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They All Lied: 'Riveting and thrilling ... I didn't come up for air until the very last page' Patricia Gibney
When Nadine Fitzmaurice, a manager in an insurance company, gets a distressed phone call from her eighteen-year-old daughter, Becca, telling her she's killed someone, Nadine's life is turned upside down. Now Becca is being held against her will and, determined to save her daughter, Nadine finds herself dragged into the underworld of organised crime - and under the scrutiny of Detective Sergeant Wren Moore.But the more Nadine gets sucked in by those holding Becca, elements of her past, and a 'TRUTH or DARE' game that went terribly wrong years before, come to the surface. Eighteen years earlier, teenager, Evie Nolan went missing. She never came home.TRUTH or DAREOne day Evie was there, and then she was goneOne day Becca was there, and now she is gone tooWill Nadine be able to save her daughter before it's too late?‘Riveting and thrilling.’ Patricia Gibney‘Grips you from the opening page and doesn’t let you go.’ Brian McGilloway‘One of the most original and distinctive voices in Irish Crime fiction.’ Jane Casey‘An explosive thriller with brilliant twists.’ Anthony Quinn‘Cleverly plotted and deftly woven, with surprises at every turn.’ Andrea Mara
448 pages, Paperback
Published February 2, 2023
28 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Louise Phillips
7 books224 followersWINNER OF BEST IRISH CRIME NOVEL OF THE YEAR.
LONGLISTED CWA DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY AWARD.
WINNER IRISH LITERARY AWARD, JACK HARTE AWARD & THE JONATHON SWIFT AWARD
LOUISE PHILLIPS is a bestselling author of seven crime novels, five of which were shortlisted for Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year. Her second novel, THE DOLL’S HOUSE, won the award. She has been longlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award in the UK. Her fifth novel, ‘THE HIDING GAME' was optioned and developed by a major U.S. film company, and her latest novel ‘NINA' will be published in the US & Canada by Union Square & Co in November 2025. She is currently working on her eight novel.
LONGLISTED CWA DAGGER IN THE LIBRARY AWARD.
WINNER IRISH LITERARY AWARD, JACK HARTE AWARD & THE JONATHON SWIFT AWARD
LOUISE PHILLIPS is a bestselling author of seven crime novels, five of which were shortlisted for Best Irish Crime Novel of the Year. Her second novel, THE DOLL’S HOUSE, won the award. She has been longlisted for the CWA Dagger in the Library Award in the UK. Her fifth novel, ‘THE HIDING GAME' was optioned and developed by a major U.S. film company, and her latest novel ‘NINA' will be published in the US & Canada by Union Square & Co in November 2025. She is currently working on her eight novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 28, 2022
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
After reading and enjoying other books by Louise Phillips, I can’t tell you how excited I was to start They All Lied - I certainly wasn’t disappointed!
Well-written, with fabulous characterisation; the characters are solid, well-rounded and relatable. Their dialogue is authentic and believable.
I love crime thrillers/police procedurals but I find they’re often overly cluttered with characters, way too many for my poor (sieve-like) memory to remember; happily that isn’t the case here and I found it easy to navigate and keep track of who was who.
Nadine, one of the main characters is an extremely unreliable narrator - coupled with the many twists and turns, I was never 100% sure who was telling the truth.
Although I did eventually guess some of the twists, I didn’t predict the final reveal.
Overall, an excellent read.
Many thanks to Louise Phillips for my copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
After reading and enjoying other books by Louise Phillips, I can’t tell you how excited I was to start They All Lied - I certainly wasn’t disappointed!
Well-written, with fabulous characterisation; the characters are solid, well-rounded and relatable. Their dialogue is authentic and believable.
I love crime thrillers/police procedurals but I find they’re often overly cluttered with characters, way too many for my poor (sieve-like) memory to remember; happily that isn’t the case here and I found it easy to navigate and keep track of who was who.
Nadine, one of the main characters is an extremely unreliable narrator - coupled with the many twists and turns, I was never 100% sure who was telling the truth.
