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Virginia and Katie #2
Is She Lying?
Nine months after solving the mysterious death of a classmate, Virginia Eaton and Katie McRanes are looking forward to spending their senior year together. The school year has barely started when a friend’s ex-boyfriend shows up to make trouble.
And someone dies.
As the girls investigate the murder of a member of their tight knit circle, their differing suspicions about who’s responsible put them at odds, jeopardizing their newly rekindled romance. It’s clear someone they care about may be lying, and time is running out. Can they stop a new killer before others die?
Is She Lying? is the follow up to the highly acclaimed novel Can I Trust Her?
And someone dies.
As the girls investigate the murder of a member of their tight knit circle, their differing suspicions about who’s responsible put them at odds, jeopardizing their newly rekindled romance. It’s clear someone they care about may be lying, and time is running out. Can they stop a new killer before others die?
Is She Lying? is the follow up to the highly acclaimed novel Can I Trust Her?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
About the author
Frances Lucas
6 books23 followersThanks for visiting my Goodreads page.
I write sapphic psychological thrillers. My first three books are young adult novels. I am focusing on the adult mystery/thriller market now.
Feel free to contact me through my website with any questions or comments. www.franceslucas.com
Cheers, chills, and happy reading,
Frances Lucas
I write sapphic psychological thrillers. My first three books are young adult novels. I am focusing on the adult mystery/thriller market now.
Feel free to contact me through my website with any questions or comments. www.franceslucas.com
Cheers, chills, and happy reading,
Frances Lucas
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 17, 2023
Is She Lying is a sequel to Can I Trust Her but it can easily be read as a standalone.
Ex boyfriend Jason returns to Anchorage and Matty cannot decide who he likes more, his new boyfriend Tom or Jason. High school seniors Virginia and Katie feel the tension growing amongst their group of friends because of this conflict. Everything changes when someone in their immediate circle dies in front of all of them. Amateur sleuths Katie and Virginia work to solve this mystery as one of their own is under scrutiny from the police.
Is She Lying has Virginia, Katie and their friends splintering under the pressure of the murder investigation. There is also added pressure on Katie due to serious family issues. All this leaves a disjointed aura surrounding the story which mirrors what the characters are experiencing. Lucas is a gifted writer as this second novel shows us. She gives us a decent mystery while playing out some growing pains for the young adults. I was excited to read this novel and enjoyed it thoroughly.
I received an advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ex boyfriend Jason returns to Anchorage and Matty cannot decide who he likes more, his new boyfriend Tom or Jason. High school seniors Virginia and Katie feel the tension growing amongst their group of friends because of this conflict. Everything changes when someone in their immediate circle dies in front of all of them. Amateur sleuths Katie and Virginia work to solve this mystery as one of their own is under scrutiny from the police.
Is She Lying has Virginia, Katie and their friends splintering under the pressure of the murder investigation. There is also added pressure on Katie due to serious family issues. All this leaves a disjointed aura surrounding the story which mirrors what the characters are experiencing. Lucas is a gifted writer as this second novel shows us. She gives us a decent mystery while playing out some growing pains for the young adults. I was excited to read this novel and enjoyed it thoroughly.
I received an advance review copy from Bella Books through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 9, 2023
Quite a decent mystery! It's aimed more at younger adults, but still worthy of a Sunday afternoon read. Very amusing characters and the plot is entertaining.
I believe ‘ Is she lying’ is the sequel ‘Can I trust her’ which, unfortuanlity i realised after I started reading the book, though I don't believe it made a difference in my understanding of the characters. Frances Lucas is a talented writer, I'm looking forward to more of her stories
4 out of 5
I believe ‘ Is she lying’ is the sequel ‘Can I trust her’ which, unfortuanlity i realised after I started reading the book, though I don't believe it made a difference in my understanding of the characters. Frances Lucas is a talented writer, I'm looking forward to more of her stories
4 out of 5
June 20, 2023
This is a second in a series. I haven’t read the first but I don’t believe it affected my understanding of this one.
