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Vangitseva psykologinen trilleri valheista, joita kerromme toisillemme ja valheista, joihin haluamme uskoa itse.
Vuosia sitten koulutyttö Jess Tidy esitti opettajaansa Mark Winteriä vastaan shokeeraavan syytöksen. Vaikka Mark vakuutti syyttömyyttään, syytöksen seuraukset olivat karut. Mark tuomittiin kolmeksi vuodeksi vankilaan. Läpi koko painajaisen Karen Winter seisoi miehensä rinnalla lujasti päättäneenä suojella perhettään. Nyt, kymmenen vuotta myöhemmin Jess on palannut, ja totuus tuosta yöstä alkaa vihdoin paljastua.
Kuten edellisessä menestysteoksessaan Liian lähellä, Amanda Reynolds pitää lukijan tiukasti otteessaan läpi yllättävien juonenkäänteiden. Juuri, kun luulit tietäväsi totuuden...
Vangitseva psykologinen trilleri valheista, joita kerromme toisillemme ja valheista, joihin haluamme uskoa itse.
Vuosia sitten koulutyttö Jess Tidy esitti opettajaansa Mark Winteriä vastaan shokeeraavan syytöksen. Vaikka Mark vakuutti syyttömyyttään, syytöksen seuraukset olivat karut. Mark tuomittiin kolmeksi vuodeksi vankilaan. Läpi koko painajaisen Karen Winter seisoi miehensä rinnalla lujasti päättäneenä suojella perhettään. Nyt, kymmenen vuotta myöhemmin Jess on palannut, ja totuus tuosta yöstä alkaa vihdoin paljastua.
Kuten edellisessä menestysteoksessaan Liian lähellä, Amanda Reynolds pitää lukijan tiukasti otteessaan läpi yllättävien juonenkäänteiden. Juuri, kun luulit tietäväsi totuuden...
317 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2018
About the author
Amanda Reynolds
5 books69 followersAmanda Reynolds’ debut novel, Close To Me, published in 2017 by Headline, was adapted by NENT Studios UK as a major six-part TV series starring Connie Nielsen and Christopher Eccleston. The series aired in 2021, on Channel 4 in the UK and on Sundance AMC in the US, as well as many other countries worldwide.
She is the author of six psychological suspense novels and is an author coach at The Novelry.
Amanda Reynolds lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and their dog.
She is the author of six psychological suspense novels and is an author coach at The Novelry.
Amanda Reynolds lives in the Cotswolds with her husband and their dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 7, 2018
4☆ Full of Juicy Twists and Secrets!
Lying to You is a twisty turning psychological thriller that plays with your mind.
It took a little while for me to get into the plot as it felt a little confusing and disjointed. But once I got to grips with the style I loved it.
It is written in a style I haven't come across much.
It was written as a story told by Karen and Jess each chapter written in different dates. Then we also had interview entries when Jess was being interviewed by her counsellor sponsor who supports her on her journey to become a counsellor.
I really enjoyed the interview entries as it gave the reader an inside look at Jess's past. Which was so important.
You see something happened to Jess with a teacher but you don't find out straight away you get plenty of teasers which I loved. All you know is he out of prison and he is not allowed anywhere near Jess.
Jess has to come home as her mother has died and her older brother Will needs her. By going back she will have to face her past head on!
Jess is vulnerable, damaged, had a rough upbringing with indications of sexual abuse. But I really liked her character.
Karen is Mark's wife.
Mark is the teacher who went to prison because of Jess.
Karen comes across as Minipulative, broken, suffering with mental health and calculating. When she sees Jess in a supermarket she intimidates Jess when anger and rage/jealousy takes over!
Lying to You is FULL of Secrets, Lies, twists and Turns that kept me guessing the whole way through.
I loved uncovering the truth as I had my suspicions.
If you enjoy thrillers that get under your skin, keep you guessing, juicy twists and secrets then you will love this fabulous new thriller. It's one i will definitely be recommending!
Thank you to Random Things Through My Letterbox for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
Lying to You is a twisty turning psychological thriller that plays with your mind.
It took a little while for me to get into the plot as it felt a little confusing and disjointed. But once I got to grips with the style I loved it.
It is written in a style I haven't come across much.
It was written as a story told by Karen and Jess each chapter written in different dates. Then we also had interview entries when Jess was being interviewed by her counsellor sponsor who supports her on her journey to become a counsellor.
I really enjoyed the interview entries as it gave the reader an inside look at Jess's past. Which was so important.
You see something happened to Jess with a teacher but you don't find out straight away you get plenty of teasers which I loved. All you know is he out of prison and he is not allowed anywhere near Jess.
Jess has to come home as her mother has died and her older brother Will needs her. By going back she will have to face her past head on!
Jess is vulnerable, damaged, had a rough upbringing with indications of sexual abuse. But I really liked her character.
Karen is Mark's wife.
Mark is the teacher who went to prison because of Jess.
Karen comes across as Minipulative, broken, suffering with mental health and calculating. When she sees Jess in a supermarket she intimidates Jess when anger and rage/jealousy takes over!
Lying to You is FULL of Secrets, Lies, twists and Turns that kept me guessing the whole way through.
I loved uncovering the truth as I had my suspicions.
If you enjoy thrillers that get under your skin, keep you guessing, juicy twists and secrets then you will love this fabulous new thriller. It's one i will definitely be recommending!
Thank you to Random Things Through My Letterbox for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my blog website:
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...
