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Lie or Die
Ten strangers trapped in a television studioForty-two remote camerasOne Trust no oneWhen a casting call is announced for new reality TV show Lie or Die, Kass is tricked into auditioning by her best friend. Big Brother meets Mafia, Lie or Die pits contestants against each other as they try to discover who is a murderous agent and who is an innocent player. But when contestants start to turn up dead (the real kind, not the fake kind), Kass realises that not being eliminated and winning the game is the least of her worries. No longer a game of truth and lies, Kass and her friends are in a fight for survival. ‘Reality’ just got very real.
367 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2024
32 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
March 7, 2024
Kass is currently fighting with BFF Thea about a misunderstanding over an ex-boyfriend. She desperately wants to make things up with Thea so agrees to try out for a new reality show called Lie or Die, based on a party game called 'Mafia' (or Werewolves'). Ten contestants will compete to win a cash prize by unmasking the two 'agents' amongst them before the 'agents' can 'kill' the rest of players. The two girls are eventually accepted onto the set & things seem normal at first, but when the AI host 'Cohin' goes off-script & the eliminated contestants start turning up literally dead, Kass realises that they are trapped inside the contained set with a killer.
This is the second book I've read recently about a murderer stalking a group filming a new reality TV show. This one started off quite slow & I wasn't really getting into it, but around a third of the way in, the story line & pace took off & didn't look back. Kass was a great main character as she was probably the one the reader would naturally feel most empathy for. I also thought the idea of basing around the party game worked really well as it gave the narrative a solid structure. It did look as if things may veer out of control towards the conclusion, but thankfully the ending was intriguing with maybe a possible chance of a sequel. I ended up really enjoying this one & recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA thrillers.
TWs: murder, death, mention of suicide.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Firefly Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
This is the second book I've read recently about a murderer stalking a group filming a new reality TV show. This one started off quite slow & I wasn't really getting into it, but around a third of the way in, the story line & pace took off & didn't look back. Kass was a great main character as she was probably the one the reader would naturally feel most empathy for. I also thought the idea of basing around the party game worked really well as it gave the narrative a solid structure. It did look as if things may veer out of control towards the conclusion, but thankfully the ending was intriguing with maybe a possible chance of a sequel. I ended up really enjoying this one & recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA thrillers.
TWs: murder, death, mention of suicide.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Firefly Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
September 5, 2024
My review should be just: I do not often give YA books 5 stars, but here we are.
This book is truly Big Brother meets Mafia and I am obsessed with it. The book opens up with Kass wanting to get her best friend back. She is ready to do anything for Thea to forgive her. Even participate in this social experiment called Lie or Die where the most important rule is: Trust No One.
The game is supposed to be like a Mafia game but inside a house Big Brother style and a couple of other changes to spice things up. Well, that was the plan anyway.
When all the contestants are in the house, they will realize that the people eliminated from the game are actually killed. Now, trapped inside this house with no way to ask for help, their mission will be to survive and find out who is killing them and why.
You can read this book in one sitting. That is how enjoyable and thrilling it was. The way you are so immersed in this game and with the players is insane. I was living the experience with them and going through the trenches, not going to lie.
So much action, fun and blood. This has been one of my favorite YA books this year. Yes, it can be corny at times but it was the good kind of corny and I would reread this anytime.
This book is truly Big Brother meets Mafia and I am obsessed with it. The book opens up with Kass wanting to get her best friend back. She is ready to do anything for Thea to forgive her. Even participate in this social experiment called Lie or Die where the most important rule is: Trust No One.
The game is supposed to be like a Mafia game but inside a house Big Brother style and a couple of other changes to spice things up. Well, that was the plan anyway.
When all the contestants are in the house, they will realize that the people eliminated from the game are actually killed. Now, trapped inside this house with no way to ask for help, their mission will be to survive and find out who is killing them and why.
You can read this book in one sitting. That is how enjoyable and thrilling it was. The way you are so immersed in this game and with the players is insane. I was living the experience with them and going through the trenches, not going to lie.
So much action, fun and blood. This has been one of my favorite YA books this year. Yes, it can be corny at times but it was the good kind of corny and I would reread this anytime.
August 25, 2025
I genuinely enjoyed the storyline as I am a huge traitors fan, but I think this is aimed more for a younger audience. An easy read.
July 7, 2024
Really corny YA book but still guiltily enjoyed it.
April 4, 2024
Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, and Gun violence
Moderate: Grief, Gore, and Blood
Minor: Suicide
Representations: https://trello.com/c/NdCdD2wm/101-lie...
Oooooh I loved this. Started off really slow, but once things started happening it was really fast paced right up until the final page! But even then, the slower paced parts still kept me really hooked! I sped through this mostly in a single sitting, I just couldn't put it down.
The characters where a right mix, all different kinds of tropes (something that's jabbed at in the book by the characters themselves which was pretty fun). Some aggravating, some kind and lovely to read. Some where of course more 2d than others, but that's pretty understandable due to the nature of the plot. It was pretty surprising but a lot of the deaths did get emotion from me, even near the start with the characters that weren't too fleshed out.
I don't think the book was trying to be too smart, there was some pretty good twists though that I didn't fully predict. The characters felt like they where acting their age for sure (I think? I read them as mostly pretty young but I honestly can't remember any of their ages lol), but in a realism way and not an annoying way honestly. Plans aren't super complicated, actions fit to the character types and in general it flowed pretty well. It's not fully realistic, naturally, it's a pretty out-there plot with exaggerated characters and a semi-cartoon villain. But it makes for an incredibly fun, tense and mysterious read!
Loved the slight touch of Welsh, always appreciate that done well in books! The romance as well I felt was pretty good, there's not a massive focus on it and it can mostly be ignored pretty easily. Main focus is on strong friendships and the bonds made through trauma. The romance-type relationships are pretty realistic for the type of situation. Single weekend, very high stakes, more concerned with surviving than making out - you'd think that was a low bar to pass but like, that was pretty refreshing to read honestly.
I'm not sure if there'll be a sequel, but the final page seems to imply there will be? Or at least, it's open to another. But this absolutely can be a standalone without feeling like you're missing anything. If there was a sequel, the only way it'd make sense was if it does like what the film Escape Room: Tournament of Champions does, but I'd also like for it to go a lot deeper into the aftermath. I felt like that was cut really short and the very important messages and points there didn't have enough time to really evolve honestly.
January 19, 2025
If you already have a negative view of reality TV and its influence, this fast-paced thriller will serve as evidence for your negative opinion.
At the start of the book we hear that Kass is trying to get a place on a new reality TV show, Live or Die. The premise is simple…two agents, one detective and a number of players who are all competing for a major prize. Filmed continuously during the show it’s a high-stakes game where only those willing to do what it takes will survive.
Kass is rejected, but her best friend is not.
On the day the show is scheduled to begin, a most unfortunate accident means Kass is asked to step in at the last minute.
The set-up of the show takes a little longer than you’d imagine, but it introduces us to key players and offers hints at what might be to come. Itching prepares us for the shock of u folding events, and the blurring of TV manipulation and reality is cleverly presented.
From the moment the true nature of the game is revealed this has more of a horror-feel to it. It offers some interesting ideas about our obsession with people wanting to be in the public eye, but the ending felt like a rather cheap attempt to eke out something that worked once.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
At the start of the book we hear that Kass is trying to get a place on a new reality TV show, Live or Die. The premise is simple…two agents, one detective and a number of players who are all competing for a major prize. Filmed continuously during the show it’s a high-stakes game where only those willing to do what it takes will survive.
Kass is rejected, but her best friend is not.
On the day the show is scheduled to begin, a most unfortunate accident means Kass is asked to step in at the last minute.
The set-up of the show takes a little longer than you’d imagine, but it introduces us to key players and offers hints at what might be to come. Itching prepares us for the shock of u folding events, and the blurring of TV manipulation and reality is cleverly presented.
From the moment the true nature of the game is revealed this has more of a horror-feel to it. It offers some interesting ideas about our obsession with people wanting to be in the public eye, but the ending felt like a rather cheap attempt to eke out something that worked once.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
June 16, 2025
A fab YA thriller which kept me turning the pages. An interesting take on the reality TV idea. I was hooked on this one. Written in a snappy fast paced style, it was easy to follow and the twists just kept coming. A fun read with great ideas.
February 9, 2024
4.5 rounded up
Described as The Traitors meets Knives Out by Kat Ellis, I just knew Lie or Die would be right up my street, and when you know, you know, you know?
I’m terribly fond of locked room murder mysteries and while I’m not much of a reality TV watcher, I am obsessed with The Traitors, so Lie or Die and me? We really were a match made in heaven.
I had such a brilliant time with it! I flew through it effortlessly, I was caught up in the story from the very first chapter and I got deeper into it with every following chapter. The plan was to read this on the weekend, saving the final chapters for Sunday, allowing me to write a review right after turning the final page, but I literally couldn’t stop reading and I finished it in a day!
While Lie or Die has a cast of young adults, with their accompanying teenage worries, struggles and occasional angst, and may therefore appeal more to readers of YA books, I do feel that Lie or Die has plenty to offer readers who don’t usually go for YA. It definitely has that And Then There Were None vibe going for it, as well as a certain thought-provoking aspect regarding reality TV and its impact on both contestants and viewers.