Although I did eventually guess some of the twists, I didn’t predict the final reveal.
Overall, an excellent read.
Many thanks to Louise Phillips for my copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
February 13, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. What a read. I was completely absorbed in the story from start to finish. The characters were fantastic and all fully believable. If you enjoy fast-paced, action-packed, thrillers, you are going to love They All Lied. Filled with unexpected twists and an ending I never saw coming.
Nadine is a phenomenal character and so well written that I wasn't sure whether to believe what was happening to her or not. When her daughter calls to tell her she's killed someone this sets in motion a series of events that pulls Nadine into a nightmare that makes her relive the past and there are some truly terrifying moments in this book. I was on tenterhooks turning the pages and wondering what was going to happen next.
The story flowed and Phillips is a master at setting tension levels so high that I couldn't put this book down. In fact, I wished I could have read it in one sitting, only I couldn't keep my eyes open and ended up reading very late into the night only to immediately pick my kindle back up the next morning.
If you're looking for a riveting read that you won't be able to put down, I highly recommend this unpredictable thriller.
Nadine is a phenomenal character and so well written that I wasn't sure whether to believe what was happening to her or not. When her daughter calls to tell her she's killed someone this sets in motion a series of events that pulls Nadine into a nightmare that makes her relive the past and there are some truly terrifying moments in this book. I was on tenterhooks turning the pages and wondering what was going to happen next.
The story flowed and Phillips is a master at setting tension levels so high that I couldn't put this book down. In fact, I wished I could have read it in one sitting, only I couldn't keep my eyes open and ended up reading very late into the night only to immediately pick my kindle back up the next morning.
If you're looking for a riveting read that you won't be able to put down, I highly recommend this unpredictable thriller.
January 31, 2022
Totally sucked me in! Loved the premise and loved the delivery. This book doesn’t let up. From the opening psychological dilemma to the breathe-taking denouement, ‘They All Lied’ is Louise’s best yet.
March 3, 2022
Louise Philips has come up with a complex yet action-packed thriller in her latest novel They All Lied.
Nadine Fitzmaurice is catapulted into a nightmare when she receives a phone call from her missing daughter telling her she has killed someone. Without thinking Nadine immediately goes into rescue mode and gets dragged deeper into a world which reaches into the past as well as having immediate consequences. It soon becomes clear that all is not what it seems.
Detective Sergeant Wren Moore gives us the other main narrative as she investigates Becca's disappearance and the task becomes a race against time.
This is an action-packed read which also manages to touch upon many issues of the day meaning total absorption for this reader.
Nadine Fitzmaurice is catapulted into a nightmare when she receives a phone call from her missing daughter telling her she has killed someone. Without thinking Nadine immediately goes into rescue mode and gets dragged deeper into a world which reaches into the past as well as having immediate consequences. It soon becomes clear that all is not what it seems.
Detective Sergeant Wren Moore gives us the other main narrative as she investigates Becca's disappearance and the task becomes a race against time.
This is an action-packed read which also manages to touch upon many issues of the day meaning total absorption for this reader.
November 25, 2023
Nadine receives a phone call from her daughter to say she's killed someone and is now being held hostage. Nadine must follow a specific set of rules to help Becca. This started off strong but then just petered off. Not sure if it's me but it didn't hold my attention much after the first couple of chapters.
February 15, 2022
With a brilliant, gripping storyline this book hooked me from the very beginning and it was unputdownable right to the end. Really well written characters and with plenty of twists and turns, this is a riveting read and I will be recommending it left, right and centre!!
February 20, 2022
This novel moved at a great pace. I love all the twists and turns. Fantastic characters. I couldn't put it down.
January 30, 2022
What’s the sign of a good book?
For me, it’s one that grabs my interest from the first page and I want to just down everything and keep reading
Despite having a very busy week I finished this book in 3 days
Yes, it is that good!