May 19, 2018
2.5 stars
I am a little conflicted how to review this book, because I listened to the audiobook and the narrator who did Jess's voice had a really irritating voice. I don't know whether I would have enjoyed the book more in print this time. I do think, in any case, it would not have been more than a three star read, because it moved so very slowly and I didn't really care about any of the characters. The final reveal did not feel shocking at all, and even though the writing was quite good, the story never completely grabbed my attention. Though this book was not for me, I don't want to call it bad. I have been reading so many books in the crime fiction genre lately, and some of them were so gripping that this one just compares unfavorably. So any other readers clearly enjoyed it very much, so if you decide to pick it up, I hope you do, too:-)
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
I am a little conflicted how to review this book, because I listened to the audiobook and the narrator who did Jess's voice had a really irritating voice. I don't know whether I would have enjoyed the book more in print this time. I do think, in any case, it would not have been more than a three star read, because it moved so very slowly and I didn't really care about any of the characters. The final reveal did not feel shocking at all, and even though the writing was quite good, the story never completely grabbed my attention. Though this book was not for me, I don't want to call it bad. I have been reading so many books in the crime fiction genre lately, and some of them were so gripping that this one just compares unfavorably. So any other readers clearly enjoyed it very much, so if you decide to pick it up, I hope you do, too:-)
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
April 21, 2018
Lying to you by Amanda Reynolds is a psychological thriller that has many twists and turns.
Many years ago Jess who was then a schoolgirl made accusations about a teacher Mark that resulted in a prison term for him. Ten years later she returns to her home town for her mothers funeral to find that Mark now released from prison and his wife still live locally. The situation becomes very difficult between these three people and it's obvious that they share lies and secrets that they would rather keep hidden.
I would like to thank NetGalley and for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Many years ago Jess who was then a schoolgirl made accusations about a teacher Mark that resulted in a prison term for him. Ten years later she returns to her home town for her mothers funeral to find that Mark now released from prison and his wife still live locally. The situation becomes very difficult between these three people and it's obvious that they share lies and secrets that they would rather keep hidden.
I would like to thank NetGalley and for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2018
You'd know if you were lying to yourself, wouldn't you? When Jess Tidywas Mark Winters student, she made an accusation that ultimately saw him sentenced to three years in prison. Now, Jess's mother's death has brought her back to the village where she grew up. Mark still lives there with his wife.
This book is told through three people's point of view, Jess Tidy, Mark Winters and his wife, Karen. Karen has always maintained that Mark was innocent. We get snippets of the counselling sessions that Jess attended and excerpts from the book Mark was trying to write. When Jess comes home ten years later for her mother's funeral, will the truth eventually come out?
This book is a bit of a slow burner but stick with it as any other pace would not do this book any justice. It's not an easy subject to deal with. Amanda Reynolds certainly knows how to. Jill her characters up and set the scene. The characters are realistic and deeply flawed. You won't know who to believe until the end. A well written novel that will constantly change your mind about who to believe.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Headline and the author Amanda Reynolds for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is told through three people's point of view, Jess Tidy, Mark Winters and his wife, Karen. Karen has always maintained that Mark was innocent. We get snippets of the counselling sessions that Jess attended and excerpts from the book Mark was trying to write. When Jess comes home ten years later for her mother's funeral, will the truth eventually come out?
This book is a bit of a slow burner but stick with it as any other pace would not do this book any justice. It's not an easy subject to deal with. Amanda Reynolds certainly knows how to. Jill her characters up and set the scene. The characters are realistic and deeply flawed. You won't know who to believe until the end. A well written novel that will constantly change your mind about who to believe.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Headline and the author Amanda Reynolds for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2018
4 Stars
Arc Book Review
Release Date-26/7/18
"Lying To You" is my second book by this particular author and out of the two, this was hands down my favourite.
This was a jam-packed read and though relatively slow building in nature, it still managed to tantalise my taste buds with its constant teasers and tidbits it so expertly dangled in front of my eyes.
Slowly drip feeding until a much more lucid picture is formed turning everything you think you know completely on its head.
The story follows Jess Tidy as she returns home after her mother's recent death.
Back to the small hometown, she grew up in and also fled ten years previous.
Back where the events of the past have a way of catching up with the present and though ten years have gone by peoples memories and prejudices are still running rife through this small community.
So the story ping-pongs between Jess and the wife of Mark Winters.
The wife who has nothing but contempt and hatred for the girl who in her opinion toppled her perfect life like a set of dominoes.
It was just so interesting to see this story unfold from two different angles giving such a unique perspective and with no idea who the real victims are here besides the obvious: I was kept on my toes throughout second guessing everything till that final reveal.
This was brilliantly done with just the correct amount of information to whet my appetite whilst still withholding the rest of the picture.
I also really liked the finale: a job well done.
I whizzed through this so fast and have no issues recommending this enjoyable piece of well-written fiction.
Thank you to the Publisher, Author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of "Lying To You" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm.
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
August 5, 2018
Jess has a call from her estranged brother Will, who she hasn’t spoken to in 2 years,to say their Mother has passed away and that she is needed back home. Why is she reluctant to review.
This book has a different perspective per chapter, we have the story of Jess going home for her mother’s funeral, the interviews with Jess’s counselling supervisor who is hoping that Jess will make a great counsellor and the story of Karen Will’s wife.
When Jess was at school she accused her teacher and mentor Will of a terrible crime that he went to prison for, years later now that he has been released, he has to face Jess which causes him and his wife many troubles!!
I loved the slow reveal of secrets. This book is a twisty, compelling psychological thriller that will keep you guessing the whole way through.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
This book has a different perspective per chapter, we have the story of Jess going home for her mother’s funeral, the interviews with Jess’s counselling supervisor who is hoping that Jess will make a great counsellor and the story of Karen Will’s wife.