I found Lie or Die an accomplished debut and I’ve added A.J. Clack to my authors-to-watch list. Lie or Die is an addictive and twisty rollercoaster of a story, oodles of murderous fun, and one I would happily recommend.
Massive thanks to Firefly Press and Graeme Williams for the paperback review copy. All opinions are my own.
Described as The Traitors meets Knives Out by Kat Ellis, I just knew Lie or Die would be right up my street, and when you know, you know, you know?
I’m terribly fond of locked room murder mysteries and while I’m not much of a reality TV watcher, I am obsessed with The Traitors, so Lie or Die and me? We really were a match made in heaven.
I had such a brilliant time with it! I flew through it effortlessly, I was caught up in the story from the very first chapter and I got deeper into it with every following chapter. The plan was to read this on the weekend, saving the final chapters for Sunday, allowing me to write a review right after turning the final page, but I literally couldn’t stop reading and I finished it in a day!
While Lie or Die has a cast of young adults, with their accompanying teenage worries, struggles and occasional angst, and may therefore appeal more to readers of YA books, I do feel that Lie or Die has plenty to offer readers who don’t usually go for YA. It definitely has that And Then There Were None vibe going for it, as well as a certain thought-provoking aspect regarding reality TV and its impact on both contestants and viewers.
I found Lie or Die an accomplished debut and I’ve added A.J. Clack to my authors-to-watch list. Lie or Die is an addictive and twisty rollercoaster of a story, oodles of murderous fun, and one I would happily recommend.
Massive thanks to Firefly Press and Graeme Williams for the paperback review copy. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2024
i’ve been reading lots of YA thrillers for the past two weeks but this is definitely my favourite one so far. great plot and lots of twists, fast pacing and great characters. easily read in one sitting!
June 17, 2025
it did what it set out to do. i had fun.
November 27, 2025
The intention behind the game creation and the killers motivation fell flat, and truthfully, the repeated Taylor Swift references were a bigger jump-scare than the seemingly, but not quite there yet, horror elements.
December 28, 2024
3,75 ⭐️✨️ (very unexpected)
January 16, 2025
I enjoyed it, but the ending felt rushed, kinda ruined it for me.
March 8, 2024
AD/PR - This one is actually The Traitors, but the Traitors are Agents, the Faithfuls are Players AND there’s a secret Detective who gets to ask the status of one person per night. Oh and there’s a courtroom where the accused are tried and sentenced to death in the electric chair (not real until it is 👀😏). Overseeing proceedings is an AI called Cohin who’s super creepy. What else?? It’s like the Big Brother house and there’s even a diary room! It’s older YA but a MUST for adults because it doesn’t feel young at all.
Honestly, this was BINGE. WORTHY. What a rollercoaster! I loved that apart from Kass we didn’t know who the Agents and Players were. It made for such a fun guessing game where you analyse everyone’s words and actions. The murders were brutal which I’m here for. Morbid, but I love it 👀😂. It was soooo gripping and thoroughly entertaining. It felt like watching a full season of The Traitors! I was engrossed and the final part was genuinely heart stopping! I looooved how it ended… the last page 😱💀. Can we please have series 2?!!
Honestly, this was BINGE. WORTHY. What a rollercoaster! I loved that apart from Kass we didn’t know who the Agents and Players were. It made for such a fun guessing game where you analyse everyone’s words and actions. The murders were brutal which I’m here for. Morbid, but I love it 👀😂. It was soooo gripping and thoroughly entertaining. It felt like watching a full season of The Traitors! I was engrossed and the final part was genuinely heart stopping! I looooved how it ended… the last page 😱💀. Can we please have series 2?!!
March 3, 2024
This was such a fun, binge-worthy story! This book was riddled with twists and turns. It heavily reminded me of all of my favourite things, like, The Traitors, Knives Out and Pretty Little Liars (if you know, you know). Lie or Die was such an unpredictable story that had me racing through the pages to find answers. This was definitely the most enthralling thriller/mystery i’ve read in a LONG time. I loved the whole gameshow aspect and grew to love each of the characters for their individuality. It was an added joy to discover the author is from South Wales <3
Thank you Firefly Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you Firefly Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
February 26, 2024
What a rush! Ten people locked into a Big Brother style house, meant to figure out who the Agents are and who the Players are, find their game going horribly wrong. With no one sure who's on what side, they'll have to find a way to work together if they want to survive.
This is fast paced and exciting. Because it's all narrated by one character, there was never a doubt that she'd get into the show, even when she's initially rejected, and there were a couple of really obvious bits of foreshadowing - for instance, the moment Kass looks up at a high gantry and thinks about how she'd never willingly get up there, I knew that at some point she'd have to get up there. There's also a really obvious drugging scene that no one catches on to, but then they were exhausted, terrified and half starved by then. (Warning, the next one's a bit gruesome, keep reading only if you're sure you're ok with that: at one point they open a secret door and find a body inside. The body has been there for three or four days by that stage. Wouldn't they be able to smell it?)
Those little points aside - and again, from outside the story it's always easier to see what's going on - this is a really good read. The characters don't give much away, I hadn't guessed a couple of the twists, and the thought of being trapped somewhere like that is really claustrophobic. The whole set up is very clever.
There's what might be a sequel hook at the end, or might be just meant to leave us unsettled. Either way works and I'll be watching out for more by the author. Great read.
This is fast paced and exciting. Because it's all narrated by one character, there was never a doubt that she'd get into the show, even when she's initially rejected, and there were a couple of really obvious bits of foreshadowing - for instance, the moment Kass looks up at a high gantry and thinks about how she'd never willingly get up there, I knew that at some point she'd have to get up there. There's also a really obvious drugging scene that no one catches on to, but then they were exhausted, terrified and half starved by then. (Warning, the next one's a bit gruesome, keep reading only if you're sure you're ok with that: at one point they open a secret door and find a body inside. The body has been there for three or four days by that stage. Wouldn't they be able to smell it?)
Those little points aside - and again, from outside the story it's always easier to see what's going on - this is a really good read. The characters don't give much away, I hadn't guessed a couple of the twists, and the thought of being trapped somewhere like that is really claustrophobic. The whole set up is very clever.
There's what might be a sequel hook at the end, or might be just meant to leave us unsettled. Either way works and I'll be watching out for more by the author. Great read.
November 1, 2024
LIE OR DIE is a tense thriller set in a reality tv show that gets murderous.
I really liked how this book took the psychology and manipulation of a reality TV show, where everything is designed to fray tempers and generate drama, and went "what if this was hijacked to kill people?" It works really well to make Kass doubt herself because everything is trying to generate moments that will get people watching, so maybe it is just good effects? And then, once it's clear it is murder, it leads to this trapped feeling with the claustrophobia of all the cameras.
This also feeds in nicely to a discussion about the impacts of reality TV. What does it say about us as consumers? What does it do to contestants - the good and the bad? How ethical is it all?
As for the thriller part of the tale, there were several parties with motives in the show, which was a nice way of complicating the situation. Different people have agendas they want to see playing out. This means it's not so much red herrings but clues pointing to different solutions, and it makes it much harder to work out who to trust.
Kass' relationship with Thea is an interesting dynamic. It feels very one sided, like Thea expects so much more of Kass and Kass can't see just how toxic it's got. It was interesting seeing how Kass' desire to please Thea drove her and how it evolved over the game, with the ending showing promising signs of growth!
I really liked how this book took the psychology and manipulation of a reality TV show, where everything is designed to fray tempers and generate drama, and went "what if this was hijacked to kill people?" It works really well to make Kass doubt herself because everything is trying to generate moments that will get people watching, so maybe it is just good effects? And then, once it's clear it is murder, it leads to this trapped feeling with the claustrophobia of all the cameras.
This also feeds in nicely to a discussion about the impacts of reality TV. What does it say about us as consumers? What does it do to contestants - the good and the bad? How ethical is it all?
As for the thriller part of the tale, there were several parties with motives in the show, which was a nice way of complicating the situation. Different people have agendas they want to see playing out. This means it's not so much red herrings but clues pointing to different solutions, and it makes it much harder to work out who to trust.
Kass' relationship with Thea is an interesting dynamic. It feels very one sided, like Thea expects so much more of Kass and Kass can't see just how toxic it's got. It was interesting seeing how Kass' desire to please Thea drove her and how it evolved over the game, with the ending showing promising signs of growth!
April 24, 2024
A bunch of fame-hungry young adults are assembled for a reality TV show based around a ruthless game called ‘Lie or Die’- what could possibly go wrong?
Fans of reality TV probably have some immediate ideas!
And Then There Were None meets Mafia with The Traitors’ production team, ‘Lie or Die’ is a YA thriller full of tension and twists.
Hats off to AJ Clack for writing a novel which hangs so much on dialogue and managing to keep the pace, tension and interest up.
I’m not a fan of Reality TV really but if anything this fact might have even heightened my enjoyment of Lie or Die - ha ha ha (evil laugh). My point: it’s definitely not just for diehard fans!
I enjoyed the self-awareness of the contestants (eg their tropes) and thought the teenagers were believable and interesting characters despite the fact we only meet them in the house, with all of the artifice and posturing that entails. I think that’s another sizeable achievement.
A gripping, highly readable YA thriller. Remember, readers: trust no-one!
Fans of reality TV probably have some immediate ideas!
And Then There Were None meets Mafia with The Traitors’ production team, ‘Lie or Die’ is a YA thriller full of tension and twists.
Hats off to AJ Clack for writing a novel which hangs so much on dialogue and managing to keep the pace, tension and interest up.
I’m not a fan of Reality TV really but if anything this fact might have even heightened my enjoyment of Lie or Die - ha ha ha (evil laugh). My point: it’s definitely not just for diehard fans!
I enjoyed the self-awareness of the contestants (eg their tropes) and thought the teenagers were believable and interesting characters despite the fact we only meet them in the house, with all of the artifice and posturing that entails. I think that’s another sizeable achievement.
A gripping, highly readable YA thriller. Remember, readers: trust no-one!
January 4, 2024
If you love reality TV shows like The Traitors or Squid Game: The Challenge with all those delicious, back-stabby vibes, you need to read this book. There were so many twists, fantastic characters, and a full-throttle pace that kept me breezing through the pages. An excellent read!
January 18, 2026
Das Buch ist klar als Jugend-Thriller einzuordnen – und genau das hält es auch ein. Im Laufe der Handlung sterben mehrere Figuren, teilweise auf drastische Weise. Die Todesursachen sind zwar heftig, werden jedoch nicht übermäßig detailliert beschrieben, sodass das Buch insgesamt gut für Leser ab etwa 14 Jahren geeignet bleibt.
Besonders spannend ist, dass die Jugendlichen sehr lange nicht verstehen, wie realistisch die Show tatsächlich ist. Viel zu spät begreifen sie, dass es sich nicht nur um ein Spiel, sondern um echte Morde handelt.
Zitat S. 255:
"Dabei stecken wir mittendrin. Wir sind im Set eingesperrt. Mit einem Killer. Als mich die Erkenntnis übermannt, verstummt mein Kichern und macht einer Eiseskälte Platz."
Diese schleichende Erkenntnis sorgt für eine konstant angespannte Atmosphäre und hält die Spannung über weite Strecken hoch.
Sehr gut gefallen haben mir auch die Figuren. Sie wirken unterschiedlich, lebendig und glaubwürdig, und man merkt schnell, dass nicht alle so sind, wie sie zunächst erscheinen. Der erste Eindruck täuscht hier mehrfach – ein Aspekt, der gelungen in Szene gesetzt wird und gut zur Thematik von Lügen, Misstrauen und Manipulation passt.
Gegen Ende des Buches werden die moralischen Fragen immer zentraler. Die Teilnehmenden stehen vor extremen Entscheidungen: Sollen sie jemand anderen opfern oder sogar ihr eigenes Leben riskieren? In diesen Momenten zeigt sich deutlich, welche Charaktere Rückgrat und Mut besitzen – und welche eben nicht. Gerade diese psychologische Komponente verleiht der Geschichte zusätzliche Tiefe.
Fazit: Insgesamt ist "Lie or Die" ein spannender, düsterer Escape-Room-Jugendthriller mit einer originellen Show-Idee, interessanten Figuren und moralischen Dilemmata, die zum Nachdenken anregen. Das Buch konnte mich gut unterhalten und ist besonders für Fans von Reality-Show-Szenarien, Survival-Spannung und Thrillern mit jungen Protagonisten sehr empfehlenswert.
Besonders spannend ist, dass die Jugendlichen sehr lange nicht verstehen, wie realistisch die Show tatsächlich ist. Viel zu spät begreifen sie, dass es sich nicht nur um ein Spiel, sondern um echte Morde handelt.
Zitat S. 255:
"Dabei stecken wir mittendrin. Wir sind im Set eingesperrt. Mit einem Killer. Als mich die Erkenntnis übermannt, verstummt mein Kichern und macht einer Eiseskälte Platz."
Diese schleichende Erkenntnis sorgt für eine konstant angespannte Atmosphäre und hält die Spannung über weite Strecken hoch.
Sehr gut gefallen haben mir auch die Figuren. Sie wirken unterschiedlich, lebendig und glaubwürdig, und man merkt schnell, dass nicht alle so sind, wie sie zunächst erscheinen. Der erste Eindruck täuscht hier mehrfach – ein Aspekt, der gelungen in Szene gesetzt wird und gut zur Thematik von Lügen, Misstrauen und Manipulation passt.
Gegen Ende des Buches werden die moralischen Fragen immer zentraler. Die Teilnehmenden stehen vor extremen Entscheidungen: Sollen sie jemand anderen opfern oder sogar ihr eigenes Leben riskieren? In diesen Momenten zeigt sich deutlich, welche Charaktere Rückgrat und Mut besitzen – und welche eben nicht. Gerade diese psychologische Komponente verleiht der Geschichte zusätzliche Tiefe.
Fazit: Insgesamt ist "Lie or Die" ein spannender, düsterer Escape-Room-Jugendthriller mit einer originellen Show-Idee, interessanten Figuren und moralischen Dilemmata, die zum Nachdenken anregen. Das Buch konnte mich gut unterhalten und ist besonders für Fans von Reality-Show-Szenarien, Survival-Spannung und Thrillern mit jungen Protagonisten sehr empfehlenswert.
January 11, 2026
A classic murder mystery story, modern setting with a game twist. Billed as The Traitors meets Knives out and it absolutely delivers.
Is this revolutionary, no, it's it stunning writing, no, does it deliver on everything it sets out to be and more. Absolutely.
Kass, Thea and Lewis are friends all desiring more from their lives. Thea is mad at Kass, boy drama. Lewis is just playing the middle man. Thea signs Kass up to play this new reality show based on a board game called Mafia, find the hidden agents, win the game.
A classic murder mystery set up, group of people, some know each other, some don't. Trapped in a house (the set) and people start dying for REAL.
I enjoyed the mystery, the twists and I think this a perfect example of bringing a classic structure to current times while also clearly highlighting some dangers of this explosive fame you can achieve online today.
The characters are all cool, hitting all the right notes. As I said this I set up to hit all the classic tropes in a culturally relevant setting.
Some of the flow was a bit odd at times, for a novel set over 3 days it felt a little rushed in places often parts of a scene feeling a bit jumpy. However this didn't really take away from my enjoyment and I devoured this not wanting to put it down late into the night.
I will absolutely be reading the sequel, Lie or Die: Blood moon which is using the game Werewolf.
Is this revolutionary, no, it's it stunning writing, no, does it deliver on everything it sets out to be and more. Absolutely.
Kass, Thea and Lewis are friends all desiring more from their lives. Thea is mad at Kass, boy drama. Lewis is just playing the middle man. Thea signs Kass up to play this new reality show based on a board game called Mafia, find the hidden agents, win the game.
A classic murder mystery set up, group of people, some know each other, some don't. Trapped in a house (the set) and people start dying for REAL.
I enjoyed the mystery, the twists and I think this a perfect example of bringing a classic structure to current times while also clearly highlighting some dangers of this explosive fame you can achieve online today.
The characters are all cool, hitting all the right notes. As I said this I set up to hit all the classic tropes in a culturally relevant setting.
Some of the flow was a bit odd at times, for a novel set over 3 days it felt a little rushed in places often parts of a scene feeling a bit jumpy. However this didn't really take away from my enjoyment and I devoured this not wanting to put it down late into the night.
I will absolutely be reading the sequel, Lie or Die: Blood moon which is using the game Werewolf.
March 24, 2024
A thriller reality tv show set within a Big Brother style house where 10 contestants are filmed 24/7 while playing a game of Lie or Die.
Are they a murderous agent or an innocent player - remind you of another reality TV show ?
There’s only one rule TRUST NO ONE as they try to figure out the murderous agents
But the live streamed reality tv show becomes all too real when contestants are killed off for real and not just fake deaths.
It’s literally a fight for survival.
A fast paced contemporary YA debut novel.
Addictive and mysterious it was quite a creepy read - you felt you were watching the show from inside, perfectly capturing the darker side of reality TV.
I didn’t trust any of the characters, not even Kass, as you felt you didn’t get to know them as they were not being their true selves.
But obviously there were characters you can’t help but love or loathe.
Loved that you didn’t know who the agents and players were apart from Kass, as it added to the paranoia.
There were lots of twists, some you didn’t see coming and the ending left you with the possibility of a second book in the series, as there was unfinished business and more to be explored.
Are you ready to play?
Thanks @alisonclack1 @fireflypress & @netgalley for letting me join the game
Are they a murderous agent or an innocent player - remind you of another reality TV show ?
There’s only one rule TRUST NO ONE as they try to figure out the murderous agents
But the live streamed reality tv show becomes all too real when contestants are killed off for real and not just fake deaths.
It’s literally a fight for survival.
A fast paced contemporary YA debut novel.
Addictive and mysterious it was quite a creepy read - you felt you were watching the show from inside, perfectly capturing the darker side of reality TV.
I didn’t trust any of the characters, not even Kass, as you felt you didn’t get to know them as they were not being their true selves.
But obviously there were characters you can’t help but love or loathe.
Loved that you didn’t know who the agents and players were apart from Kass, as it added to the paranoia.
There were lots of twists, some you didn’t see coming and the ending left you with the possibility of a second book in the series, as there was unfinished business and more to be explored.
Are you ready to play?
Thanks @alisonclack1 @fireflypress & @netgalley for letting me join the game
January 4, 2026
When I saw the Plot of Book 2 I knew that I had to read Book 1 First and this was the perfect book to start 2026 off with, Reality TV Gone wrong and this takes everything to the extreme!
Kass is currently fighting with her Best Friend Thea about a misunderstanding over an ex-boyfriend. She desperately wants to make things up with Thea so agrees to try out for a new reality show called Lie or Die, based on a party game called 'Mafia' Ten contestants will compete to win a cash prize by unmasking the two 'agents' amongst them before the 'agents' can 'kill' the rest of players. The two girls are eventually accepted onto the set & things seem normal at first, but when the AI host 'Cohin' goes off script & the eliminated contestants start turning up literally dead, Kass realises that they are trapped inside the contained set with a killer.
Kass is a fantastic protagonist – smart, driven and a lover of puzzles. It should not be a surprise that she ends up on a programme like this, but she’s only there to pay back a debt to her best friend. Her mindset is interesting, especially her desire to make friends in a highly competitive environment.
Lie or Die is a pulse pounding addictive YA thriller. Just like your favourite TV shows, you’ll be up obsessing over the pages.
Kass is currently fighting with her Best Friend Thea about a misunderstanding over an ex-boyfriend. She desperately wants to make things up with Thea so agrees to try out for a new reality show called Lie or Die, based on a party game called 'Mafia' Ten contestants will compete to win a cash prize by unmasking the two 'agents' amongst them before the 'agents' can 'kill' the rest of players. The two girls are eventually accepted onto the set & things seem normal at first, but when the AI host 'Cohin' goes off script & the eliminated contestants start turning up literally dead, Kass realises that they are trapped inside the contained set with a killer.
Kass is a fantastic protagonist – smart, driven and a lover of puzzles. It should not be a surprise that she ends up on a programme like this, but she’s only there to pay back a debt to her best friend. Her mindset is interesting, especially her desire to make friends in a highly competitive environment.
Lie or Die is a pulse pounding addictive YA thriller. Just like your favourite TV shows, you’ll be up obsessing over the pages.
March 9, 2024
This was really fast paced and gripping, I found myself suspecting quite a few characters but never would have guessed the final twist (or multiple twists!).
Kass was a great protagonist, I liked her superpower of being able to tell when people were lying which is a definite bonus for a game like this. At one point I started to wonder if it was going to be an unreliable narrator thing. It is in the name, Lie or Die and they keep saying, trust no one! However, I won't tell you if I was right as I don't want to risk spoilers!!! I'm afraid I just couldn't like Thea. I think she sounded like the crappest friend no matter what Kass had done or how much she defends her. Lewis was really cool though and held the group together.
I never totally understood the game, or how their personalities would help anyone guess who the killers were as their parts in the game were totally random! But in the end it didn't really matter and it wasn't totally necessary for the story.
I'll be eagerly looking out for more by A.J. Clack and hope I won't have to wait too long!
https://sabrinasbooktails.blogspot.co...
Kass was a great protagonist, I liked her superpower of being able to tell when people were lying which is a definite bonus for a game like this. At one point I started to wonder if it was going to be an unreliable narrator thing. It is in the name, Lie or Die and they keep saying, trust no one! However, I won't tell you if I was right as I don't want to risk spoilers!!! I'm afraid I just couldn't like Thea. I think she sounded like the crappest friend no matter what Kass had done or how much she defends her. Lewis was really cool though and held the group together.
I never totally understood the game, or how their personalities would help anyone guess who the killers were as their parts in the game were totally random! But in the end it didn't really matter and it wasn't totally necessary for the story.
I'll be eagerly looking out for more by A.J. Clack and hope I won't have to wait too long!
https://sabrinasbooktails.blogspot.co...
May 11, 2024
This book was so good! I enjoyed it, the twist at the end with Henry and a certain 'villian' was...wow!
I had no idea the villain was the villain, I generally liked that character and how she and Kass too eachother under their wings.
It was a slow start, and by that I mean I really wanted to skip ahead and see what was happening but I managed to control myself and read through. It's a fast read depending on the pace you all read at.
Most of the characters are so lovable. My visions were Kass and Noah being the heros and ending up together in the long run, like the typical storyline trope butttt when I tell you the book isn't like typical murder game storylines I mean it's not.
They all were fighting to survive. Nobody trusted anybody and poor Thea, I feel for her. Although I did think it was her working for Henry not with but for.
Anyway amazing book, so...erm
When's book two? Big brother house meets Werewolf? I'm down for that. Keeping my eyes peeled for more books by this author.
Oh I also reccomend, completely. Very mysterious
I had no idea the villain was the villain, I generally liked that character and how she and Kass too eachother under their wings.
It was a slow start, and by that I mean I really wanted to skip ahead and see what was happening but I managed to control myself and read through. It's a fast read depending on the pace you all read at.
Most of the characters are so lovable. My visions were Kass and Noah being the heros and ending up together in the long run, like the typical storyline trope butttt when I tell you the book isn't like typical murder game storylines I mean it's not.
They all were fighting to survive. Nobody trusted anybody and poor Thea, I feel for her. Although I did think it was her working for Henry not with but for.
Anyway amazing book, so...erm
When's book two? Big brother house meets Werewolf? I'm down for that. Keeping my eyes peeled for more books by this author.
Oh I also reccomend, completely. Very mysterious
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
Wow, I didn't see that coming at all... At first i thought it was going to be that type of book, the slow pace of writing and where all the plots are the same but my gosh the way this book was written. How some of the characters died because of cold hearted people and the way the reality show was made, the actual backstory, it actually shocked me and made me put my book done to have to make it make sense. I knew Skye was suspicious because Tayo couldn't die like that unless someone with him had to stab him and I was right. I'm so glad they all survived. I knew the way this book was amazingly written, the show was rigged. I liked Rhodri's character, (aka Welsh boy😭). Kass and him are so cute. I mean the fact that Thea and her were arguing at the start over Thea's ex boyfriend but I'm glad they are back to being best friends. I'm going to miss trying to figure out the plot, this was such a good book.
April 16, 2024
What an amazing book, great characters, great 'voice'. It's set within the TV studios where the author actually worked and that authenticity really comes across , before you know it you are absorbed and obsessed with the story and characters (I had 3 or 4 favourites) ,fast paced and so many twists and turns and the ending, wow! It just had you begging for more. Also one of the twists really made you stop and think about the part we, the reader/viewer play in the world of social media and celebrity. It gave this book another layer which others in this genre mostly fail to achieve, so clever and well written a real joy to read. This would definitely fascinate readers who love murder mysteries and 'The Traitors' and when you realise that this book was actually written a year before 'The Traitors' came out, it's mind blowing. You must read this book, utterly brilliant.
January 16, 2026
Rating - 3⭐️
Lie or die, a new reality tv show basically a mix of big brother and the traitors is open for applicants. Cass is an average girl with a strong hatred for being on camera, couldn’t think of anything worse, but after a guilt trip from her best friend she applies. Out of 1000 people she knows she has a slim chance of ending up in the house but somehow she finds herself in the lie or die house. Everything is exciting and nerve racking, but then strange things start to happen. Fake deaths aren’t looking fake, bodies are found. What sort of reality tv show is this…
I was beyond excited to start this one, the idea of a thriller with a splash of traitors is my cup of tea. The idea was there and it was deffo a fun read but the execution fell a bit flat. It felt a bit too YA for me and I guessed multiple twists.
Lie or die, a new reality tv show basically a mix of big brother and the traitors is open for applicants. Cass is an average girl with a strong hatred for being on camera, couldn’t think of anything worse, but after a guilt trip from her best friend she applies. Out of 1000 people she knows she has a slim chance of ending up in the house but somehow she finds herself in the lie or die house. Everything is exciting and nerve racking, but then strange things start to happen. Fake deaths aren’t looking fake, bodies are found. What sort of reality tv show is this…
I was beyond excited to start this one, the idea of a thriller with a splash of traitors is my cup of tea. The idea was there and it was deffo a fun read but the execution fell a bit flat. It felt a bit too YA for me and I guessed multiple twists.
April 9, 2025
Kass has let her best friend Thea down by kissing a boy she really liked.
To make up she agrees to go on a reality TV show with Thea.
It involves ten strangers in a television studio, cameras and the one major rule, trust no one.
With a huge cash prize competition is fierce, everyone wants to win, the fame, the money.
Things turn deadly when players are eliminated for REAL and each one who loses dies.
Seems like in this game the saying "they will stab you in the back" is all too accurate...
This was fantastic, I couldn't stop reading, so many red herrings and twists and turns.
I feel the way it ended it's totally open for a sequel.
I really hope so.
To make up she agrees to go on a reality TV show with Thea.
It involves ten strangers in a television studio, cameras and the one major rule, trust no one.
With a huge cash prize competition is fierce, everyone wants to win, the fame, the money.
Things turn deadly when players are eliminated for REAL and each one who loses dies.
Seems like in this game the saying "they will stab you in the back" is all too accurate...
This was fantastic, I couldn't stop reading, so many red herrings and twists and turns.
I feel the way it ended it's totally open for a sequel.
I really hope so.
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