One Lie

by Stephanie Rogers

Sam was just four the day hell came calling. His mother is dead. His father blames him. Many years later, Sam discovers that it wasn’t his fault at all. His father and one other person were to blame. They did something bad. His father is now dead, but the other person isn’t. She’s very much alive. Sam will avenge his mother’s death, if it’s the last thing he does. And the way he feels, it just might be…

332 pages, ebook

Published February 29, 2024

About the author

Stephanie Rogers is a psychological thriller writer, living in Yorkshire in the UK. After working as a dog groomer and musician (not usually at the same time), she discovered a love of writing that now won’t go away. She has recently decorated her writing room in an elegantly chic pink wallpaper, in order to have a beautifully inspiring place in which to sit and plot how to inflict unspeakable things on her poor unsuspecting characters.
Only they don’t know that yet…

Connect with her:
www.stephanierogersauthor.com

Facebook at Stephanie Rogers Writer
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After his mom‘s suicide four-year-old Sam is left with his abusive father and although he could’ve stayed with their neighbor who he called Aunt Edith his horrible dad Steven wouldn’t allow it. It’s years later and Sam has been a husband and father over a decade but is soon going to leave his wife and all this is what he is thinking about when he gets the call that his dad is dying.. as far as his coworkers go and his wife they think his dad has been dead because who would introduce such a horrible man to anyone every time Sam is around Steven he calls Sam names and puts him down but despite everything Steven still goes to the hospice to see his dad one last time. While he is there he hears his dad mumbling things about the hot young thing he cheated on Verity who is Sam’s mom with and that him cheating is the reason they she killed herself. All this is news to Sam he thought his mom killed her self because of him that is what his dad has always told him but now he knows different it was because of his dad and some girl named Grace. At first Sam is just curious but his curiosity will eventually turn into an obsession that may prove he is more like his dad than he thought. This book was so good it goes from current day to Sam growing up with his abusive dad and there’s also chapters where we get to know Grace and her grown-up son who goes to Uni Ashley but I don’t want to say too much about them because OMG this book was so original and I read a lot of thrillers in the ending is a definite OMG ending, because you’ll be saying OMGOMG I can’t believe that happened! I really like this book I liked Sam and thought despite his upbringing he was a really good father and I like the way the psychology of the characters were true like Sam marrying someone just as controlling as his dad I just wish we would have known more about the dad and his background but either way it didn’t stop this from being an awesome awesome read. I have never read a book by Stephanie Rogers before but I think she has great character development and something I thought she was really good at as I mentioned is the character psychology and I don’t think mini authors do that but she did it and did it well. What an awesome book a definite five star read if you love thrillers and want something fresh and original you definitely need to check out The Lie by Stephanie Rogers… What an awesome read!
Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Rogers is a brand new author to me. One Lie drew me in with the blurb, which made me eager to sit down and just read.

It is a slow burn thriller that is told from the past and the present. Moving backwards in time and back again seamlessly. I was intrigued to know everything. To the point that I didn't want to put the book down. The fact that its slow burn doesn't stop it from heating up and fast!

The characters are well fleshed out and believable. The storyline is definitely one that will grip you to the book. As for twists and turns, just be ready for them as the story unfolds.

I always try to keep an open mind when I read a new author, and I am so glad I did! If I hadn't, I would have missed a cracker! I am looking forward to Stephanie Rogers' next book.
Thanks to the author for a gifted ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Chrisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do we ever really know the truth?

So many decisions are based on what we believe to be the truth. These decisions and their actions have consequences, but what if what we believed to be true wasn’t correct?

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

💙😲Mystérieux et captivant

Sam se rendit d’urgence dans l’établissement de soins qui soignait son père, à 30 minutes de son travail.

En chemin, les vieux souvenirs nauséabonds refaisaient surface.

Sam attendait la mort de son père avec une grande impatience...

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Voici un étonnant roman mystérieux et captivant qui entraîne le lecteur dans une histoire de vie et une enquête troublante, pleine de rebondissements, avec des personnages crédibles.

A découvrir pour les amateurs du genre.

###########################################
💙😲Mysterious and captivating

Sam rushed to the care facility that treated his father, 30 minutes from his work.

Along the way, old nauseating memories resurfaced.