When Jess was at school she accused her teacher and mentor Will of a terrible crime that he went to prison for, years later now that he has been released, he has to face Jess which causes him and his wife many troubles!!
I loved the slow reveal of secrets. This book is a twisty, compelling psychological thriller that will keep you guessing the whole way through.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
March 31, 2018
Lying To You follows Amanda Reynolds first book, the bestselling Close To Me and is another psychological zinger!
Told through 3 points of view Jess Tidy (The accuser) Mark Winter, Jess’ teacher at the time of the accusation. (The accused who was given a lengthy prison sentence ) and Karen Winter (Marks wife, who has maintained that her husband is innocent and stood by him though their relationship is in tatters) ) We hear Marks point of view on the events that led to his imprisonment through a diary that his wife is reading without his permission. Another person involved is Jess’ brother.
The book is predominantly set during the days after the death of jess’ mother and prior to the funeral.
If I give you any more book information then I risk running into spoiler territory.
The book has you questioning the accounts of events and being at times shocked by the actions of those involved.
While at times difficult to read, this is a cleverly and well written gripping psychological drama that is well worth reading.
I was given an arc of this book by the Publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Told through 3 points of view Jess Tidy (The accuser) Mark Winter, Jess’ teacher at the time of the accusation. (The accused who was given a lengthy prison sentence ) and Karen Winter (Marks wife, who has maintained that her husband is innocent and stood by him though their relationship is in tatters) ) We hear Marks point of view on the events that led to his imprisonment through a diary that his wife is reading without his permission. Another person involved is Jess’ brother.
The book is predominantly set during the days after the death of jess’ mother and prior to the funeral.
If I give you any more book information then I risk running into spoiler territory.
The book has you questioning the accounts of events and being at times shocked by the actions of those involved.
While at times difficult to read, this is a cleverly and well written gripping psychological drama that is well worth reading.
I was given an arc of this book by the Publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 1, 2018
As all readers know,when you start reading the second book by a author who's first book was absolutely brilliant there is always that fear in the back of your mind that their second book won't be as good.Well I can honestly say that I enjoyed reading Lying To You just as much as Close To Me
The death of her mother has forced Jess Tidy to return to the small village where she grew up.Ten years ago Jess had made a accusation that resulted in her teacher Mark Winter,despite his claims of being innocent being convicted and sent to prison for three years.Mark and his devoted wife Karen still live in the village and Jess`s sudden return will result in secrets and lies being uncovered and the truth of what happened on that night finally being revealed.
This riveting story is narrated by Jess,Mark and Karen through different mediums.The events before,during and after the funeral are narrated in chapters that alternate between Jess and Karen.Interspersed throughout the book are chapters where Jess is talking about her life to a councillor.Mark tells his version of the events leading up to and on that terrible night in the form of a book.I thought it was ingenious how the author used this book within a book method as a way for the reader to learn Mark`s version of events through the eyes of Karen as she covertly read her husband's writing.The characters in this story are vivid and realistic,Jess,Karen and Mark where deeply flawed characters who`s lives and the lives of the people around them had been torn apart by whatever happened in the past.The narratives where very unreliable,you were not sure who`s version of events you should believe until the truth was revealed in the very last chapter.
This is a gripping,well written,page turner that had me hooked in from beginning to end.Actually,i was enjoying this book so much,i wanted to stay up and finish it last night but my poor old eyes had other ideas.Well worth more than five stars,this is definitely going to be one of my favourite books of this year.
Many thanks to Headline for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
The death of her mother has forced Jess Tidy to return to the small village where she grew up.Ten years ago Jess had made a accusation that resulted in her teacher Mark Winter,despite his claims of being innocent being convicted and sent to prison for three years.Mark and his devoted wife Karen still live in the village and Jess`s sudden return will result in secrets and lies being uncovered and the truth of what happened on that night finally being revealed.
This riveting story is narrated by Jess,Mark and Karen through different mediums.The events before,during and after the funeral are narrated in chapters that alternate between Jess and Karen.Interspersed throughout the book are chapters where Jess is talking about her life to a councillor.Mark tells his version of the events leading up to and on that terrible night in the form of a book.I thought it was ingenious how the author used this book within a book method as a way for the reader to learn Mark`s version of events through the eyes of Karen as she covertly read her husband's writing.The characters in this story are vivid and realistic,Jess,Karen and Mark where deeply flawed characters who`s lives and the lives of the people around them had been torn apart by whatever happened in the past.The narratives where very unreliable,you were not sure who`s version of events you should believe until the truth was revealed in the very last chapter.
This is a gripping,well written,page turner that had me hooked in from beginning to end.Actually,i was enjoying this book so much,i wanted to stay up and finish it last night but my poor old eyes had other ideas.Well worth more than five stars,this is definitely going to be one of my favourite books of this year.
Many thanks to Headline for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
May 19, 2019
What a mixture!
It's quite hard to know just what to say about this story. I found it a little disjointed to start with as there are 3 basic narratives here. There is Jess, who as a teenager accused a teacher of abusing her. There is Karen who is the teacher's wife and there is a narrative from Jess's mentor over the past few months. The reason Jess sees her mentor is because she is now a counsellor herself
While I thought the basic idea of this story was a good I didn't find it particularly compelling. It was easy enough to to read however none of the characters really stood out for me. Some behaviours seemed pretty contrived or odd too. That said I was not going to stop reading it.
I'd just about decided that this was a 3 star read at best when I got to the ending... I really liked the way this story finally played out. I hadn't seen it coming which I also liked - the trouble is that you have to read it to get to this point! I can't honestly say I would recommend this however it wasn't a bad read. I hope if you do read it you enjoy the ending as much as I did.
It's quite hard to know just what to say about this story. I found it a little disjointed to start with as there are 3 basic narratives here. There is Jess, who as a teenager accused a teacher of abusing her. There is Karen who is the teacher's wife and there is a narrative from Jess's mentor over the past few months. The reason Jess sees her mentor is because she is now a counsellor herself
While I thought the basic idea of this story was a good I didn't find it particularly compelling. It was easy enough to to read however none of the characters really stood out for me. Some behaviours seemed pretty contrived or odd too. That said I was not going to stop reading it.
I'd just about decided that this was a 3 star read at best when I got to the ending... I really liked the way this story finally played out. I hadn't seen it coming which I also liked - the trouble is that you have to read it to get to this point! I can't honestly say I would recommend this however it wasn't a bad read. I hope if you do read it you enjoy the ending as much as I did.
April 8, 2018
Goodness gracious me, what a sticky web of lies and deceit this story is!
When Jess Tidy was a teenager, she made an accusation against her teacher, Mark Winter. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout, Mark was sent to prison. Ten years later, Jess returns home to attend the funeral of her mother. Home is the village where she grew up but also, the village where Mark still lives with his wife and daughter. Will the truth about what happened all those years ago finally be revealed?
The story alternates between Jess and Karen, Mark's wife and the chapters are interspersed with snippets from counselling sessions Jess has attended and excerpts from a book Mark was trying to write. Suffice to say that none of these characters, while realistic and believable, are particularly likeable and I often found myself wondering how reliable their version of the truth was. Jess is obviously a very troubled young woman with a rather disturbing background and while Karen may have deserved some sympathy for her situation, for some reason I found it quite hard to muster any up.
The fall-out from whatever event occurred between Jess and Mark has an effect on everyone around them. This adds a truly thought-provoking layer to the story. How well do you really know someone? Why would a woman stand by her husband when he has been accused of something horrible? How does something like this affect the life of his own daughter? I admit that when stories like these pop up in the newspaper, these aren't exactly the people I'll be thinking of.
This is one of those character-driven slow burners, where the scene is set and the characters are introduced. Nevertheless, I personally thought it was utterly gripping from the start and found myself turning the pages faster as the truth was slowly being revealed. As topics go, this isn't exactly an easy one to deal with but I feel the author tackled it brilliantly and has delivered a well-written and compelling story.
This is my first introduction to Amanda Reynolds. I've had her debut Close to Me on my TBR pile since it was published but still haven't gotten around to reading it. If that one was anything like this one, I've been missing out and I should rectify that error soonish. Thoroughly enjoyed this psychological drama and I'm definitely keeping my eye on this author in future!
When Jess Tidy was a teenager, she made an accusation against her teacher, Mark Winter. Despite maintaining his innocence throughout, Mark was sent to prison. Ten years later, Jess returns home to attend the funeral of her mother. Home is the village where she grew up but also, the village where Mark still lives with his wife and daughter. Will the truth about what happened all those years ago finally be revealed?
The story alternates between Jess and Karen, Mark's wife and the chapters are interspersed with snippets from counselling sessions Jess has attended and excerpts from a book Mark was trying to write. Suffice to say that none of these characters, while realistic and believable, are particularly likeable and I often found myself wondering how reliable their version of the truth was. Jess is obviously a very troubled young woman with a rather disturbing background and while Karen may have deserved some sympathy for her situation, for some reason I found it quite hard to muster any up.
The fall-out from whatever event occurred between Jess and Mark has an effect on everyone around them. This adds a truly thought-provoking layer to the story. How well do you really know someone? Why would a woman stand by her husband when he has been accused of something horrible? How does something like this affect the life of his own daughter? I admit that when stories like these pop up in the newspaper, these aren't exactly the people I'll be thinking of.
This is one of those character-driven slow burners, where the scene is set and the characters are introduced. Nevertheless, I personally thought it was utterly gripping from the start and found myself turning the pages faster as the truth was slowly being revealed. As topics go, this isn't exactly an easy one to deal with but I feel the author tackled it brilliantly and has delivered a well-written and compelling story.
This is my first introduction to Amanda Reynolds. I've had her debut Close to Me on my TBR pile since it was published but still haven't gotten around to reading it. If that one was anything like this one, I've been missing out and I should rectify that error soonish. Thoroughly enjoyed this psychological drama and I'm definitely keeping my eye on this author in future!
February 9, 2018
This was a thoroughly intriguing read with an interesting plot and some excellent characters.
Jess Tidy has returned to the village she grew up in for her mother's funeral. She left there under a cloud 10 years ago, having accused one of her teachers of a crime that saw him put in prison. Now back, she is confronted with her past as are the teacher Mark Winter and his loyal wife Karen. She stood by him throughout the trial and his prison term, seemingly clear on his innocence. Now Jess is back though, and all thoughts turn to what happened a decade ago.
The author uses different mediums to tell this story, including Jess speaking to a counsellor and Mark re-telling his version of events in a book and I thought this worked really well. In fact, much of the suspense came as Karen was covertly reading her husband's writing. Jess was an excellently portrayed character, a thoroughly mixed up child; the product of a terrible homelife. The book handles the sensitive subject matter well and did a great job at showing how entire families can be destroyed by a single incident.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jess Tidy has returned to the village she grew up in for her mother's funeral. She left there under a cloud 10 years ago, having accused one of her teachers of a crime that saw him put in prison. Now back, she is confronted with her past as are the teacher Mark Winter and his loyal wife Karen. She stood by him throughout the trial and his prison term, seemingly clear on his innocence. Now Jess is back though, and all thoughts turn to what happened a decade ago.
The author uses different mediums to tell this story, including Jess speaking to a counsellor and Mark re-telling his version of events in a book and I thought this worked really well. In fact, much of the suspense came as Karen was covertly reading her husband's writing. Jess was an excellently portrayed character, a thoroughly mixed up child; the product of a terrible homelife. The book handles the sensitive subject matter well and did a great job at showing how entire families can be destroyed by a single incident.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2018
Having read and enjoyed the debut novel Close to Me by Amanda Reynolds, I was really looking forward to this second book! And what a darkly dramatic and unputdownable read it was!
What I loved about this book was the how the plot revolved around a current issue that seems to be reported in the media much more nowadays-that of a teacher abusing their position of trust. When Jess returns to her home town for her mothers funeral, it is the first time she has returned since a court case that we gradually come to realise was related to such an issue. Mark has been in prison for what happened but is now back home with his wife and daughter who are devastated to see Jess back. But what really happened between Jess and Mark? His wife Karen has her own secrets but she trusts her husband and knows he was telling the truth about that night so why is she sneaking around behind his back? And who is targeting Jess and why? All these questions were flying around my head as I became more deeply involved in the lies and deceit surrounding these two families.
Whilst the characters in Lying To You were never particularly likeable, this gave an added edge to the narrative as I was never really sure where my sympathies lay. Jess was very much a closed book, we find out more about her through her chats with her supervisor, as she’s become a trained councillor herself since what happened ten years ago. But it’s through her interactions with her brother, her ex best friend and police support officer that we realise that maybe everything isn’t as clear cut as we had first thought.
I would describe this as a bit of a slow burner as Amanda Reynolds takes her time setting the scene and building up her characters as the plot twisted it’s wicked way towards the end. I was desperate to know the minute “ins and outs” of how this student/teacher relationship had caused such devastation for all concerned because, sadly, no one escaped the toxic fallout.
I have added Amanda Reynolds to my “must read” author list. Her unsettling insight into her characters dark and enthralling domestic lives helps to slowly unravel their intriguingly flawed natures therefore bringing them vividly to life in the best possible way. This is my kind of psychological drama!
What I loved about this book was the how the plot revolved around a current issue that seems to be reported in the media much more nowadays-that of a teacher abusing their position of trust. When Jess returns to her home town for her mothers funeral, it is the first time she has returned since a court case that we gradually come to realise was related to such an issue. Mark has been in prison for what happened but is now back home with his wife and daughter who are devastated to see Jess back. But what really happened between Jess and Mark? His wife Karen has her own secrets but she trusts her husband and knows he was telling the truth about that night so why is she sneaking around behind his back? And who is targeting Jess and why? All these questions were flying around my head as I became more deeply involved in the lies and deceit surrounding these two families.
Whilst the characters in Lying To You were never particularly likeable, this gave an added edge to the narrative as I was never really sure where my sympathies lay. Jess was very much a closed book, we find out more about her through her chats with her supervisor, as she’s become a trained councillor herself since what happened ten years ago. But it’s through her interactions with her brother, her ex best friend and police support officer that we realise that maybe everything isn’t as clear cut as we had first thought.
I would describe this as a bit of a slow burner as Amanda Reynolds takes her time setting the scene and building up her characters as the plot twisted it’s wicked way towards the end. I was desperate to know the minute “ins and outs” of how this student/teacher relationship had caused such devastation for all concerned because, sadly, no one escaped the toxic fallout.
I have added Amanda Reynolds to my “must read” author list. Her unsettling insight into her characters dark and enthralling domestic lives helps to slowly unravel their intriguingly flawed natures therefore bringing them vividly to life in the best possible way. This is my kind of psychological drama!
September 17, 2018
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I received this arc from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Told through three points of views - Jess, Karen and Mark - Lying to You is a slow burn about a vulnerable girl abused by her teacher, a man who protests his innocence and a wife who stands by her husband. Interspersed with snippets of Jess' counselling sessions and Mark's retelling of the events through his novel, you won't want to stop reading until you know the truth. Did he do it? Was she lying?
Packed with a powerful and shocking ending, Lying to You is a thriller you won't want to miss.
July 25, 2018
This is a gripping thriller full of different characters all with secrets they are trying to keep hidden.
Jess receives a phone call from her brother, who she hasn’t spoken to for a while telling her that their Mum has died. He asks her to go back home to sort the house out as he’s too busy.
We also get an insight into Jess’ mind as she’s speaking to a counsellor throughout the book.
It comes to light that something happened when she was at school and moving back home brings it all back to her. People are talking about her and her mum’s house is targeted.
We learn that those around her have their own problems and soon these all intermingle and come to a dramatic conclusion.
This is a gripping read and one I thorough enjoyed.
Thanks to Wildfire and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Jess receives a phone call from her brother, who she hasn’t spoken to for a while telling her that their Mum has died. He asks her to go back home to sort the house out as he’s too busy.
We also get an insight into Jess’ mind as she’s speaking to a counsellor throughout the book.
It comes to light that something happened when she was at school and moving back home brings it all back to her. People are talking about her and her mum’s house is targeted.
We learn that those around her have their own problems and soon these all intermingle and come to a dramatic conclusion.
This is a gripping read and one I thorough enjoyed.
Thanks to Wildfire and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 1, 2020
This was a really good book, such an interesting story full of twists. Every time I thought the final twist had come (and I knew what was going to happen) there was suddenly another one!
I really didn't like Karen's character, the whole way through she was one of the most annoying in the book. I didn't feel any sympathy for Mark's character either. I wasn't sure on Will's character, he seemed he had a lot of love for his sister but in a way he was betraying her.