The characters are well depicted and, as a reader, you really get to ‘know’ them all. This book has everything from gangland wars, domestic abuse, coercion, loss and love. These are ordinary people who are unwillingly caught up in others crimes. The lies they all told continue right up to the very end and it was only then I stopped, looked up and took a breath
I would not hesitate to recommend this book, take some time out, sit and enjoy
With thanks to NetGalley, Louise Philips and Hachette Books for an ARC in return for an honest review
For me, it’s one that grabs my interest from the first page and I want to just down everything and keep reading
Despite having a very busy week I finished this book in 3 days
Yes, it is that good!
The characters are well depicted and, as a reader, you really get to ‘know’ them all. This book has everything from gangland wars, domestic abuse, coercion, loss and love. These are ordinary people who are unwillingly caught up in others crimes. The lies they all told continue right up to the very end and it was only then I stopped, looked up and took a breath
I would not hesitate to recommend this book, take some time out, sit and enjoy
With thanks to NetGalley, Louise Philips and Hachette Books for an ARC in return for an honest review
March 17, 2022
Absolutely gripping and really thrilling. A really well written well paced edge of your seat thriller. I enjoyed this book and the characters involved in it too
February 27, 2022
My first read by this author and one I really enjoyed. Told largely from the viewpoint of two of the main characters, Nadine Fitzmaurice and Detective Sergeant Wren Moore, this is a cleverly plotted thriller with twists and turns that had me suspecting everyone. One of those books that I read quickly as it grabbed onto me and I needed to find out who the guilty party was.
Briefly, Nadine‘s daughter Becca has gone missing. Then Nadine receives a distraught phone call from her telling her that she’s killed somebody and that Nadine has to do something for the people holding Becca. After testing her with a small job they finally reveal what Nadine has to do to get her daughter back. Nadine is fragile, having long suffered with mental health issues, and is struggling to hold herself together. Under duress she does share some of the things that been happening to her, but no one seems to believe her. When DS Wren more becomes involved she quickly realises that there seems to be a tenuous connection to an 18-year-old girl who went missing years earlier; and possibly even to the death of Wren’s mother when she was a child. Can they find Becca before it’s too late?
This is a fast paced read with multiple red herrings and connections to a children’s game many years earlier. It’s heartbreaking to see the terror and vulnerability of a mother trying to save her child. This is quite an intricate tale and at times I did feel like I might be losing the thread a little bit but it soon all becomes clear. This was a very good read and I will definitely look at this author again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Briefly, Nadine‘s daughter Becca has gone missing. Then Nadine receives a distraught phone call from her telling her that she’s killed somebody and that Nadine has to do something for the people holding Becca. After testing her with a small job they finally reveal what Nadine has to do to get her daughter back. Nadine is fragile, having long suffered with mental health issues, and is struggling to hold herself together. Under duress she does share some of the things that been happening to her, but no one seems to believe her. When DS Wren more becomes involved she quickly realises that there seems to be a tenuous connection to an 18-year-old girl who went missing years earlier; and possibly even to the death of Wren’s mother when she was a child. Can they find Becca before it’s too late?
This is a fast paced read with multiple red herrings and connections to a children’s game many years earlier. It’s heartbreaking to see the terror and vulnerability of a mother trying to save her child. This is quite an intricate tale and at times I did feel like I might be losing the thread a little bit but it soon all becomes clear. This was a very good read and I will definitely look at this author again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
February 8, 2022
Firstly, thanks to Louise Phillips and Hatchette Books for the ARC. I was disappointed with this book, as the blurb sounded so good. Short chapters usually make for a quick read, but this case don't. It doesn't help that there are 2 central characters and the chapters rapidly flip from one to the other - the main problem being that both are told from a first person narrative. The flipping of viewpoints not only breaks up the narrative flow, I had to concentrate on which chapter was which person. I'd have found it a much more pleasant read if the detective's story was in the 3rd person narrative instead.
Nadine must have super-sonic hearing at times. In one instance she "can hear sheep grazing on land nearby" ( I've never yet walked by a field of sheep and heard them making any noise other than baaa) and then later she can hear an intruder opening bedroom drawers, while she's outside of the house.
What started off as a quite interesting plot rapidly becomes laughable as silly coincidence piles onto silly coincidence, and by the 3/4 point I found myself not really caring what happened to any of them.
Nadine must have super-sonic hearing at times. In one instance she "can hear sheep grazing on land nearby" ( I've never yet walked by a field of sheep and heard them making any noise other than baaa) and then later she can hear an intruder opening bedroom drawers, while she's outside of the house.
What started off as a quite interesting plot rapidly becomes laughable as silly coincidence piles onto silly coincidence, and by the 3/4 point I found myself not really caring what happened to any of them.
March 2, 2022
This book gets straight into the action which made me instantly hooked. I struggled to put the book down as I was so sucked in by the plot and characters. As you make you’re way through the book there is a point where it feels a lot names are being thrown around or a lot of things happening, but I assure you it does come together in the end.
Phillips knows how to write books thats for sure! She cleverly reveals small snippets and secrets about Nadines younger days, around the mysterious disappearance of her friend Evie and her husband, without giving too much away. The way it is written also constantly makes you wonder who is telling the truth and who might be crazy. It keeps you guessing until the very end and I love that!
I was able to guess details of the ending, although I never guessed the big twist, however I really enjoyed the journey getting there.
Do you ever just read a book and just love it but almost feel like its hard to put into words the reasons why, well thats They All Lied for me. And I guess you will just need to read it to find out why.
Phillips knows how to write books thats for sure! She cleverly reveals small snippets and secrets about Nadines younger days, around the mysterious disappearance of her friend Evie and her husband, without giving too much away. The way it is written also constantly makes you wonder who is telling the truth and who might be crazy. It keeps you guessing until the very end and I love that!
I was able to guess details of the ending, although I never guessed the big twist, however I really enjoyed the journey getting there.
Do you ever just read a book and just love it but almost feel like its hard to put into words the reasons why, well thats They All Lied for me. And I guess you will just need to read it to find out why.
March 3, 2022
I can't believe I have never read any of Louise's books before, this was a great story to get involved in. Once I had sat down with it, I found it very hard to get up as I just wanted to continue to read it. It was thrilling to the point where I told my husband to be quiet just so I could savour all the twists that came with this story that I will not forget. There are parts in the story that make you think what would I do in that situation and there are parts where it is very cleverly written with twists and turns where you least expect it. Now I need to go on a hunt and pick some more of Louise's books up. This one was really good.
March 5, 2022
With this pacy, psychological thriller Phillips delivers a masterclass in crime fiction writing that captivates from the first sentence to the last. A cast of well rounded and believable characters interacting via superbly written dialogue, a gritty Dublin setting and a wonderfully clever premise, what's not to like? They All Lied could arguably be considered Phillips best work to date. It certainly cements her place as one of Irish Crime Fiction Writing's finest.
April 10, 2022
I love a book that grips you from the beginning, but it’s not all that often that books do that from the very first page. However, this is one of those few and once it had hold of me it didn’t let go until the very end!
The author has a wonderfully engaging storytelling technique and the characters were so well created that I found myself feeling really invested in them.
This is, in short, a great book that I highly recommend.
The author has a wonderfully engaging storytelling technique and the characters were so well created that I found myself feeling really invested in them.
This is, in short, a great book that I highly recommend.
August 30, 2025
I didn't know this author, had zero expectations and honestly she delivered a great book! I was glued to this book from page one. It was super entertaining and addictive, with all these twists and characters full of secrets. The characters are so well developed and I love that! I predicted one of the major twists but I don't even care because the book was great. Def deserving of 4⭐ for mostly getting me out of my slump
February 17, 2022
A page turner with more twists and turns than an Irish backroad.
Echoes of Harry Bosch as Garda Wren navigates the murky Dublin underworld. She intersects with Nadine a business woman who has it all until she doesn’t. A fascinating study of characters facing overwhelming internal psychological pressures and external forces.
Echoes of Harry Bosch as Garda Wren navigates the murky Dublin underworld. She intersects with Nadine a business woman who has it all until she doesn’t. A fascinating study of characters facing overwhelming internal psychological pressures and external forces.
April 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked in from the first chapter. I enjoyed how the chapters quickly flipped between the point of view of the two main characters.
I’d definitely recommend to a friend!
I’d definitely recommend to a friend!
November 29, 2022
Thrilling
May 4, 2022
They All Lied by Louise Phillips was published by Hachette Ireland March 3rd and is described by Brian McGilloway as a novel that is both ‘compelling and clever’. With a very shocking opening, They All Lied is a book that grabs the attention from the outset. Nadine’s life changes the moment she receives a panicked call from her daughter, Becca, claiming she has killed someone. Nadine’s initial reaction is shock. Unable to process what Becca is saying she quickly moves from disbelief to the realisation that this is actually happening
“I stare out the window. I see the leaves rise off the ground, carried by a soft autumn breeze. I’ve an almighty pain in my chest. This is my worst fear, every parent’s nightmare”
Becca and Nadine have had a fraught relationship over the years, with Nadine’s over-protective nature pushing Becca further away. Becca had finally drifted with a bad crowd and Nadine had not heard much from her in weeks. Now Becca is in trouble and needs Nadine to listen carefully to instructions. Becca’s safety, her life, is under threat. Captive in an unknown location and clearly traumatised, she tells Nadine where to go and what to do next if she ever wants to see Becca alive again. Nadine’s obvious gut-reaction is to inform the police. Her brother, Gavin, had been an ex member of the force and had a special relationship with Becca but Nadine was fearful that even telling Gavin would put Becca in trouble. Pulling on all her resources she follows Becca’s instructions but a familiar face from her past throws her world into disarray.
Nadine has experience of mental health issues and is on permanent medication, while also attending regular visits with her therapist. She has good days and bad days but now, with her past coming crashing in on her, she begins to withdraw. Becca needs her but Nadine is unsure if she can keep it together. The further Nadine finds herself being pulled into her past, the more fearful she becomes for Becca’s safety, and as she discovers, also her own. A teenage game. A missing person. A long-held secret. Can Nadine save Becca before it’s too late?
Detective Sergeant Wren Moore is a great character who senses from the beginning that something is off when she first accidently crosses paths with Nadine. DS Moore is a steadfast individual, who takes her work very seriously. Currently involved in an investigation following the discovery of a discarded body part, DS Moore knows all about the criminal underworld in Dublin and the gangs who inhabit the streets there. She tentatively explores Nadine’s past, after a gut-feeling leads her in a specific direction. DS Moore’s own background is slowly revealed and as the stories become intertwined, it’s soon clear that Nadine Fitzmaurice is way in over her head.
They All Lied is a fast-paced, action-packed read. The opening chapter immediately captured my attention. I thought that DS Moore was an excellent addition to the story and I really enjoyed Louise Phillips writing style, but, unfortunately, I just did not find the plot altogether believable. My imagination was being stretched to its limits and I found myself questioning too many scenes. An exciting story in so many ways, with a clock ticking the whole time, They All Lied has all the ingredients for a really compelling tale but, as the number of coincidences increased, I became quite sceptical and sadly lost some of the initial buzz that I had experienced.
They All Lied is packed full of twists and there are many tense moments throughout the novel. A book receiving many 5 star reviews, with Patricia Gibney describing it as ‘the best book from Louise Phillips’ , this might be a case of just not the right book for me right now, so do please check it out for yourself and let me know your thoughts.
“I stare out the window. I see the leaves rise off the ground, carried by a soft autumn breeze. I’ve an almighty pain in my chest. This is my worst fear, every parent’s nightmare”
Becca and Nadine have had a fraught relationship over the years, with Nadine’s over-protective nature pushing Becca further away. Becca had finally drifted with a bad crowd and Nadine had not heard much from her in weeks. Now Becca is in trouble and needs Nadine to listen carefully to instructions. Becca’s safety, her life, is under threat. Captive in an unknown location and clearly traumatised, she tells Nadine where to go and what to do next if she ever wants to see Becca alive again. Nadine’s obvious gut-reaction is to inform the police. Her brother, Gavin, had been an ex member of the force and had a special relationship with Becca but Nadine was fearful that even telling Gavin would put Becca in trouble. Pulling on all her resources she follows Becca’s instructions but a familiar face from her past throws her world into disarray.