The writer gives a brief background at the start and although plenty of names are mentioned the action moves pretty quickly.
I wasn’t sure, reading the book if it was supposed to be interactive, should I be trying to solve the murder, or is it more observational. I felt a bit removed from everything. I wouldn’t say I particularly could picture the setting, and I wouldn’t say I could particularly picture the earthquake when it happened.
I think this is described as YA, the characters, not necessarily the target audience. It isn’t particularly littered with young speak, nor would I say are the characters behaviours young. I look on both of those as positives!
My interest was held throughout, but as I say rather than involved with the mains I felt I was hearing about friends of friends, rather than people I knew.
The writer gives a brief background at the start and although plenty of names are mentioned the action moves pretty quickly.
I wasn’t sure, reading the book if it was supposed to be interactive, should I be trying to solve the murder, or is it more observational. I felt a bit removed from everything. I wouldn’t say I particularly could picture the setting, and I wouldn’t say I could particularly picture the earthquake when it happened.
I think this is described as YA, the characters, not necessarily the target audience. It isn’t particularly littered with young speak, nor would I say are the characters behaviours young. I look on both of those as positives!
My interest was held throughout, but as I say rather than involved with the mains I felt I was hearing about friends of friends, rather than people I knew.
June 10, 2023
Virginia East and Katie McRanes are seniors at a high school in Anchorage Alaska. Nine months ago they solved a mystery of who murdered a classmate. The pair are still in love but communication is rocky between them. Their queer table at lunch turns awkward when the ex of one of the group has a seizure after being disrespectful to the group. He later dies in the hospital causing the friend bunch to be questioned as witnesses. The friendships have fissures and aren't as tight as they once were. And of course Virginia and Katie can’t help but dig into the case on their own.
I love returning to the Alaskan setting and this pair of YA sleuths. This whodunnit has kids going to class, dealing with an obnoxious administrator, interacting with parents and trying to fit into friend clicks. I didn’t like that the friend group isn’t as likable in this adventure. It makes you wonder if they’d be friends if not for their queerness. And as much as Katie and Virginia express their feelings for each other they are going through a bumpy patch in their relationship that isn’t fully addressed. But of course in the end they will fight for one another.
The mystery is good and combines a carryover story from the first book, Can I Trust Her. I think this can be read on its own but why not read both. I accurately guessed the murderer but it was conjecture not deduction based on clues uncovered. The book includes kissing, underaged drinking, drug use and violence with a gun. Nothing is graphic and it is appropriate for middle school and up. Thank you to Bella Books for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)
I love returning to the Alaskan setting and this pair of YA sleuths. This whodunnit has kids going to class, dealing with an obnoxious administrator, interacting with parents and trying to fit into friend clicks. I didn’t like that the friend group isn’t as likable in this adventure. It makes you wonder if they’d be friends if not for their queerness. And as much as Katie and Virginia express their feelings for each other they are going through a bumpy patch in their relationship that isn’t fully addressed. But of course in the end they will fight for one another.
The mystery is good and combines a carryover story from the first book, Can I Trust Her. I think this can be read on its own but why not read both. I accurately guessed the murderer but it was conjecture not deduction based on clues uncovered. The book includes kissing, underaged drinking, drug use and violence with a gun. Nothing is graphic and it is appropriate for middle school and up. Thank you to Bella Books for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)
October 13, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
2nd book in the series and this one finds another murder happening but this time at school in front of everyone....
everyone is under suspicion ....who could have done it in front of the whole school...
worrying times....
its an ok read for teenagers discovering themselves and a bit of murder mystery
2nd book in the series and this one finds another murder happening but this time at school in front of everyone....
everyone is under suspicion ....who could have done it in front of the whole school...
worrying times....
its an ok read for teenagers discovering themselves and a bit of murder mystery
July 30, 2023
Second in the series, I hadn't read the first one and that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this one. Set in a high school this is a story of Katie and Virginia, girlfriends who solve crime on the side, when one of their friends is killed, they spring into action. That goes as well as you might imagine especially as Katie is already dealing with some heavy trauma. The story moves at a good pace and the friends all have clear personalities and behave like teenagers! I really enjoyed the Alaska setting, not a place that is often written about. The style of moving chapters between the two main characters Katie and Virginia, was occasionally confusing as their voices were similar, I had to check the front of the chapter to see who was speaking. Aside from that, a great gentle YA crime book.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2023
Hey, guys, I just read "Is She Lying" by Frances Lucas, and OMG, it's like a total nail-biting mystery with a dash of romance! The story takes place in North Anchorage High School, where a super popular girl named Marisol dies, and everyone thinks it's an accident. But wait, there's more! My fave girls, Virginia and Katie, team up to solve the mystery and find out the truth behind Marisol's death and her dark secrets.
I love how Virginia and Katie are such relatable characters! They're kind and empathetic, just like us, but they also make some not-so-great decisions, which makes them feel real. And guess what? They're also ex-sweethearts, and their journey to reconnect while solving the case is totally heartwarming. The author, Frances Lucas, totally gets us teens and brings the high school vibe in Anchorage to life!
This book has everything I love – a juicy mystery that keeps you guessing, a sweet romance that makes your heart flutter, and characters you can't help but root for. The author weaves the mystery and romance together perfectly, and I couldn't stop flipping the pages. The story also has some cool Alaska vibes, like seeing the northern lights and doing cross-country skiing. Sounds like an awesome vacation idea, right?
If you're into mysteries and romance, "Is She Lying" is a total must-read! Trust me, you won't be able to put it down. The way Lucas crafts the plot and characters is so on point, and you'll be left guessing till the end. So, grab a copy, and get ready for a thrilling adventure with Virginia and Katie! 🕵️♀️💕
August 17, 2023
Is She Lying? is the second book with the same diverse group of characters (plus some new ones), from Lucas's first lesbian novel, Can I Trust Her?
We find ourselves back at North Anchorage High School in Anchorage, Alaska, with Virginia and Katie at the beginning of their senior year. The social dynamics in any high school cafeteria can be difficult to handle but on this particular day no one is ready for what is about to happen.....someone dies right in the middle of lunch!
The death sets the two young lovers off on yet another murder investigation in the midst of some strange atmospheric conditions occurring in Anchorage. Not only do they have to deal with their own rekindled romance, but also their friends who seem to be at odds with one another for no apparent reason. What is going on??
Lucas has created yet another sharply written who-done-it set in beautiful and wild Alaska. I found this book to be delightful to read and I felt totally immersed in both the atmosphere of Alaska and that of the North Anchorage High School community.
No need to read the first book, Can I Trust Her?, in order to get into this 2nd in the series, BUT, I highly recommend that you do!! Both are excellent reads and delightfully entertaining!! Lucas has a real way with writing dialogue that is snappy and fun and in creating a mystery that will keep you guessing.
We find ourselves back at North Anchorage High School in Anchorage, Alaska, with Virginia and Katie at the beginning of their senior year. The social dynamics in any high school cafeteria can be difficult to handle but on this particular day no one is ready for what is about to happen.....someone dies right in the middle of lunch!
The death sets the two young lovers off on yet another murder investigation in the midst of some strange atmospheric conditions occurring in Anchorage. Not only do they have to deal with their own rekindled romance, but also their friends who seem to be at odds with one another for no apparent reason. What is going on??
Lucas has created yet another sharply written who-done-it set in beautiful and wild Alaska. I found this book to be delightful to read and I felt totally immersed in both the atmosphere of Alaska and that of the North Anchorage High School community.
No need to read the first book, Can I Trust Her?, in order to get into this 2nd in the series, BUT, I highly recommend that you do!! Both are excellent reads and delightfully entertaining!! Lucas has a real way with writing dialogue that is snappy and fun and in creating a mystery that will keep you guessing.
August 11, 2023
Okay, I've got to admit that I'm a sucker for young adult lesbian mysteries, especially those with a little romance mixed in. Sadly, there don't seem to be many on the market right now.
Anyhoo, Katie and Virginia are high school seniors in Anchorage, AK. They sit down to lunch in the cafeteria with their group of queer friends and everybody's fighting. Why? Because gay guy Matty can't make up his mind between his old boyfriend Jason and his new boyfriend Tom. Jason acts like a total jerk. Which creates a whole lot of drama and tension in the group. In other words, everybody is at each other's throats. So HS, right?
At the end of lunch, Jason stands up to leave with everybody else, only he can't get up because he goes into a seizure. Long story short (and I'm not giving anything away), the poor, misunderstood jerk dies. So who killed him? I'm not going to tell you. Let's just say, I didn't figure it out until near the end because there were several excellent suspects. There's a great side story about Katie that I sort of saw coming, but I really liked the way the author tied it into the main plot.
Loved this book! It's a sequel to Can I Trust Her? but I think you could read it by itself and enjoy it.
I highly recommend it.
Anyhoo, Katie and Virginia are high school seniors in Anchorage, AK. They sit down to lunch in the cafeteria with their group of queer friends and everybody's fighting. Why? Because gay guy Matty can't make up his mind between his old boyfriend Jason and his new boyfriend Tom. Jason acts like a total jerk. Which creates a whole lot of drama and tension in the group. In other words, everybody is at each other's throats. So HS, right?
At the end of lunch, Jason stands up to leave with everybody else, only he can't get up because he goes into a seizure. Long story short (and I'm not giving anything away), the poor, misunderstood jerk dies. So who killed him? I'm not going to tell you. Let's just say, I didn't figure it out until near the end because there were several excellent suspects. There's a great side story about Katie that I sort of saw coming, but I really liked the way the author tied it into the main plot.
Loved this book! It's a sequel to Can I Trust Her? but I think you could read it by itself and enjoy it.
I highly recommend it.
August 31, 2023
Katie and Virginia are back in another Alaskan mystery!
Is She Lying? brings us back into the world of high school students (now seniors) in Alaska as they attempt to get to the bottom of another murder. Like with Can I Trust Her?, the debut book of this series, author Frances Lucas continues to combine a unique look at life in high school with a mystery. Again, Lucas brings our characters to life, while also crafting a delightful (if one can use that word to describe murder) mystery for us as the readers to solve. Our characters are slightly older, and slightly more mature, but still prone to that impulsiveness we know we all feel. Follow along with Katie, Virginia, and their friends, as they navigate personal struggles, including realistic insecurities, and seek to discover what happened in the school cafeteria that day. Is She Lying? is a wonderful, fast-paced young adult mystery, romance, and general novel, with a breathtaking setting, that will keep you guessing along with our main characters.
Is She Lying? brings us back into the world of high school students (now seniors) in Alaska as they attempt to get to the bottom of another murder. Like with Can I Trust Her?, the debut book of this series, author Frances Lucas continues to combine a unique look at life in high school with a mystery. Again, Lucas brings our characters to life, while also crafting a delightful (if one can use that word to describe murder) mystery for us as the readers to solve. Our characters are slightly older, and slightly more mature, but still prone to that impulsiveness we know we all feel. Follow along with Katie, Virginia, and their friends, as they navigate personal struggles, including realistic insecurities, and seek to discover what happened in the school cafeteria that day. Is She Lying? is a wonderful, fast-paced young adult mystery, romance, and general novel, with a breathtaking setting, that will keep you guessing along with our main characters.
August 19, 2023
I read another book by this author last year and I really liked it. Great mystery and a nice romance between girls who really seemed to care about each other. This book begins where the first left off. There's a new mystery and the girls are starting to doubt each other for reasons you'll understand as you get into the story. I actually think I liked this one better and I didn't think that was possible. The writing felt tighter somehow. Anyhow, I don't think you have to read the first to get into this one, but I thoroughly enjoyed both.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews