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The Honesty Index
When his friends are sucked into playing a truth game, Trent must race to expose the anonymous manipulator before everyone’s lives are ripped apart.
Trent Ryder lost his parents and younger brother in a fire. Not knowing what caused the blaze haunted his teenage years. So, when the now twenty-something Trent and his friends receive an invitation to play a game that promises the answer, he’s ready to play.
The former schoolmates soon realise the game knows everything about them, and if they refuse to play or lie, their secrets will be ruthlessly exposed to the world. As each friend faces their round of five questions and five pleas, Trent is tantalisingly close to learning who started the fire and why. But the price is high—total honesty about the past.
Can Trent learn the truth and stop the game before it breaks them all?
The Honesty Index is a gripping psychological thriller. If you enjoyed The Stranger by Harlan Coben, No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay, or One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus, you’ll love NJ Barker’s debut.
Buy The Honesty Index to enjoy a chilling game of secrets and lies. Ready to play?
Trent Ryder lost his parents and younger brother in a fire. Not knowing what caused the blaze haunted his teenage years. So, when the now twenty-something Trent and his friends receive an invitation to play a game that promises the answer, he’s ready to play.
The former schoolmates soon realise the game knows everything about them, and if they refuse to play or lie, their secrets will be ruthlessly exposed to the world. As each friend faces their round of five questions and five pleas, Trent is tantalisingly close to learning who started the fire and why. But the price is high—total honesty about the past.
Can Trent learn the truth and stop the game before it breaks them all?
The Honesty Index is a gripping psychological thriller. If you enjoyed The Stranger by Harlan Coben, No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay, or One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus, you’ll love NJ Barker’s debut.
Buy The Honesty Index to enjoy a chilling game of secrets and lies. Ready to play?
426 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2023
546 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
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May 28, 2024*******
Pre-review - nabbed for FREE from amazon.com on 28/5/24 thanks to the Fussy Librarian email blast putting it on my radar.
Part of their blurb that caught my eye: This gripping psychological thriller follows six friends who are dragged into a game of truth. But they soon realise the game knows everything about them, and if they refuse to play or lie, their secrets will be ruthlessly exposed to the world.
PS - note to self new GR shelf unlocked...now to see when I actually read any of them or if I just keep adding free books 🫠
Pre-review - nabbed for FREE from amazon.com on 28/5/24 thanks to the Fussy Librarian email blast putting it on my radar.
Part of their blurb that caught my eye: This gripping psychological thriller follows six friends who are dragged into a game of truth. But they soon realise the game knows everything about them, and if they refuse to play or lie, their secrets will be ruthlessly exposed to the world.
PS - note to self new GR shelf unlocked...now to see when I actually read any of them or if I just keep adding free books 🫠
June 17, 2024
I liked the idea of The Honesty Index, but I was disappointed with the spelling/grammar errors and how anti-climactic the main character’s secret was. It built up to be a ground breaking revelation, but ended up being very plain.
March 19, 2024
What a book! Seven friends are invited to play a mysterious game through an app that they are texted on their phones after they attend a funeral for an old classmate/friend. The game knows everything about them. The premise? Tell the truth. If they refuse to play or lie, their biggest secret will be revealed. One of the friends, Trent, investigates who is behind the app and the game. But will time run out before it’s too late?
This is one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read. It is so creative; it’s a concept that I haven’t yet read which made reading it feel refreshing. I literally devoured this book in less than 24 hours. I was appreciative of the ease of writing and the short chapters.
I did figure out who was behind it before it was reveled, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I wanted to know the why and the how as well, and that came after I figured it out. But for others, I think they will be kept guessing until the reveal.
While this is a thriller, it was also fun to see how these friends were going to answer their questions and whether or not they would tell the truth. It’s like a puzzle!
I recommend that everyone who loves thrillers to read this book.
This is one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read. It is so creative; it’s a concept that I haven’t yet read which made reading it feel refreshing. I literally devoured this book in less than 24 hours. I was appreciative of the ease of writing and the short chapters.
I did figure out who was behind it before it was reveled, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I wanted to know the why and the how as well, and that came after I figured it out. But for others, I think they will be kept guessing until the reveal.
While this is a thriller, it was also fun to see how these friends were going to answer their questions and whether or not they would tell the truth. It’s like a puzzle!
I recommend that everyone who loves thrillers to read this book.
June 8, 2024
4.5/5
Incredibly thrilling story. Well developed characters.
Without giving anything away, the story revolves around the power a single secret can hold over your life. Does it define who you are, does it change your view of the world around you or is it just a blip on your radar?
