it's gonna end, and this book did those things to me. LOVED IT!

"It All Started With a Lie" is a story about Pearl who discovers a newspaper clipping showing a picture of her dad holding the baby he found abandoned outside a hospital. She thinks it is her so she investigates it with her three friends. But, instead of finding out who the baby is, she finds something else. A dark secret that her family buried for years.

I don't know how to explain it to you without spoiling it. What I can say is... just read it. You won't regret it, especially if you love murder mystery!

I received this book as an ARC and honestly I loved it! I’m a big fan of a good girl’s guide to murder and this was a similar vibe! The story was written well and still had a good plot twist. Especially the end I never expected! I completely thought of something else there. Denise did absolutely amazing with this book and I will definitely recommend it!