Jess was a complicated character that had a traumatic childhood, people taking advantage of her throughout her life, especially as a child. Throughout the book there was a big feeling she just wanted to find someone she could trust, who wouldn't leave her or take advantage of her.
The story ended in a way I didn't imagine, though it did sort of feel like a fitting, tragic ending.
I really didn't like Karen's character, the whole way through she was one of the most annoying in the book. I didn't feel any sympathy for Mark's character either. I wasn't sure on Will's character, he seemed he had a lot of love for his sister but in a way he was betraying her.
Jess was a complicated character that had a traumatic childhood, people taking advantage of her throughout her life, especially as a child. Throughout the book there was a big feeling she just wanted to find someone she could trust, who wouldn't leave her or take advantage of her.
The story ended in a way I didn't imagine, though it did sort of feel like a fitting, tragic ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
As soon as I read the blurb for this one and saw that cover I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of this book, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. It was a really good thriller and very, very enjoyable.
The main characters are great and I loved the suspense built up through the plot. The pace is great and the writing style helps bring everything together really well. It is gritty and deals with a tough subject from a different perspective to the norm we see in this kind of book.
A solid four stars from me for this one - it certainly is a very enjoyable read!!
As soon as I read the blurb for this one and saw that cover I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of this book, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. It was a really good thriller and very, very enjoyable.
The main characters are great and I loved the suspense built up through the plot. The pace is great and the writing style helps bring everything together really well. It is gritty and deals with a tough subject from a different perspective to the norm we see in this kind of book.
A solid four stars from me for this one - it certainly is a very enjoyable read!!
March 5, 2019
4.75 stars - Review on thesundayfeeling.wordpress.com
This is another novel that is told in alternating chapters. Funnily enough though, we mainly follow Jess, and Marks wife Karen. We also hear from Mark in a round about way when Karen finds a novel on his PC which turns out to actually be an account of what happened all those years ago. I liked the idea of following Karen, because we got the perspective of someone outside of the equation rather than following the account of two people as the court would have done during the trail. Right at the end, we also got to read a couple of chapters from other characters including Mark, which I thought was a fantastic idea as it really helped in wrapping up a couple of things.
Amanda has created some really great characters here. They have incredibly likable personalities and from the very start you begin to create an imagine in your head of what each character looks like and who you trust. I felt like I was in the room with Jess when she was having her therapy sessions and even when Karen was reading Mark’s writing. Everything just felt so believable.
Finally I have to mention the writing. This is Amanda’s second novel, and even though I haven’t read her debut novel “Close To Me”, I think her writing is fantastic. I don’t tend to physically start a book anywhere but in bed, in the bath or somewhere extremely quite a I think the start of a book is really important in getting to know the plot, and I need all of my concentration to be focused on every single detail. However I finished a current read whist at an appointment and deiced to start this one and I was hocked straight away. The writing is fluid and the plot captured my attention so fast that I found myself flying through the pages.
In all honestly I really enjoyed this book and as it was all being wrapped up I really expected to be giving it 5 stars. However, even though I enjoyed the plot, the charterers, the writing & conclusion, I still felt that there was something missing.
This is another novel that is told in alternating chapters. Funnily enough though, we mainly follow Jess, and Marks wife Karen. We also hear from Mark in a round about way when Karen finds a novel on his PC which turns out to actually be an account of what happened all those years ago. I liked the idea of following Karen, because we got the perspective of someone outside of the equation rather than following the account of two people as the court would have done during the trail. Right at the end, we also got to read a couple of chapters from other characters including Mark, which I thought was a fantastic idea as it really helped in wrapping up a couple of things.
Amanda has created some really great characters here. They have incredibly likable personalities and from the very start you begin to create an imagine in your head of what each character looks like and who you trust. I felt like I was in the room with Jess when she was having her therapy sessions and even when Karen was reading Mark’s writing. Everything just felt so believable.
Finally I have to mention the writing. This is Amanda’s second novel, and even though I haven’t read her debut novel “Close To Me”, I think her writing is fantastic. I don’t tend to physically start a book anywhere but in bed, in the bath or somewhere extremely quite a I think the start of a book is really important in getting to know the plot, and I need all of my concentration to be focused on every single detail. However I finished a current read whist at an appointment and deiced to start this one and I was hocked straight away. The writing is fluid and the plot captured my attention so fast that I found myself flying through the pages.
In all honestly I really enjoyed this book and as it was all being wrapped up I really expected to be giving it 5 stars. However, even though I enjoyed the plot, the charterers, the writing & conclusion, I still felt that there was something missing.
May 17, 2018
Lying to You is a real page turner which I read in a couple of days. It’s the story of Jess Tidy and Mark Winters and is told through the voice of Jess and Mark’s wife Karen. Ten years ago, when Jess was Mark’s student, she accused him of a terrible crime. Now, after the death of her mother, Jess returns and we begin to understand what is true and what is not. With lots of twists and turns and memorable characters, the story keeps you guessing until the end. A great read.
February 16, 2018
A gritty psychological thriller. Well written and tastefully covering a difficult topic from an alternative aspect.
June 16, 2019
I liked the synopsis of this one , it did interest me although it's one i have seen around a few fair times i still wanted to give it a go.
I did like this one but i wouldn't say i found it anything amazing to be honest. I did enjoy the style of writing , i thought it flowed really well and i liked the extra elements to the story as well that add to the events.
I also did like how there wasn't lots of different narratives , i think sometimes that makes me lose the story and i can't remember who is who , but with this one just having focus on the few key main characters it held the tension so well and kept the focuses where they should be.