The storytelling was really good. I became thoroughly engrossed very quickly and could not wait to get back to my Kindle each night to read a bit more.
My only issue was that once everyone “knew” it just seemed like everything was tied up neatly in a bow quite quickly. I think a story this strong deserved a stronger ending. Still highly recommend 😉
Incredibly thrilling story. Well developed characters.
Without giving anything away, the story revolves around the power a single secret can hold over your life. Does it define who you are, does it change your view of the world around you or is it just a blip on your radar?
The storytelling was really good. I became thoroughly engrossed very quickly and could not wait to get back to my Kindle each night to read a bit more.
My only issue was that once everyone “knew” it just seemed like everything was tied up neatly in a bow quite quickly. I think a story this strong deserved a stronger ending. Still highly recommend 😉
September 9, 2025
solid thriller but should have been 100 pages shorter.
3.5/5 rounded up
3.5/5 rounded up
September 18, 2024
3.5 STARS
This was a good, entertaining thriller. I really enjoyed the story. It kept me interested from beginning to end. It was very well paced, with no slow and boring parts at all. I loved the way each characters' mystery and their secrets were set up, and I had several predictions as the story progressed.
However, compared to other thrillers I have read, this one didn't amaze me. Yes, it was an interesting story. Yes, it was entertaining. But was it outstanding? No.
The writing was flawless, excluding the several spelling and grammar mistakes. Sometimes, they broke the fluidity of reading. I struggled to connect to the main characters, but I did still want to find out what would happen to them by the end, so there wasn't total disconnect. My favourite character was definitely Dylan. I'd love to read a book based solely on her past.
Also, as the revelations happened, I felt like some of the mysteries weren't as shocking as they had been built up to be. They didn't provide the thrill that this genre promises. That being said, there were a couple of shocking revelations near the end that took me by surprise.
Overall, this was a decent thriller that I would recommend to other thriller lovers. It didn't end up being top tier for me, but I still didn't feel like I'd wasted my time by the end. I enjoyed the book and would read another by this author.
This was a good, entertaining thriller. I really enjoyed the story. It kept me interested from beginning to end. It was very well paced, with no slow and boring parts at all. I loved the way each characters' mystery and their secrets were set up, and I had several predictions as the story progressed.
However, compared to other thrillers I have read, this one didn't amaze me. Yes, it was an interesting story. Yes, it was entertaining. But was it outstanding? No.
The writing was flawless, excluding the several spelling and grammar mistakes. Sometimes, they broke the fluidity of reading. I struggled to connect to the main characters, but I did still want to find out what would happen to them by the end, so there wasn't total disconnect. My favourite character was definitely Dylan. I'd love to read a book based solely on her past.
Also, as the revelations happened, I felt like some of the mysteries weren't as shocking as they had been built up to be. They didn't provide the thrill that this genre promises. That being said, there were a couple of shocking revelations near the end that took me by surprise.
Overall, this was a decent thriller that I would recommend to other thriller lovers. It didn't end up being top tier for me, but I still didn't feel like I'd wasted my time by the end. I enjoyed the book and would read another by this author.
February 1, 2024
Unpredictable and unputdownable.
This was a really enjoyable read. A great introduction to thrillers for YA. It was multilayered with so many twists and turns that were not predictable. I would highly recommend this.
This was a really enjoyable read. A great introduction to thrillers for YA. It was multilayered with so many twists and turns that were not predictable. I would highly recommend this.
June 2, 2024
Unexpected as a Thriller; but Hits the Mark
Difficult to explain the stars without spoilers; but I'm going to try. Often, the term, "Thriller", makes one think of murder or death. However, the thriller itself does not need this element to elicit the feelings associated. Imagine your deepest, darkest, most intimate secrets intertwined with long-standing friendships. Now, how would you feel if their exposure was threatened?
Could you allow the information out, yourself; or would you hold fast to protect yourself and/or others from the truth? That is the nature of the game. The story does a brilliant job exploring that aspect and different consequences.
I was fine with who is discovered behind it and had my suspicions at an earlier point; but the how and why is a nice twist. Although, the ending is a bit too ambiguous for my taste and not as neatly packaged as I'd prefer. Some aspects also seem a bit rushed, and one sector is never really explained. 🤔
I don't mind not agreeing with an ending in a book. I also accept books with and without happy endings. I even concede to a little mystery left for the characters. However, I do not care for loose ties.