Nadine has experience of mental health issues and is on permanent medication, while also attending regular visits with her therapist. She has good days and bad days but now, with her past coming crashing in on her, she begins to withdraw. Becca needs her but Nadine is unsure if she can keep it together. The further Nadine finds herself being pulled into her past, the more fearful she becomes for Becca’s safety, and as she discovers, also her own. A teenage game. A missing person. A long-held secret. Can Nadine save Becca before it’s too late?
Detective Sergeant Wren Moore is a great character who senses from the beginning that something is off when she first accidently crosses paths with Nadine. DS Moore is a steadfast individual, who takes her work very seriously. Currently involved in an investigation following the discovery of a discarded body part, DS Moore knows all about the criminal underworld in Dublin and the gangs who inhabit the streets there. She tentatively explores Nadine’s past, after a gut-feeling leads her in a specific direction. DS Moore’s own background is slowly revealed and as the stories become intertwined, it’s soon clear that Nadine Fitzmaurice is way in over her head.
They All Lied is a fast-paced, action-packed read. The opening chapter immediately captured my attention. I thought that DS Moore was an excellent addition to the story and I really enjoyed Louise Phillips writing style, but, unfortunately, I just did not find the plot altogether believable. My imagination was being stretched to its limits and I found myself questioning too many scenes. An exciting story in so many ways, with a clock ticking the whole time, They All Lied has all the ingredients for a really compelling tale but, as the number of coincidences increased, I became quite sceptical and sadly lost some of the initial buzz that I had experienced.
They All Lied is packed full of twists and there are many tense moments throughout the novel. A book receiving many 5 star reviews, with Patricia Gibney describing it as ‘the best book from Louise Phillips’ , this might be a case of just not the right book for me right now, so do please check it out for yourself and let me know your thoughts.
June 15, 2024
I enjoyed this book but I found it a bit slow. Initially it is fast paced with a lot going on following Becca's abduction. But then it stalls with a fair bit of repetition regarding the earlier disappearance of Evie.
I found the relationship between Nadine and her brother, Gavin, difficult to understand. I felt for Nadine as she struggled in a horrible situation with nowhere to turn and no-one believing her. I was a bit frustrated as there were a few times she could have done things to prove she was telling the truth (use her phone to take pictures, for instance) but that would have messed with the plot. I think the author did a very good job, keeping us guessing about Gavin's motivations and whether he was looking out for Nadine or out to get her. She also got me thinking about how trauma in early life, and a poor relationship with parents, can really affect adult life.
There were a lot of tortured souls in this book and I found the interweaving of current and past events a bit far fetched especially the part of the plot associated with the police officer.
I liked Wren, the detective, as a character, she is intelligent, kind and passionate about doing her job, helping others and doing the right thing. Just the type of person you would like as a Garda.
Overall, this is a good read and gives the reader plenty to think about. I did find it slow and I also figured a few things out so not sure the 'surprises at every turn' tahline really worked for me.
I found the relationship between Nadine and her brother, Gavin, difficult to understand. I felt for Nadine as she struggled in a horrible situation with nowhere to turn and no-one believing her. I was a bit frustrated as there were a few times she could have done things to prove she was telling the truth (use her phone to take pictures, for instance) but that would have messed with the plot. I think the author did a very good job, keeping us guessing about Gavin's motivations and whether he was looking out for Nadine or out to get her. She also got me thinking about how trauma in early life, and a poor relationship with parents, can really affect adult life.
There were a lot of tortured souls in this book and I found the interweaving of current and past events a bit far fetched especially the part of the plot associated with the police officer.
I liked Wren, the detective, as a character, she is intelligent, kind and passionate about doing her job, helping others and doing the right thing. Just the type of person you would like as a Garda.
Overall, this is a good read and gives the reader plenty to think about. I did find it slow and I also figured a few things out so not sure the 'surprises at every turn' tahline really worked for me.
April 1, 2022
Thank you so much to Louise for sending me a copy of her book to read and review!
This is the first novel that I’ve read by Louise, and I wasn’t disappointed! A thrilling and encapsulating read, with some absolutely brilliant twists and turns!
The character of Nadine is so well written, with so many intricate details that I found myself unsure whether I could believe her side of the story. When she receives a call from her daughter saying she had killed someone, I was even questioning whether she had imagined the entire phone call! However, this phone call triggers a sequence of events that send Nadine spiraling into dangerous territory, including committing crimes. I often found myself questioning Nadine’s brother Gavin also, with something feeling very sketchy about him.
I was absolutely hooked throughout, unable to put the book down even if it was midnight and I had work the next day!
I was also unable to keep my mouth from gaping open at the twists within this book; each one had me thoroughly impressed with Louise’s writing, and left me questioning my sanity in places.
Overall, I was really impressed with this novel, and I now want to read Louise’s previous novels!
This is the first novel that I’ve read by Louise, and I wasn’t disappointed! A thrilling and encapsulating read, with some absolutely brilliant twists and turns!
The character of Nadine is so well written, with so many intricate details that I found myself unsure whether I could believe her side of the story. When she receives a call from her daughter saying she had killed someone, I was even questioning whether she had imagined the entire phone call! However, this phone call triggers a sequence of events that send Nadine spiraling into dangerous territory, including committing crimes. I often found myself questioning Nadine’s brother Gavin also, with something feeling very sketchy about him.
I was absolutely hooked throughout, unable to put the book down even if it was midnight and I had work the next day!
I was also unable to keep my mouth from gaping open at the twists within this book; each one had me thoroughly impressed with Louise’s writing, and left me questioning my sanity in places.
Overall, I was really impressed with this novel, and I now want to read Louise’s previous novels!
March 14, 2022
They All Lied by Louise Phillips is a gritty thriller which cleverly links some past events with the disappearance of a girl to expose a ruthless criminal enterprise.
Nadine Fitzmaurice has not seen her daughter Becca in a few days and is worried, then she gets a call that only makes things worse. Before long, Nadine is involved in things she would never have dreamed of doing. At the same time DCI Wren Murphy has come across a body part discarded in a local river that leads to a complex investigation.
They All Lied is a multi-layered story which I found really intriguing. I had to re-assess my prime suspect a number of times as the author kept revealing more information. I enjoyed the tension and the ending was excellent.
The author uses one of the characters to demonstrate how easily someone can be psychologically abused.This is the first book that I have read by Louise Phillips but I will certainly look out for more.
Nadine Fitzmaurice has not seen her daughter Becca in a few days and is worried, then she gets a call that only makes things worse. Before long, Nadine is involved in things she would never have dreamed of doing. At the same time DCI Wren Murphy has come across a body part discarded in a local river that leads to a complex investigation.
They All Lied is a multi-layered story which I found really intriguing. I had to re-assess my prime suspect a number of times as the author kept revealing more information. I enjoyed the tension and the ending was excellent.
The author uses one of the characters to demonstrate how easily someone can be psychologically abused.This is the first book that I have read by Louise Phillips but I will certainly look out for more.
September 10, 2023
They All Lied by Louise Phillips is a gritty thriller which cleverly links some past events with the disappearance of a girl to expose a ruthless criminal enterprise.
Nadine Fitzmaurice has not seen her daughter Becca in a few days and is worried, then she gets a call that only makes things worse. Before long, Nadine is involved in things she would never have dreamed of doing. At the same time DCI Wren Murphy has come across a body part discarded in a local river that leads to a complex investigation.
They All Lied is a multi-layered story which I found really intriguing. I had to re-assess my prime suspect a number of times as the author kept revealing more information. I enjoyed the tension and the ending was excellent.