I also did enjoy the ending , i felt it wrapped everything up well and was satisfying too but also sad too. This book does deal with a hard hitting subject matter , which would require the reader to be aware of that before hand just in case they aren't comfortable with that , but saying that if you read the synopsis then it's pretty clear what that accusation would be, so i guess you know from there if it's for you or not.
I did like this one but i wouldn't say i found it anything amazing to be honest. I did enjoy the style of writing , i thought it flowed really well and i liked the extra elements to the story as well that add to the events.
I also did like how there wasn't lots of different narratives , i think sometimes that makes me lose the story and i can't remember who is who , but with this one just having focus on the few key main characters it held the tension so well and kept the focuses where they should be.
I also did enjoy the ending , i felt it wrapped everything up well and was satisfying too but also sad too. This book does deal with a hard hitting subject matter , which would require the reader to be aware of that before hand just in case they aren't comfortable with that , but saying that if you read the synopsis then it's pretty clear what that accusation would be, so i guess you know from there if it's for you or not.
April 9, 2018
A tense, psychological thriller that will keep you asking questions. Full review to follow.
February 13, 2025
It took me a while to get into the style of writing, but once I did I was hooked. A story that is tragic from start to end, with many twists and turns along the way.
May 9, 2018
It has been ten years since Jess Tidy moved away to escape what happened when she was a young girl. Now, with a new job and a new flat in London, her life is just how she wants it. But unbeknownst to her, it teeters on the precipice of tragedy once more. When news of her mother’s death reaches Jess, it pulls her back to the place she fled, the village where so many years ago, her mentor Mark Winters was sentenced to three years in prison because of her accusation. But Mark, who has always claimed his innocence, still lives with his wife in the village. And now she will have to face the lies and deceit that pollute her past. She
will have to face him.
It wasn’t only Jess and Mark’s lives that were affected and dictated by what happened years ago; Mark‘s wife, Karen, who stood loyal by his side through all of it, is beginning to question what she thought she knew. Her life is fraying round the edges, and as she secretly reads her husband’s account of it, she is finally privy to the real version of events. I think Karen’s chapters were my favourite, because she and the reader are discovering the truth together.
I love Amanda Reynolds’ writing, they way she slowly increases the tension toward the end, until you’re biting your nails to the quick and your heart is hammering away like a drum. The characters in this book are unnerving and extremely intriguing, their thoughts and actions hooking you to every word on the page and making this book completely unputdownable!
As soon as I was invited to join this blog tour, I jumped at the chance because of how much I enjoyed Amanda Reynolds first book, Close To Me. Lying To You is just as wonderful, if not better! I loved it and I couldn’t stop turning those pages. I read it in a day, gripped from cover to cover. I’m going to be a fan of Amanda Reynolds for a long time to come – can’t wait to see what she comes up with for her third book!
If you’re a fan of psychologists thrillers, Lying to You is the perfect new addition to your bookshelves. With a brilliant set of characters, beautiful writing and a story to rock you to your core, this is the ultimate book to curl up with and get lost in! Fully recommend this cracker of a book!
Dark. Chilling. Fabulous!
will have to face him.
It wasn’t only Jess and Mark’s lives that were affected and dictated by what happened years ago; Mark‘s wife, Karen, who stood loyal by his side through all of it, is beginning to question what she thought she knew. Her life is fraying round the edges, and as she secretly reads her husband’s account of it, she is finally privy to the real version of events. I think Karen’s chapters were my favourite, because she and the reader are discovering the truth together.
I love Amanda Reynolds’ writing, they way she slowly increases the tension toward the end, until you’re biting your nails to the quick and your heart is hammering away like a drum. The characters in this book are unnerving and extremely intriguing, their thoughts and actions hooking you to every word on the page and making this book completely unputdownable!
As soon as I was invited to join this blog tour, I jumped at the chance because of how much I enjoyed Amanda Reynolds first book, Close To Me. Lying To You is just as wonderful, if not better! I loved it and I couldn’t stop turning those pages. I read it in a day, gripped from cover to cover. I’m going to be a fan of Amanda Reynolds for a long time to come – can’t wait to see what she comes up with for her third book!
If you’re a fan of psychologists thrillers, Lying to You is the perfect new addition to your bookshelves. With a brilliant set of characters, beautiful writing and a story to rock you to your core, this is the ultimate book to curl up with and get lost in! Fully recommend this cracker of a book!
Dark. Chilling. Fabulous!
May 30, 2018
“A stunning psychological drama................will hold you in its grip til the final, breath-taking twist”. So reads the blurb on the back of this book. I decided to take advantage of the glorious weather, flopped into my deckchair, iced tea at my side, this book grasped in my sweaty little hand.
Jess Tidy has returned, reluctantly at her brother's request, to her childhood home to clear the house after her mother's untimely death.
As a teenager Jess was Trouble, not only that but she was a member of the notorious Tidy family, and nobody messed with them if they knew what was good for them. Exam time is looming and Mark Winter, a teacher at the same school, is asked to mentor Jess, help her get through the exams with good grades. Oh boy, we all know where this is heading, especially when you read something like this:
“........Her innocence was so touching, stirring something protective in me, the bonds already forming. Like the tentacles of a fern unfurling after a harsh winter, I could feel something opening up deep inside, something that had been closed off for too long”
Uh-oh; bear in mind this is their first meeting. You just know this is not going to end well, especially as we're told in the back page blurb that Jess made a “shocking accusation” and that Mark maintained his innocence, so obviously the last place Jess wants to be is in her old home town.
This is one of the most confusing books I've attempted to read; the author has employed the popular (but irritating) time-hopping narrative. There are chapters from Jess's point of view, chapters from Jess's supervisor, and chapters from Karen, Mark Winter's wife, within which she reads notes written by Mark! I can't keep up. It's all written in first person present tense which adds to the confusion, but not the pace. I cannot read any more – I cannot get past page 47, which is a fraction of the 356 pages.
I was sent an ARC from Amazon; I will not be looking for any further offerings from this author.
Jess Tidy has returned, reluctantly at her brother's request, to her childhood home to clear the house after her mother's untimely death.
As a teenager Jess was Trouble, not only that but she was a member of the notorious Tidy family, and nobody messed with them if they knew what was good for them. Exam time is looming and Mark Winter, a teacher at the same school, is asked to mentor Jess, help her get through the exams with good grades. Oh boy, we all know where this is heading, especially when you read something like this:
“........Her innocence was so touching, stirring something protective in me, the bonds already forming. Like the tentacles of a fern unfurling after a harsh winter, I could feel something opening up deep inside, something that had been closed off for too long”
Uh-oh; bear in mind this is their first meeting. You just know this is not going to end well, especially as we're told in the back page blurb that Jess made a “shocking accusation” and that Mark maintained his innocence, so obviously the last place Jess wants to be is in her old home town.
This is one of the most confusing books I've attempted to read; the author has employed the popular (but irritating) time-hopping narrative. There are chapters from Jess's point of view, chapters from Jess's supervisor, and chapters from Karen, Mark Winter's wife, within which she reads notes written by Mark! I can't keep up. It's all written in first person present tense which adds to the confusion, but not the pace. I cannot read any more – I cannot get past page 47, which is a fraction of the 356 pages.
I was sent an ARC from Amazon; I will not be looking for any further offerings from this author.
March 27, 2018
Lying to You falls into the category of books that I love so I couldn't wait to get stuck in and learn all about Jess Tidy and her chaotic upbringing. The story comes together through the voices of Jess Tidy, her teacher and 'attacker' Mark Winters, his wife Karen and Jess' counsellor superviser. Flicking between present day and flashbacks that are detailed in Mark's biography the story ultimately has us guessing about who the liar in the book is.
In the beginning Jess is asked to come back home by her older brother Will due to the her mother's death. We soon learn that she is reluctant to go back home and the reason why is that she was raped by her teacher. But as the story takes its expected twists and turns we are left wondering if Jess' account of the past is entirely accurate. Is Mark's insistence of his innocence really genuine and how will this checkered history impact Mark's wife, Karen, and his daughter, Freya?
As intrigued as I was with the story I really could not warm to any of the characters yet I really had to read on and find out if Jess was genuine or not. Lying to you really is a rollercoaster ride with so many twists and turns and an ending that will genuinely take your breath away.
In the beginning Jess is asked to come back home by her older brother Will due to the her mother's death. We soon learn that she is reluctant to go back home and the reason why is that she was raped by her teacher. But as the story takes its expected twists and turns we are left wondering if Jess' account of the past is entirely accurate. Is Mark's insistence of his innocence really genuine and how will this checkered history impact Mark's wife, Karen, and his daughter, Freya?
As intrigued as I was with the story I really could not warm to any of the characters yet I really had to read on and find out if Jess was genuine or not. Lying to you really is a rollercoaster ride with so many twists and turns and an ending that will genuinely take your breath away.
June 23, 2018
I really enjoyed Lying To You, another story in which it is difficult to know who is telling the truth about events that took place ten years before. Now Jess Tidy returns home after her mother' death. and Mark, the teacher she accused of abusing her, is out of prison.
The narrative is written both from Jess's point of view and Karen, Mark's wife. There is plenty of tension thanks to the clever devices used: one where Karen and the reader learn more through a novel Mark has written on his computer, and the other through interviews Jess has with her therapy supervisor. It takes time to get used to the different points of view and while no character is likeable they are certainly interesting. Thanks to NetGalley and Wildfire/Headline for the opportunity to read and review Lying To you.
The narrative is written both from Jess's point of view and Karen, Mark's wife. There is plenty of tension thanks to the clever devices used: one where Karen and the reader learn more through a novel Mark has written on his computer, and the other through interviews Jess has with her therapy supervisor. It takes time to get used to the different points of view and while no character is likeable they are certainly interesting. Thanks to NetGalley and Wildfire/Headline for the opportunity to read and review Lying To you.
August 4, 2021
So basically he DID do it, and Jess DID come on to him (for reasons of her own) and my least favourite character, the wife, who is selfish as heck (wth were you doing at the funeral), gets to live happily ever after with her lover. Oh and Jess is killed by their daughter for NO REASON AT ALL. The daughter wanted Jess to go away but also didnt believe her father. Wow. And the therapy parts made no sense at all. Actually, the entire thing made NO sense and I hated this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2018
Gripping and tense - good description of this book
This book was real page turner. I read it at every opportunity and it didn't disappoint. Good strong characters and plenty of tension as to how the story would unfold. Deserves the five stars.
This book was real page turner. I read it at every opportunity and it didn't disappoint. Good strong characters and plenty of tension as to how the story would unfold. Deserves the five stars.
May 5, 2018
Good Book Once You Get Into It
Took me a while to get into this book, was good once I got into it. Read it to the end to see what happened.
Took me a while to get into this book, was good once I got into it. Read it to the end to see what happened.
May 26, 2018
Brilliant
Exceptionally written novel, seeing an awful situation from everyone s point of view. Looking forward to the next novel .
Exceptionally written novel, seeing an awful situation from everyone s point of view. Looking forward to the next novel .
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