There is a minor character not fully explained for the part played and a big question mark on whether or not another character follows up with the minor character or not. Also, the afterward has a seemingly forced twist for the sake of another twist. Yet, the main story arc is well explained and there is a sense of fulfillment.
Overall, 4.3; but needs to round down to a 4, as a result.
Difficult to explain the stars without spoilers; but I'm going to try. Often, the term, "Thriller", makes one think of murder or death. However, the thriller itself does not need this element to elicit the feelings associated. Imagine your deepest, darkest, most intimate secrets intertwined with long-standing friendships. Now, how would you feel if their exposure was threatened?
Could you allow the information out, yourself; or would you hold fast to protect yourself and/or others from the truth? That is the nature of the game. The story does a brilliant job exploring that aspect and different consequences.
I was fine with who is discovered behind it and had my suspicions at an earlier point; but the how and why is a nice twist. Although, the ending is a bit too ambiguous for my taste and not as neatly packaged as I'd prefer. Some aspects also seem a bit rushed, and one sector is never really explained. 🤔
I don't mind not agreeing with an ending in a book. I also accept books with and without happy endings. I even concede to a little mystery left for the characters. However, I do not care for loose ties.
There is a minor character not fully explained for the part played and a big question mark on whether or not another character follows up with the minor character or not. Also, the afterward has a seemingly forced twist for the sake of another twist. Yet, the main story arc is well explained and there is a sense of fulfillment.
Overall, 4.3; but needs to round down to a 4, as a result.
July 14, 2024
This book was very well-paced and gripping right off the bat. The chapters were short and page turning, the plot unfolded at the right time, and the characters were either like-able, interesting, or relatable.
The story centers around 6 friends who are targeted to play a game The Honesty Index, where they must answer the questions truthfully or a big secret will be revealed. Each one has a big secret.
I really like Trent the main character, as the majority of the time we see the narrator zone in on him and how determined he is to end the game.
I envisioned him as a quiet, polite introverted 25-year-old who wanted to do the right thing, and had big shoes to fill to help all his friends out.
The other 5 friends kept the story flowing well, and so did his sister, who helped us get a glance at their past when the fire that took away their family happened.
The twist I did not see coming and the whole read I was anxious to know what was going to happen and who exactly was behind the game. Overall, I enjoyed it and the ending was a nice conclusion to the game.
I’ll definitely be reading more of NJ Barkers work.
The story centers around 6 friends who are targeted to play a game The Honesty Index, where they must answer the questions truthfully or a big secret will be revealed. Each one has a big secret.
I really like Trent the main character, as the majority of the time we see the narrator zone in on him and how determined he is to end the game.
I envisioned him as a quiet, polite introverted 25-year-old who wanted to do the right thing, and had big shoes to fill to help all his friends out.
The other 5 friends kept the story flowing well, and so did his sister, who helped us get a glance at their past when the fire that took away their family happened.
The twist I did not see coming and the whole read I was anxious to know what was going to happen and who exactly was behind the game. Overall, I enjoyed it and the ending was a nice conclusion to the game.
I’ll definitely be reading more of NJ Barkers work.
February 16, 2025
A book that is like nothing you have ever read before!
Having read and enjoyed a couple of Barker's later books, I decided to go back and read the rest and I wasn't disappointed.
I was drawn in from the first page and wasn't let go until the end. A bunch of friends, an app they can't delete that threatens to expose their innermost secrets. What's not to love?
Just when I thought I'd worked it out, another spanner was thrown in. I was no further forward after all, and that's a good thing. Trent was my favourite character and the addition of Dylan added another layer of intrigue.
This book demonstrates the power of technology in our modern world. The complexity of the friendships was masterfully weaved, and I'd highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something a bit different.
If the fundamental reason for the app existing in the first place had been a bit stronger I'd have given this book the full 5 ⭐
Having read and enjoyed a couple of Barker's later books, I decided to go back and read the rest and I wasn't disappointed.
I was drawn in from the first page and wasn't let go until the end. A bunch of friends, an app they can't delete that threatens to expose their innermost secrets. What's not to love?
Just when I thought I'd worked it out, another spanner was thrown in. I was no further forward after all, and that's a good thing. Trent was my favourite character and the addition of Dylan added another layer of intrigue.
This book demonstrates the power of technology in our modern world. The complexity of the friendships was masterfully weaved, and I'd highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something a bit different.
If the fundamental reason for the app existing in the first place had been a bit stronger I'd have given this book the full 5 ⭐
August 9, 2025
The truth will set you free is tested in this novel.