Sam awaited his father's death with great impatience...

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Here is an astonishing mysterious and captivating novel that draws the reader into a life story and a disturbing investigation, full of twists and turns, with credible characters.

To discover for fans of the genre.

[Janice Mack · Rating 5 out of 5]

WoW! I was introduced to Stephanie Rogers by another author that I am in touch with and boy am I glad to have found her. This book had me gripped from the start and felt such a range of emotions for the characters throughout.

Sam has had a somewhat sad upbringing at the hands of an unloving father. Always made to have believed his mother's death was his own fault and now as an adult, finds himself in an abusive relationship. Sam's life feels like it couldn't get much worse.... Can it....?!

I don't want to give any spoilers, or hint at how the book unfolds, but it was a roller coaster ride of emotions and I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Do you ever read a book that you wish wouldn't end...? Well, for me, this was most certainly one of those.

Thank you for the great introduction to Stephanie Rogers as an author and I can't wait to read more from her.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the twists and turns in the book. Sam was just a child when his mother committed suicide. He grew up believing it was his fault as his father made him believe that. His father was not a nice man and he grew up to marry and have his own family, he kept his distance. His own marriage was already in trouble. He finds out that his dad is dying and decides to see him one last time. His dad mumbles things and Sam finds out that his dad had cheated on his mom and that’s why she killed herself. Sam wants revenge. The story shows Sam becoming obsessed with finding the girl and getting revenge. I love the characters and how we see how Sam works to get even. We see the different sides to Sam. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam is in a abusive marriage with two teenage sons when he is called in to see his dying dad in a nursing home, only he had told everyone his dad was dead as he was abused by his dad after his mother left and died in a car accident after she learnt his dad had an affair with one of his pupils and sacked. Sam only learns of this when his dad told him on his death bed.
Sam blames this girl for his mothers death and goes out to get his revenge, with loads of twists along the way.
A well written book that keeps you hooked till the end.

[Alihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this a well crafted book with an interesting plot? Yes
Did I enjoy this book? If I’m honest, most of it was miserable reading. Early on it becomes clear that the protagonist had an abusive childhood and his father is a truly vile character, amongst a clutch of other unpleasant characters. What is set in motion is not uplifting in any way. The story is however, carefully written and the grimness thankfully offset by human kindness in some other characters, ending with a little more hope. Maybe I wasn’t in the right place for gritty reality for this read! If you are, you’ll love this.

[Susan Holdsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a genealogist I am fascinated by family myths, legends and lies. Which is what is uncovered at the start of this book. To be complimented by the revealing of another at the end.

To have ones whole life so badly influenced by being told such a momentous lie at a young age, and the impact it has on the main character, must be truly awful. The writing peeled back the layers, keeping me enthralled as to what came next. And it certainly delivered.

Read it. I am sure you won't be disappointed.

Stephanie Rogers was introduced to me by Sally Rigby, whos books I virtually inhale.

[Christyg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I finished the book a little while ago and I'm still thinking about it. It was a story that left me asking What If? I was pulled into the story from the start and didn't want to put it down as I wanted to know what was going to happen. The story built up the suspense, little by little. It was told with a mix of perspectives and recollections from the past and present. This worked well for the unravelling of the story. I'm new to reading this author, but this won't be the last of her books that I will read. I received an advance copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an advanced read. First time with this author and this book is the perfect book for a book club. The author weaves a tale through the memory of a man who had a horrible childhood, well described, and then having to contend with his nasty father, now dying in a rest home. With his father’s death he decides to try and reconstruct his childhood, hoping to find the person who caused his mother’s suicide when he was 5.

The actions of the characters and consequences should entail lively discussions in a book club setting.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam is a man who has lived in an abusive relationship most of his life, from his father after his mother’s suicide to his present life with his wife. But Sam has had enough, especially when his dying father lets slip the reason behind his mother’s decision. Unfortunately, this sets Sam on a road of revenge, and the cost will be dear. What a well written, suspense-filled, riveting tale. It is a wonderful read, but the ending had me cringing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Lie is a fast-paced story, with mystery, lots of action, and a tormented main character whose life has been hell on earth. One lie has been told and been made an integral part of his life and this same lie might shatter the life he was able to build despite his difficult and violent upbringing. Although he despises violence he is angry and building inside violent thoughts which may lead to violent actions. He pursues the truth and will be shocked by the story he will learn. This is the first book that I read by Ms. Rogers and I was pleasantly surprised.

[Rosie Bray · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book from a new author and if I have anything to do with it, not my last.

This tells the story of Sam, and how a lie told by his father regarding his mother's suicide impacts so many aspects of his life. The fact that the author manages to slip between past and present so seamlessly speaks volumes about her talent as a writer. I felt so many emotions whilst reading this book ~ hope, despair, and concern for Sam's obsessive spiral out of control.

Fabulous read, slow burn but trust me it burns white hot

[Patricia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam is called into a nursing home because his father is dying. He doesn’t want to go because he hates his father. This man has always blamed him for his mother’s death. While there Sam learns new information that sets him on a path to revenge.
He takes drastic changes with his miserable marriage.
This was well written and a very good read. There was a part or two that made me kind of mad, but I enjoyed reading it.

[Lucy Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be asked to read an advance copy of One Lie. It's very well written and plotted and it drew me in right away.

Believable characters and heartbreaking situations weave an intriguing story with page turning pace.

I can't imagine ever being in Sam's situation, but the empathy with which his character is written is amazing. I absolutely recommend this as a read if you are a lover of psychological thrillers and excellent plotting.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a compelling read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Suspenseful and thrilling. I felt every emotion. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last. Simply a GREAT read!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Stuart Sear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first read of Stephanie Rogers for me and what a first read the story has you hooked from the word go.This love hate story shows how easy it is to get things wrong and the consequences it has one minute you can be quite sane. next you are loosing your head, the story line does have a twist at the end great read and will read more from Stephanie rogers.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam's mother committed suicide when he was 5 years old. His father told him it was because of Sam that she killer herself. He had to live with this until his father told him it really was because of an affair he had with a student. Sam is possessed to find the woman his father had an affair with. A twist and the real truth comes out.

[Linda Stallion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Rogers is a new author to me but one who I hope will write more books like this. There are so many twists and turns in the story that I just didn’t see coming. Sam is the main character and the various emotions that he wrestles with are so believable . Even his final decision is a cliffhanger! Read it, you won’t be disappointed.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! this is a fantastic book! Amazing what can happen from just one lie! Sam finds out some upsetting information from his father's deathbed that leads to twisted events. Lots of twists and turns and unexpected unpredictable events, Complex interesting characters and a tragic story make this entertaining book a real page turner and a must read

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story. Sam’s life when he was young was difficult. Now he’s going to find out who’s responsible for his Mother’s death. Was it a stranger or his late father. He won’t stop until he gets to the bottom of the crime. Full of secrets, danger and action. Fantastic. Don’t miss out once it’s released

[Gerald Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading One Lie, it was hard to put it down. Heart wrenching events in the story grabbed me and called me to action, but I couldn’t help! All I could do was keep turning the pages to see what happened next. Great job by Stephanie Rogers!

[PRISCILLA WADE MCWHORTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD

I really liked the book. Sam sure was a messed up adult because of his upbringing. I sure understand that. I wish he had done more thorough research before he took the steps he did. What he did was horrible. Turns out his reasoning was so wrong.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was actually good in the beginning. Then it seemed to drag on slowly. I didn’t hate it, but wouldn’t exactly call it a mystery/thriller. Didn’t find myself excited to turn the page……..except to just get to the end.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written. There were some rough moments there that nearly made me cry. Some mistakes and hard decisions were made by many of the characters, but this makes them more real.

[Annie Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant from start to finish - suspense kept going through the whole story and characters were really believable.

[Sharron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book look forward to reading more of this authors books

[Randi Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam was raised by an abusive father who blamed him for his mother's suicide when he was 5. But twenty years later on his deathbed his father tells him what really happened, and Sam now has a new person to hate. He becomes obsessed with finding this person and seeking revenge, almost to the point of ruining his life. The story goes back and forth in time seamlessly as we explore the results of one lie and how it is interpreted by the different people involved. There are some surprises along the way. Stephanie Rogers is a promising new author. I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Karen Kilburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic different story line, lots of complicated characters I enjoyed this book so much and have downloaded her n xt book for me to read