The author uses one of the characters to demonstrate how easily someone can be psychologically abused.This is the first book that I have read by Louise Phillips but I will certainly look out for more.
Nadine Fitzmaurice has not seen her daughter Becca in a few days and is worried, then she gets a call that only makes things worse. Before long, Nadine is involved in things she would never have dreamed of doing. At the same time DCI Wren Murphy has come across a body part discarded in a local river that leads to a complex investigation.
They All Lied is a multi-layered story which I found really intriguing. I had to re-assess my prime suspect a number of times as the author kept revealing more information. I enjoyed the tension and the ending was excellent.
The author uses one of the characters to demonstrate how easily someone can be psychologically abused.This is the first book that I have read by Louise Phillips but I will certainly look out for more.
June 15, 2022
This book was neither thrilling nor gripping. Not much happened in the first 3/4 that couldn't have been explained in a few chapters at most, leaving room for more character development and a more satisfying ending. I felt the ending was rushed and brought in some weak motives for the villain.
At times, the dialogue annoyed me, because that is simply not how people speak.
"I've had a very chequered history, starting with the physical abuse from my father...I nether sought nor encouraged the abuse".
It goes on like that for a while. Nobody uses words like "culminating" and "immaterial" when they are being interviewed by the police.
However, the idea was great and I want to try other books by this author because I really enjoy crime thrillers.
At times, the dialogue annoyed me, because that is simply not how people speak.
"I've had a very chequered history, starting with the physical abuse from my father...I nether sought nor encouraged the abuse".
It goes on like that for a while. Nobody uses words like "culminating" and "immaterial" when they are being interviewed by the police.
However, the idea was great and I want to try other books by this author because I really enjoy crime thrillers.
July 12, 2023
I wouldn’t say this book was great but I don’t think it was awful either. A very meh book. An example of a great idea but not written well. I don’t think it got exciting until over half way through which is such a pet hate of mine. Just too long to match the story line. I also found that it hard to follow as the amount of characters that didn’t need to be involved was ridiculous. The end was very random and I didn’t understand the need for parts of it. Found Nadine annoying but also found myself feeling sorry for her. I enjoyed wrens POV much more. I think this would have been written better in the third person rather than alternating POV’s.
April 10, 2022
I read Louise Phillip's debut novel Red Ribbons and I've been a fan of her writing ever since so I couldn't wait to start They All Lied. The story opened with the character of Nadine whose daughter is missing and I was gripped from the first page. Nadine is desperate to get her daughter back safely, so desperate, that she gets embroiled doing errands for a criminal gang. The tension really ramps up from here but is Nadine really who we think she is? This book is full of twists and turns at every step and the ending definitely took me by surprise. Five stars from me.
June 6, 2024
Crime thrillers are becoming very hit and miss for me. The premise is really good, but I just couldn't get into it. It waffled on and repeated the same sentence in three different ways, and I found myself not really wanting to continue after the first few chapters. I just couldn't continue, I was rolling my eyes on almost every page, more so with nadine than wren.
There was also a similar plot line to Behind Closed Doors by Carol Wyer which I also DNF'ed so maybe it is that particular plot line/trope I just don't like
There was also a similar plot line to Behind Closed Doors by Carol Wyer which I also DNF'ed so maybe it is that particular plot line/trope I just don't like
December 17, 2022
This book as it said was 'very gripping'. It sucks you in from start to finish. Very fast paced book. The chapters were short which was not a bad thing. It made you feel like your reading it faster. The characters were played so very well especially the main detective in the book. The plot twists i did not see coming which made this read all the more enjoyable. I couldn't leave the book down. Excellent read.
February 25, 2022
It was one of those story that keeps on the edge and reading as you want to know what the next step will be.
The author is an excellent storyteller, the characters are fleshed out, the solid plot is twisty and full of surprises.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The author is an excellent storyteller, the characters are fleshed out, the solid plot is twisty and full of surprises.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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