A novel using a limited number of characters playing a game does make one wonder about real friendships. A birthday party for a teenage computer whiz leads to a full exposure of dirty secrets. It appears that someone knows too many personal and dangerous details of each party goer’s life. Each of the birthday guests are invited back to the home of the neglected computer whiz for his wake after succumbing to cancer.
This is a strange story but obvious that someone is doing more than simply playing a tell all game. Eventually, all the exposure in this convoluted plot leads to a resolution, most likely, that is trust no one. The computerized world is dark and dangerous and most likely,all smart phones are bugged.
Technology has opened the doors for the real evil doers. One should tighten one’s security. A very important lesson from this weird novel.
Recommend due to the lessons learned.
A novel using a limited number of characters playing a game does make one wonder about real friendships. A birthday party for a teenage computer whiz leads to a full exposure of dirty secrets. It appears that someone knows too many personal and dangerous details of each party goer’s life. Each of the birthday guests are invited back to the home of the neglected computer whiz for his wake after succumbing to cancer.
This is a strange story but obvious that someone is doing more than simply playing a tell all game. Eventually, all the exposure in this convoluted plot leads to a resolution, most likely, that is trust no one. The computerized world is dark and dangerous and most likely,all smart phones are bugged.
Technology has opened the doors for the real evil doers. One should tighten one’s security. A very important lesson from this weird novel.
Recommend due to the lessons learned.
November 14, 2025
The Honesty Index may start off a little slow, but once it kicks into gear, it absolutely pulls you in. The story is bursting with twists and turns, each one building suspense and leading to jaw dropping moments you’ll never see coming.
N.J. Barker masterfully keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing right up to the perfect reveal and even then, you’re still questioning everything in the most exciting way.
Some of the tech related elements feel a bit questionable, but honestly, they don’t take away from the thrill or intensity of the ride.
The ending did feel slightly out of place, leaving a few lingering questions but it definitely leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
N.J. Barker masterfully keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing right up to the perfect reveal and even then, you’re still questioning everything in the most exciting way.
Some of the tech related elements feel a bit questionable, but honestly, they don’t take away from the thrill or intensity of the ride.
The ending did feel slightly out of place, leaving a few lingering questions but it definitely leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
June 1, 2024
When the tag-a-long of a group of friends dies, a spam text with a mysterious link is sent to them all at the funeral and they decide to download an app from it. The app is undeleteable and it immediately shares sensitive videos belonging to one of the group. The other group members, some receive threats through the app and others are just panicky about it.
I read a good quarter of the book and still couldn’t figure out what was going on. After that initial, second-chapter burst of energy, nothing seems to be happening. There’s no movement to the story. Just characters talking ‘round in circles. So I stopped reading and have moved on to other things.
I read a good quarter of the book and still couldn’t figure out what was going on. After that initial, second-chapter burst of energy, nothing seems to be happening. There’s no movement to the story. Just characters talking ‘round in circles. So I stopped reading and have moved on to other things.
January 27, 2025
While some of the differences in spelling could be due to regional differences, there are still many spelling and grammatical errors throughout this book that make me believe the publishing company did not have anyone properly proofread for errors.
As for Context, while the book has a good idea, it ends up falling a bit flat. There are too many items that left me feeling like they were unnecessary, others that left me feeling like they were never properly wrapped.
Others may enjoy this book but I wouldn’t go back and ever re-read.
As for Context, while the book has a good idea, it ends up falling a bit flat. There are too many items that left me feeling like they were unnecessary, others that left me feeling like they were never properly wrapped.
Others may enjoy this book but I wouldn’t go back and ever re-read.
January 14, 2024
From the prologue, it was fair to say that I was intrigued where this might go. An unusual storyline and gripping concept that kept me hooked and nervous for the characters throughout. This goes at a healthy pace with each chapter enticingly pulling the story along. The ending was a surprise for me, and I couldn't have called it.
A promising debut, and I'm excited to see where this author takes us next with his writing.
A promising debut, and I'm excited to see where this author takes us next with his writing.
July 7, 2024
Makes you think how well you truly know those you love
Very chilling book that makes you look over your shoulders and wonder about the people in your life. I do believe though, there are things that are better left untouched, and I don’t believe people should force “truth” out of others. It feels like a violation. We should respect people’s privacy and not practice emotional blackmail.
Very chilling book that makes you look over your shoulders and wonder about the people in your life. I do believe though, there are things that are better left untouched, and I don’t believe people should force “truth” out of others. It feels like a violation. We should respect people’s privacy and not practice emotional blackmail.
February 3, 2025
The Honesty Index is a tense and compelling psychological thriller that keeps readers hooked with its intriguing premise. The blend of mystery and personal stakes, as Trent and his friends face a game that exposes their darkest secrets, makes for a riveting read. While the twists are engaging, some character development could be stronger. Nonetheless, Barker’s debut delivers suspense and a satisfying, twist-filled ride that will appeal to fans of secrets, lies, and high-stakes games.
July 18, 2024
Not worth your time!
Long and drawn out, with a lot of unnecessary fluff and no twists. It almost felt like reading two story lines, one about the fire and one about the “game”. Both plots fell flat and I found myself needing to go back and reread parts as I would lose interest in the middle.
Long and drawn out, with a lot of unnecessary fluff and no twists. It almost felt like reading two story lines, one about the fire and one about the “game”. Both plots fell flat and I found myself needing to go back and reread parts as I would lose interest in the middle.
July 25, 2024
Interesting concept!
I really enjoyed this book! I liked the idea and the creepiness of someone knowing one's secrets. Dylan was a lovely addition to the other characters too! Would love a book with Dylan's story.
I only gave this a 4 because it had some blatant proof reading errors: use of the wrong or misspelled name several times and doubled or dropped words as well.
I really enjoyed this book! I liked the idea and the creepiness of someone knowing one's secrets. Dylan was a lovely addition to the other characters too! Would love a book with Dylan's story.
I only gave this a 4 because it had some blatant proof reading errors: use of the wrong or misspelled name several times and doubled or dropped words as well.
December 14, 2024
Secrets…everyone’s got them
This was an engrossing read and different from my other fare. I liked that the plot was different (for a change!). The book is basically about secrets kept, hidden, and revealed. Knocked off a star for typos (Come on, guys! Get someone to read it to catch those!)
This was an engrossing read and different from my other fare. I liked that the plot was different (for a change!). The book is basically about secrets kept, hidden, and revealed. Knocked off a star for typos (Come on, guys! Get someone to read it to catch those!)
August 29, 2025
I felt the storyline was not cohesive. It was difficult to understand what the point of the Honesty Index was and it was hard to follow how things fit together. There were occasional oddball characters that really didn’t have too much to add to the overall progression of the story. Disappointing ending.
June 3, 2024
I wasn't sure where the book was going when it started. I felt that I had read stories similar to this in the past. But I kept going, and enjoyed the book.
There were some things that seemed a bit far fetched, and there were some good plot twists.
There were some things that seemed a bit far fetched, and there were some good plot twists.
June 6, 2024
This was a little slow to start but picked up about a third of the way in. It was very different from
Other books, had an interesting plot, and I couldn’t figure out who was in charge of the game. Good ending, liked the characters.
Other books, had an interesting plot, and I couldn’t figure out who was in charge of the game. Good ending, liked the characters.
June 8, 2024
interesting read
I enjoyed reading the book, but felt that it really didn’t have to be as long as it was. Sometimes I had a hard time following the clues and putting them together. That may not be the authors fault but mine.
I enjoyed reading the book, but felt that it really didn’t have to be as long as it was. Sometimes I had a hard time following the clues and putting them together. That may not be the authors fault but mine.
May 24, 2025
Im not sure why this book is rated so poorly. because I LOVED it. I couldnt put it down. A little Sci fi, a little romance, and a little thriller all together in one book. Wild enough to keep my attention and real enough that it actually could happen to me. Great book!
August 16, 2025
I gave this book a three as I thought the concept was original and unique. It built to a reveal. I gave this book a three as the reveal left me saying, oh kind of a let down. And the characters, I didn’t really care. But I did like his book “The Genius Club.”
September 29, 2025
This was one of the books I just read since it was free on prime. Sadly (but maybe not surprisingly lol) it took me so long to read it since I didn’t love it, buuut I’ve got some new library cards soo onto the next one!
May 31, 2024
Wow!
One of the best books I’ve read in
a long time. It kept me in suspense from the beginning to the end. I could not put it down!
One of the best books I’ve read in
a long time. It kept me in suspense from the beginning to the end. I could not put it down!
June 11, 2024
Got this for free on BookBub, first twist was easy to spot then it got too jumbled and far-fetched for me
June 17, 2024
Very hard to put down.
Enjoyed the numerous plot twists. I thought I figured it out, then didn’t, then did. A little bit of everything a book needs.
Enjoyed the numerous plot twists. I thought I figured it out, then didn’t, then did. A little bit of everything a book needs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews