What do you think?
Rate this book
Someone is Lying
'I was gripped from the very first page' Claire Douglas
'Just brilliant!' Lucy Clarke
'Cannily wrongfoots the reader' Financial Times
_________________________________________________
How do you find your daughter when no one believes she is missing?
Single mother Jess and her daughter Issie have always shared an unbreakable bond. For the last seven years, it's been just the two of them.
That is, until Issie meets Dylan.
When the pair announce their plans to go travelling, Jess is devastated. Issie is only seventeen after all, and Jess doesn’t trust her daughter’s new boyfriend.
And when she stops hearing from her altogether, she's terrified.
With Dylan refusing to talk and the police unwilling to help, Jess is faced with a mother's worst nightmare.
Can she find her daughter before it's too late?
_________________________________________________
Praise for Someone is Lying:
'Unexpected twists galore' Alice Clark Platts
'Pulse-racing. Clever. Aims at your deepest fears' Jane Corry
'Perks, as ever, knows how to cannily wrongfoot the reader. A winner' Crime Time
‘This pulse quickening read is impossible to put down’ Woman Magazine
'Some sly twists, sharp observations about class and an awareness of the subjective nature of truth lifts this above the common run.' The Times
'This emotionally charged story explores the darker side of domestic relationships and bodes the question 'would you lie to save a loved one?' Candis
_________________________________________________
Praise for Heidi
'A fun, compelling thriller - perfect to read beside the pool, or at home, dreaming of warmer times to come' The Observer
'Heidi Perks has a gift for ratcheting up tension and suspense in her books, leaving this reader gasping for breath with the lights on in the middle of the night. Bravo!' Liz Nugent
'The Other Guest is a fantastic sun-soaked thriller with a gripping mystery at its heart. It's the perfect read to take on holiday - but just keep one eye on those other guests!' Lucy Clarke
'A twisty hot summer read in a location to die for. Literally!' Jane Corry
'I raced through this in a weekend. A taut, clever whodunnit, masterfully structured, beautifully written, with an intriguing cast and some heart-wrenching moral dilemmas. Brilliant.' Gilly Macmillan
'Pure, thrilling escapism. Whip-smart twists make this summer sizzler impossible to put down. The Other Guest is unforgettable' Chris Whitaker
'An outstanding novel. Someone is Lying is incredibly clever, disturbing and never less than page-turning. A real treat for fans of tense, up-all-night thrillers' BP Walter
'Just brilliant!' Lucy Clarke
'Cannily wrongfoots the reader' Financial Times
_________________________________________________
How do you find your daughter when no one believes she is missing?
Single mother Jess and her daughter Issie have always shared an unbreakable bond. For the last seven years, it's been just the two of them.
That is, until Issie meets Dylan.
When the pair announce their plans to go travelling, Jess is devastated. Issie is only seventeen after all, and Jess doesn’t trust her daughter’s new boyfriend.
And when she stops hearing from her altogether, she's terrified.
With Dylan refusing to talk and the police unwilling to help, Jess is faced with a mother's worst nightmare.
Can she find her daughter before it's too late?
_________________________________________________
Praise for Someone is Lying:
'Unexpected twists galore' Alice Clark Platts
'Pulse-racing. Clever. Aims at your deepest fears' Jane Corry
'Perks, as ever, knows how to cannily wrongfoot the reader. A winner' Crime Time
‘This pulse quickening read is impossible to put down’ Woman Magazine
'Some sly twists, sharp observations about class and an awareness of the subjective nature of truth lifts this above the common run.' The Times
'This emotionally charged story explores the darker side of domestic relationships and bodes the question 'would you lie to save a loved one?' Candis
_________________________________________________
Praise for Heidi
'A fun, compelling thriller - perfect to read beside the pool, or at home, dreaming of warmer times to come' The Observer
'Heidi Perks has a gift for ratcheting up tension and suspense in her books, leaving this reader gasping for breath with the lights on in the middle of the night. Bravo!' Liz Nugent
'The Other Guest is a fantastic sun-soaked thriller with a gripping mystery at its heart. It's the perfect read to take on holiday - but just keep one eye on those other guests!' Lucy Clarke
'A twisty hot summer read in a location to die for. Literally!' Jane Corry
'I raced through this in a weekend. A taut, clever whodunnit, masterfully structured, beautifully written, with an intriguing cast and some heart-wrenching moral dilemmas. Brilliant.' Gilly Macmillan
'Pure, thrilling escapism. Whip-smart twists make this summer sizzler impossible to put down. The Other Guest is unforgettable' Chris Whitaker
'An outstanding novel. Someone is Lying is incredibly clever, disturbing and never less than page-turning. A real treat for fans of tense, up-all-night thrillers' BP Walter
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2025
277 people are currently reading
2297 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Perks
16 books1,435 followersHeidi Perks lives on the south coast, spending her time writing by the sea. She gets all her inspiration for her books from the beautiful towns on the coast, imagining dark things happening in the most prettiest of places. Apart from one all her books are set along the south of England.
Heidi's seventh books, SOMEONE IS LYING is out March 2025. Her other six books include three Sunday Times bestsellers, Now You See Her, Come Back For Me and The Whispers, and two Richard and Judy picks including The Last Resort.
She is currently writing book eight which will be out in 2026.
Heidi's seventh books, SOMEONE IS LYING is out March 2025. Her other six books include three Sunday Times bestsellers, Now You See Her, Come Back For Me and The Whispers, and two Richard and Judy picks including The Last Resort.
She is currently writing book eight which will be out in 2026.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews
January 23, 2025
I really had to sit with my thoughts for a while after reading this book because I was so overwhelmed. This book was full to the brim of twists & turns that had me GASPING at the page. Let me tell you, this is a heaaavvvyyy read. I had a PIT in my stomach the entire time.
Whilst reading I was asked how my new book was, and I found myself saying, "It's incredible, but it's really scary... well, actually, it's also heartbreaking." The response was a laugh—“How can it be both scary and sad?” But honestly, this is the best way I can describe it. The book is both TERRIFYING and heartbreaking, and it feels that way because it’s so painfully real.
The story delves into a scenario we’ve all seen on the news—something tragic, disturbing, and all too familiar. It full of constant twists and turns, so that just when you think you know what happened, who the victim is, who the culprit is, or who is lying, everything changes.
The book is told primarily from three perspectives: Jess, Issie’s mother; Kay, Dylan’s mother; and a podcast manuscript months after the incident. The plot centers around Issie and Dylan, two teenagers who go traveling in Europe and then mysteriously disappear. At the beginning, you might think you understand what’s going on—trust me, you don’t!
The alternating POVs of the two mothers are incredibly poignant. It’s fascinating to see how each of them perceives their own child and their child’s partner, providing a window into their emotional turmoil and perspective on the situation.
There are so many themes I could explore—how hard it is to be heard when your child goes missing abroad, the immediate vilification of men even when there’s no evidence, the disparities between the wealthy and the working class, and how wealth can sometimes tip the scales of justice. There's also the tension between nature and nurture, and the fierce loyalty of a mother to protect her child, even when her methods are unexpected. But I won’t delve into all of that here as I don’t want to spoil anything.
At its core, this story asks an unsettling question: Do we truly know anyone? Even our own families? Even, in Jess and Kay’s case, our own children?
Thank you Net Galley for the free ARC <3
Whilst reading I was asked how my new book was, and I found myself saying, "It's incredible, but it's really scary... well, actually, it's also heartbreaking." The response was a laugh—“How can it be both scary and sad?” But honestly, this is the best way I can describe it. The book is both TERRIFYING and heartbreaking, and it feels that way because it’s so painfully real.
The story delves into a scenario we’ve all seen on the news—something tragic, disturbing, and all too familiar. It full of constant twists and turns, so that just when you think you know what happened, who the victim is, who the culprit is, or who is lying, everything changes.
The book is told primarily from three perspectives: Jess, Issie’s mother; Kay, Dylan’s mother; and a podcast manuscript months after the incident. The plot centers around Issie and Dylan, two teenagers who go traveling in Europe and then mysteriously disappear. At the beginning, you might think you understand what’s going on—trust me, you don’t!
The alternating POVs of the two mothers are incredibly poignant. It’s fascinating to see how each of them perceives their own child and their child’s partner, providing a window into their emotional turmoil and perspective on the situation.
There are so many themes I could explore—how hard it is to be heard when your child goes missing abroad, the immediate vilification of men even when there’s no evidence, the disparities between the wealthy and the working class, and how wealth can sometimes tip the scales of justice. There's also the tension between nature and nurture, and the fierce loyalty of a mother to protect her child, even when her methods are unexpected. But I won’t delve into all of that here as I don’t want to spoil anything.
At its core, this story asks an unsettling question: Do we truly know anyone? Even our own families? Even, in Jess and Kay’s case, our own children?
Thank you Net Galley for the free ARC <3
September 15, 2025
I’m a harsh critic but I think 2.5..? I feel like I was reading the same things over and over again like yes you love your daughter and you’re sad she’s growing up I get it ????? you don’t need to tell me that 28 times?
April 11, 2025
Oh wow, what a tangled web we weave! Every parent’s nightmare looks like it’s happened, teenagers go off on holiday and disappear - or have they? How far would you go to protect your child? This was a great read, and kept me invested to the last page, wanting to know the final outcome of this twist tale.
May 28, 2025
This novel grabs you straight from the prologue as we witness the Portuguese police discovering the body of a young girl lying in the undergrowth not far from the bustling Lisbon city centre.
Heidi Perks cleverly introduces a transcript from a podcast in the first chapter that fills in the backstory quickly as 17 year old Issie had started travelling in Europe with boyfriend Dylan the previous month.
It's Issie's mother Jess that's first alerted to the fact that something could be wrong as Issie fails to respond to birthday messages whilst on her trip.
As a reader we know that Jess isn't keen on Dylan and is adamant that he has done something to her, though as the novel progresses we get a different picture of Jess and it becomes a real he said/she said case which kept me hooked throughout.
Heidi Perks cleverly introduces a transcript from a podcast in the first chapter that fills in the backstory quickly as 17 year old Issie had started travelling in Europe with boyfriend Dylan the previous month.
It's Issie's mother Jess that's first alerted to the fact that something could be wrong as Issie fails to respond to birthday messages whilst on her trip.
As a reader we know that Jess isn't keen on Dylan and is adamant that he has done something to her, though as the novel progresses we get a different picture of Jess and it becomes a real he said/she said case which kept me hooked throughout.
October 29, 2024
Seventeen-year-old Issie and her 19th year old boyfriend Dylan go on holiday to Portugal. Just before Issie birthday. Issie’s mother is not too happy. She doesn’t like Dylan and thinks that he is controlling. So, when it is Issie’s birthday, and her mother Jay doesn’t hear from her she thinks that something is not right and two days later when she still hasn’t heard from her. She reports that her daughter is missing to the Police, but the police doesn’t take her seriously. So, she travels to Portugal and talks to the Police there. Eventually a body is found think that it might be her daughter. Thankfully it isn’t. But she finds out that her daughter was one responsible with Dylan of her death. The woman was killed by Issie and her boyfriend’s rental car. But who was driving? Something isn’t right and someone is lying. Who is telling the truth.
This is another fabulous, intriguing story from Heidi Perks. At first, I thought this was a typical girl missing story, but I was far wrong. This is not only a story with lots of twists and turns. But about relationships and controlling behaviour and how far would you go for your child. I was totally engaged through out turning the pages to find out the outcome of this great story 5 stars from me.
This is another fabulous, intriguing story from Heidi Perks. At first, I thought this was a typical girl missing story, but I was far wrong. This is not only a story with lots of twists and turns. But about relationships and controlling behaviour and how far would you go for your child. I was totally engaged through out turning the pages to find out the outcome of this great story 5 stars from me.
September 25, 2024
Someone Is Lying - Heidi Perks
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“What makes a mother stand by their child regardless of what they might have done?”
Someone Is Lying follows Jess, who has the perfect relationship with her daughter Issie. That is until Issie’s new boyfriend, Dylan comes along. When Issie and Dylan go travelling just before Issie’s 18th birthday, Jess feels like she has no choice but to let her daughter go, even if she doesn’t trust Dylan. But when Issie goes missing, and Dylan refuses to talk, Jess finds herself in a parent’s worst nightmare. How do you find your daughter when nobody believes she’s missing?
This book is told from two perspectives, Issie’s mum, and Dylan’s mum. There is a really intricate and unique way about how the two perspectives of the same event are told. I devoured this book within 24 hours and found myself completely engrossed in the themes, theories, ideas and emotions.
There is also the addition throughout of a short podcast chapter, which I thoroughly enjoyed. These chapters kept the book engaging, with its refreshing concept and devils advocate perspective. In some regards they acted as a teaser of what was to come in the book, which definitely kept me turning the pages!
Someone Is Lying doesn’t necessarily have a big twist, but what it lacks there is wholeheartedly made up for in tension, suspicion and thrill. It is a very thought provoking book which kept me on the edge of my seat, needing to know what had happened, what was going to happen, and who I could trust. Nothing was as it seems!
I find it hard to find a book that doesn’t build up to a twist that can maintain tension, but this book had my full attention throughout and I loved it. Remember: there are two sides to every story, and then there’s the truth😉.
Thank you to NetGalley, Heidi Perks and Random House UK, Cornerstone / Penguin Books for sending this advanced copy of Someone Is Lying in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
📍This book is out March 2025!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“What makes a mother stand by their child regardless of what they might have done?”
Someone Is Lying follows Jess, who has the perfect relationship with her daughter Issie. That is until Issie’s new boyfriend, Dylan comes along. When Issie and Dylan go travelling just before Issie’s 18th birthday, Jess feels like she has no choice but to let her daughter go, even if she doesn’t trust Dylan. But when Issie goes missing, and Dylan refuses to talk, Jess finds herself in a parent’s worst nightmare. How do you find your daughter when nobody believes she’s missing?
This book is told from two perspectives, Issie’s mum, and Dylan’s mum. There is a really intricate and unique way about how the two perspectives of the same event are told. I devoured this book within 24 hours and found myself completely engrossed in the themes, theories, ideas and emotions.
There is also the addition throughout of a short podcast chapter, which I thoroughly enjoyed. These chapters kept the book engaging, with its refreshing concept and devils advocate perspective. In some regards they acted as a teaser of what was to come in the book, which definitely kept me turning the pages!
Someone Is Lying doesn’t necessarily have a big twist, but what it lacks there is wholeheartedly made up for in tension, suspicion and thrill. It is a very thought provoking book which kept me on the edge of my seat, needing to know what had happened, what was going to happen, and who I could trust. Nothing was as it seems!
I find it hard to find a book that doesn’t build up to a twist that can maintain tension, but this book had my full attention throughout and I loved it. Remember: there are two sides to every story, and then there’s the truth😉.
Thank you to NetGalley, Heidi Perks and Random House UK, Cornerstone / Penguin Books for sending this advanced copy of Someone Is Lying in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
📍This book is out March 2025!
January 7, 2025
3.5 stars
This book is told from the POV of Issie's mom, Jess, as well as Dylan's mom, Kay. There are also podcast episodes inbetween chapters that brings an interesting element and preview of what's to come.
As a mother with sons and a daughter, in books like this....I always find it polarising when I think to myself, how would I react/think/feel in a situation like this? I hate ever imagining such crazy scenarios for my kids, but I enjoy the food for thought these kind of books give me.
Issie is a polarising character as her mother recalls the child she was before she got mixed up with Dylan and who she is post Dylan. Dylan is polarising in the way Jess views him and the way his own mother views him. So you are constantly thinking....which version of each of these kids is the right one? Which mother is right about her kid and which one isn't?
While the book doesn't have a shocking plot twist....it does have some twists that an avid thriller reader may see coming...also some that this avid thriller reader didn't see coming....I didn't rely on the book for its twists and turns. I just enjoyed reading it, even though I felt this was more domestic drama with the mystery as a side story.
I felt like it moved at a good pace and I enjoyed the writing. Was there a lot of talk of Billy and hospitals and bullying and the kids' fathers? Yes there was. Was it really necessary? Probably not.
I felt like I was reading some parallels to real life missing person cases and then to have them mentioned in the book at some stage.... Gabby Petito, Natalee Holloway, Madeleine McCann and a few others....that was an interesting inclusion.
All in all, this was a quick easy read that I did enjoy.
This book is told from the POV of Issie's mom, Jess, as well as Dylan's mom, Kay. There are also podcast episodes inbetween chapters that brings an interesting element and preview of what's to come.
As a mother with sons and a daughter, in books like this....I always find it polarising when I think to myself, how would I react/think/feel in a situation like this? I hate ever imagining such crazy scenarios for my kids, but I enjoy the food for thought these kind of books give me.
Issie is a polarising character as her mother recalls the child she was before she got mixed up with Dylan and who she is post Dylan. Dylan is polarising in the way Jess views him and the way his own mother views him. So you are constantly thinking....which version of each of these kids is the right one? Which mother is right about her kid and which one isn't?
While the book doesn't have a shocking plot twist....it does have some twists that an avid thriller reader may see coming...also some that this avid thriller reader didn't see coming....I didn't rely on the book for its twists and turns. I just enjoyed reading it, even though I felt this was more domestic drama with the mystery as a side story.
I felt like it moved at a good pace and I enjoyed the writing. Was there a lot of talk of Billy and hospitals and bullying and the kids' fathers? Yes there was. Was it really necessary? Probably not.
I felt like I was reading some parallels to real life missing person cases and then to have them mentioned in the book at some stage.... Gabby Petito, Natalee Holloway, Madeleine McCann and a few others....that was an interesting inclusion.
All in all, this was a quick easy read that I did enjoy.
March 21, 2025
4.5⭐️💫
Single mother Jess & her daughter Issie have always shared an unbreakable bond & for the last seven years, it's been just the two of them. That is, until Issie meets Dylan. When the pair announce their plans to go travelling, Jess is devastated - Issie is only seventeen after all & Jess doesn’t trust her daughter’s new boyfriend. When she suddenly stops hearing from her altogether, she's terrified and with Dylan refusing to talk & the police unwilling to help, Jess is faced with a mother's worst nightmare. Can she find her daughter before it's too late? How do you find your daughter when no one believes she is missing?
I always enjoy this author’s books and this latest release is no exception. The writing style captures your attention from the first page, the tension & suspense carefully maintained throughout, providing the reader with that ‘just one more chapter’ feeling, a keen interest with what is coming next.
Telling the story from the two maternal POV’s gave a really balanced outlook, weighing up the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, testing the theory of just how far mother’s love will go, pleading the innocence of their children, through the twists & turns encountered. The podcast element was also a nice addition, its purpose not entirely evident at first & enjoyed how this linked in to the final conclusion.
I did figure out some elements but this doesn’t take away the enjoyment of the title, I still wanted to read on to find out if my thoughts proved true, and of course, how all the loose ends tied up together for a very satisfying ending. Can definitely see this making a great TV adaptation in the future, highly recommend.
📚RELEASED 27 MARCH📚
Single mother Jess & her daughter Issie have always shared an unbreakable bond & for the last seven years, it's been just the two of them. That is, until Issie meets Dylan. When the pair announce their plans to go travelling, Jess is devastated - Issie is only seventeen after all & Jess doesn’t trust her daughter’s new boyfriend. When she suddenly stops hearing from her altogether, she's terrified and with Dylan refusing to talk & the police unwilling to help, Jess is faced with a mother's worst nightmare. Can she find her daughter before it's too late? How do you find your daughter when no one believes she is missing?
I always enjoy this author’s books and this latest release is no exception. The writing style captures your attention from the first page, the tension & suspense carefully maintained throughout, providing the reader with that ‘just one more chapter’ feeling, a keen interest with what is coming next.
Telling the story from the two maternal POV’s gave a really balanced outlook, weighing up the moral dilemmas faced by the characters, testing the theory of just how far mother’s love will go, pleading the innocence of their children, through the twists & turns encountered. The podcast element was also a nice addition, its purpose not entirely evident at first & enjoyed how this linked in to the final conclusion.
I did figure out some elements but this doesn’t take away the enjoyment of the title, I still wanted to read on to find out if my thoughts proved true, and of course, how all the loose ends tied up together for a very satisfying ending. Can definitely see this making a great TV adaptation in the future, highly recommend.
📚RELEASED 27 MARCH📚
February 5, 2025
Two single mums, two teenagers and a holiday abroad is the main premise for this latest novel by Heidi Perks.
There is a definite class divide between the mums and this shows through almost to the end.
The lengths the mums go to in order to protect their children is admirable. I liked both their characters.
Jess's daughter Izzie has changed since she's been dating Dylan, Jess feels he's controlling and having a bad influence, this becomes more prevalent during a holiday in Portugal when Jess hears nothing from Izzie for days. Convinced Dylan has done something she travels to Lisbon to search for her.
Dylan's mum Kay is a struggling single mum, and despite not hearing from him is not too worried. He's 19 and can look after himself.
Also in the mix is a podcast into the disappearance of the couple, this gives impartiality to both sides.
A case of "he said, she said" builds the distrust.
This book kept me awake until the early hours as I just wanted to keep reading until the end.
There is a definite class divide between the mums and this shows through almost to the end.
The lengths the mums go to in order to protect their children is admirable. I liked both their characters.
Jess's daughter Izzie has changed since she's been dating Dylan, Jess feels he's controlling and having a bad influence, this becomes more prevalent during a holiday in Portugal when Jess hears nothing from Izzie for days. Convinced Dylan has done something she travels to Lisbon to search for her.
Dylan's mum Kay is a struggling single mum, and despite not hearing from him is not too worried. He's 19 and can look after himself.
Also in the mix is a podcast into the disappearance of the couple, this gives impartiality to both sides.
A case of "he said, she said" builds the distrust.
This book kept me awake until the early hours as I just wanted to keep reading until the end.
March 16, 2025
When I first picked up Someone Is Lying, I couldn’t believe I was reading another book about a missing person in Lisbon! Just two books ago, I read Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone, and before that, I had never read a book set there. What are the chances? Luckily, that’s where the similarities ended because this one was completely different—and, in my opinion, so much better.
The story follows Issie, a teenager who has gone travelling with her boyfriend, Dylan. But when her mother, Jess, can’t get hold of her on her eighteenth birthday, panic sets in. At first, Jess reassures herself with the usual explanations—maybe Issie is busy, maybe her phone is lost—but as the hours pass with no word, a mother’s worst fears begin to creep in. Then comes the bombshell: Issie has vanished without a trace.
What I loved about this book was the dual perspective, switching between Jess and Dylan’s mother, Kay. These two women, who barely know each other, suddenly find their lives intertwined in the most terrifying way possible. Both are fiercely protective of their children, but they see things from very different angles. Jess is desperate to uncover the truth, no matter what it takes, while Kay is convinced her son is incapable of wrongdoing. Their contrasting emotions and instincts made for a fascinating dynamic, and I found myself questioning whose judgement I could trust.
The prologue stuck with me throughout, always sitting in the back of my mind as I tried to figure out how it would all fit together. And then, when the twist hit in the middle, I was completely floored. This one took me by surprise in the best way. The tension was masterfully built, with just enough clues to keep me guessing but not so many that the reveal felt predictable.
Heidi Perks has a knack for pacing. The chapters were short and addictive, and I found myself racing through the book much faster than I expected. Every time I thought I’d put it down, I found myself reading just one more chapter—and then another, and another. It’s the kind of story that demands to be read in as few sittings as possible because the need to know what happens next is overwhelming.
Beyond the mystery itself, the book also explores the complex nature of mother-child relationships. Jess and Kay are both flawed yet deeply human, and their love for their children is palpable. Perks does an excellent job of portraying the lengths to which parents will go to protect their kids, even when that protection might come at a cost.
Overall, Someone Is Lying is a gripping, cleverly structured thriller that kept me guessing right up until the final pages. It was filled with unexpected turns, emotional depth, and just the right amount of psychological tension. If you enjoy books with multiple perspectives, strong character development, and a mystery that keeps you hooked, I highly recommend picking this one up.
The story follows Issie, a teenager who has gone travelling with her boyfriend, Dylan. But when her mother, Jess, can’t get hold of her on her eighteenth birthday, panic sets in. At first, Jess reassures herself with the usual explanations—maybe Issie is busy, maybe her phone is lost—but as the hours pass with no word, a mother’s worst fears begin to creep in. Then comes the bombshell: Issie has vanished without a trace.
What I loved about this book was the dual perspective, switching between Jess and Dylan’s mother, Kay. These two women, who barely know each other, suddenly find their lives intertwined in the most terrifying way possible. Both are fiercely protective of their children, but they see things from very different angles. Jess is desperate to uncover the truth, no matter what it takes, while Kay is convinced her son is incapable of wrongdoing. Their contrasting emotions and instincts made for a fascinating dynamic, and I found myself questioning whose judgement I could trust.
The prologue stuck with me throughout, always sitting in the back of my mind as I tried to figure out how it would all fit together. And then, when the twist hit in the middle, I was completely floored. This one took me by surprise in the best way. The tension was masterfully built, with just enough clues to keep me guessing but not so many that the reveal felt predictable.
Heidi Perks has a knack for pacing. The chapters were short and addictive, and I found myself racing through the book much faster than I expected. Every time I thought I’d put it down, I found myself reading just one more chapter—and then another, and another. It’s the kind of story that demands to be read in as few sittings as possible because the need to know what happens next is overwhelming.
Beyond the mystery itself, the book also explores the complex nature of mother-child relationships. Jess and Kay are both flawed yet deeply human, and their love for their children is palpable. Perks does an excellent job of portraying the lengths to which parents will go to protect their kids, even when that protection might come at a cost.
Overall, Someone Is Lying is a gripping, cleverly structured thriller that kept me guessing right up until the final pages. It was filled with unexpected turns, emotional depth, and just the right amount of psychological tension. If you enjoy books with multiple perspectives, strong character development, and a mystery that keeps you hooked, I highly recommend picking this one up.
March 27, 2025
From the start of this book we know something has gone devastatingly wrong and someone is dead, but who? And who is the culprit? This is mostly told through the eyes of the mother's of our main characters and I found it fascinating to see the differences between the two and how they can interpret the same events differently. It really adds to the sense of not knowing who to trust and only served to increase the tension and atmosphere.
I found this a gripping read and I was pleasantly surprised by the complexity of the plot, there is a lot more going on than I first thought there would be and Perks throws in plenty of twists along the way. This was a very gripping read that I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for an advance copy.
I found this a gripping read and I was pleasantly surprised by the complexity of the plot, there is a lot more going on than I first thought there would be and Perks throws in plenty of twists along the way. This was a very gripping read that I highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK for an advance copy.
October 26, 2024
Gripping story of a mother's unconditional love. Two teens head off to Portugal, then are feared missing. a mothers worse nightmare. But this was only the beginning of the story. Fast paced, easy read. Story flows brilliantly, as the details unfold being told from the perspective of both mothers and a crime podcaster. I couldn't put it down Thanks to Nethalley for my ARC.
September 4, 2025
I can't describe this book any further than just 'okay.' I found the prose very simple, and the story not at all anticipatory.
I enjoyed the 3rd perspective of the true crime podcast, in order to summarize what had just been covered in the previous chapters, but overall I found the story very predictable and not very interesting.
I enjoyed the 3rd perspective of the true crime podcast, in order to summarize what had just been covered in the previous chapters, but overall I found the story very predictable and not very interesting.
December 13, 2024
Not for me.
Way too wordy (inside both parents' heads; what if..what is.. what if).
I absolutely hate this and was actually bored by 20%. I perservered because everyone else has been saying it was great.. but the twist = predictable.
Way too wordy (inside both parents' heads; what if..what is.. what if).
I absolutely hate this and was actually bored by 20%. I perservered because everyone else has been saying it was great.. but the twist = predictable.
February 2, 2025
This book is fabulous. It revolves, or maybe it should be evolves around a young couple who went to Portugal for a holiday and then disappeared. This is a mixed media format and the author has done a great job of flitting between narrative, email and text messages.
Jess is separated from her husband Scott who now lives with his new wife in the US. Together they have a daughter, Issie, bright, positive, with good friends and has a focus on where her future is due to go. Her boyfriend is Dylan, he is not as well educated and has a very different background to Issie. While she has a comfortable lifestyle, his involves working hard as his mother does to provide a basic standard of living.
Jess had noticed some changes in her daughter since Issie and Dylan had got together. Jess has her doubts about letting her go on holiday with Dylan, but she does relent and they go off. Issie will spend her 18th birthday away and Jess expects to be able to get in touch with Issie given their closeness. She hears nothing, cannot get hold of her, there are no updates on social media and she begins to worry and think the worst. Eventually getting in touch with Portuguese police to look into her missing daughter.
The author does a fantastic job of creating a mystery and then twisting it far from the original premise. She shows how parents will help their children, and do what they can to discover the truth and keep them safe from harm. But, is there a limit?
The author looks into both families and gives backgrounds, their struggles,e expectations and also how they see others and how others see them. When things start to emerge about the disappearance then things begin to slot into place, but do they?
This is another fabulous story that twists emotions, challenges beliefs and tests the willpower and strength of a person's conviction. Very much a story about right and wrong, and then some! This is a suspense-filled crime thriller that had me hooked. Ideal for fans of family-based drama and thriller stories and is one I would recommend.
Jess is separated from her husband Scott who now lives with his new wife in the US. Together they have a daughter, Issie, bright, positive, with good friends and has a focus on where her future is due to go. Her boyfriend is Dylan, he is not as well educated and has a very different background to Issie. While she has a comfortable lifestyle, his involves working hard as his mother does to provide a basic standard of living.
Jess had noticed some changes in her daughter since Issie and Dylan had got together. Jess has her doubts about letting her go on holiday with Dylan, but she does relent and they go off. Issie will spend her 18th birthday away and Jess expects to be able to get in touch with Issie given their closeness. She hears nothing, cannot get hold of her, there are no updates on social media and she begins to worry and think the worst. Eventually getting in touch with Portuguese police to look into her missing daughter.
The author does a fantastic job of creating a mystery and then twisting it far from the original premise. She shows how parents will help their children, and do what they can to discover the truth and keep them safe from harm. But, is there a limit?
The author looks into both families and gives backgrounds, their struggles,e expectations and also how they see others and how others see them. When things start to emerge about the disappearance then things begin to slot into place, but do they?
This is another fabulous story that twists emotions, challenges beliefs and tests the willpower and strength of a person's conviction. Very much a story about right and wrong, and then some! This is a suspense-filled crime thriller that had me hooked. Ideal for fans of family-based drama and thriller stories and is one I would recommend.
January 28, 2025
Rating: 2.2/5
Jess has always cherished the relationship she has with her daughter, Issie. However, since Issie has been dating Dylan, Jess is convinced that she has been behaving differently. Then, just before Issie turns eighteen, Jess reluctantly agrees to allow her to travel to Portugal with Dylan. Her worst maternal fears appear to be manifesting themselves when Jess doesn't hear from her daughter for several days. This is really out of character for Issie, so surely something must be seriously wrong, mustn't it?
The narrative is primarily told from two alternating viewpoints: Jess, as the mother of Issie and secondly, Dylan's mum, Kay. There is also a third perspective in the form of a true crime podcast, which appears to perform the function of reliable narrator to compensate for the inherent bias of the accounts of the two mothers. The premise of the story certainly has the potential to deliver an intriguing read, but personally I felt that matters erred too often on the side of the melodramatic. In addition, rather than having a sense of heightening tension as the plot unfolded, it struck me all too frequently that story was treading water. The result isn't awful, but nor does it amount to anything more than a fairly forgettable, disposable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
Jess has always cherished the relationship she has with her daughter, Issie. However, since Issie has been dating Dylan, Jess is convinced that she has been behaving differently. Then, just before Issie turns eighteen, Jess reluctantly agrees to allow her to travel to Portugal with Dylan. Her worst maternal fears appear to be manifesting themselves when Jess doesn't hear from her daughter for several days. This is really out of character for Issie, so surely something must be seriously wrong, mustn't it?
The narrative is primarily told from two alternating viewpoints: Jess, as the mother of Issie and secondly, Dylan's mum, Kay. There is also a third perspective in the form of a true crime podcast, which appears to perform the function of reliable narrator to compensate for the inherent bias of the accounts of the two mothers. The premise of the story certainly has the potential to deliver an intriguing read, but personally I felt that matters erred too often on the side of the melodramatic. In addition, rather than having a sense of heightening tension as the plot unfolded, it struck me all too frequently that story was treading water. The result isn't awful, but nor does it amount to anything more than a fairly forgettable, disposable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
April 11, 2025
The main question at the heart of this book is 'What would you do for your child? How far would you go for them in any given situation?' This is what two mothers from very different lifestyles face when their children vanish together in Portugal!
It was a very interesting story that discussed the difficulties of disappearances that happen abroad, coercive and controlling relationships as well as the vast differences in the challenges involved in parenting when you can afford to and when it's a struggle to make ends meet!
The story was mostly told to us by Kay and Jess, the mothers, with the occasional script from a podcast included that was following the story as it evolved. Through the story most of the characters were likeable, it just depends on which part you were reading as to who was likeable at that moment due to the nature of the tale being told and how twisty it was to become right through to the last pages!
This was a highly entertaining read that kept the pages turning and me coming back to it every time I could, even if it was only for a few pages!lol
It was a very interesting story that discussed the difficulties of disappearances that happen abroad, coercive and controlling relationships as well as the vast differences in the challenges involved in parenting when you can afford to and when it's a struggle to make ends meet!
The story was mostly told to us by Kay and Jess, the mothers, with the occasional script from a podcast included that was following the story as it evolved. Through the story most of the characters were likeable, it just depends on which part you were reading as to who was likeable at that moment due to the nature of the tale being told and how twisty it was to become right through to the last pages!
This was a highly entertaining read that kept the pages turning and me coming back to it every time I could, even if it was only for a few pages!lol
March 16, 2025
A clever and twisty mystery which morphs in several directions as you complete the journey and pretty much reads as an A-Z of possible nightmares if you have a teenage girl. Topics covered in the storyline include a teenager, seemingly, missing whilst overseas on holiday with again a, seemingly, controlling and coercive older boyfriend. The truth is sketchy and hard to ascertain the whole way through which makes you question your own viewpoint and reality. There are plenty of very chilling and tense sections and all the more so for me as I have two teenage daughters myself. Some real money is power moments are also part of the mood but the truth and the right thing to do overarches ultimately. I’m not a hundred percent sold on the podcast being used as part of the narrative or the lack of forensics involved which could easily have proved the truth quickly and decisively. Overall a good tense read which made me question the truth right to the very end. Recommend.
June 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Jess's daughter Issie goes travelling with her boyfriend, Dylan. Jess isn't keen on Dylan, but also wants Issie to be happy. Issie is away for her 18th birthday, and when Jess tries to contact her on the day, she finds she cant get hold of her daughter at all. Jess starts to worry as its unlike her daughter to not get in contact, especially when her birthday arrives. And then panic sets in, but Jess is determined to find her daughter, even if it means she has to do it alone.
This story grabbed me right from the first page. And I raced through this to the end as fast as I could. The characters were all extremely well written, and developed well as the story progressed. Jess especially was a great character. This story offered a lot of red herrings, twists, and turns, until you reach the unbelievable end. This story also made me question what I would do if I was ever in that position, and really makes you think about the choices and decisions you would make.
Jess's daughter Issie goes travelling with her boyfriend, Dylan. Jess isn't keen on Dylan, but also wants Issie to be happy. Issie is away for her 18th birthday, and when Jess tries to contact her on the day, she finds she cant get hold of her daughter at all. Jess starts to worry as its unlike her daughter to not get in contact, especially when her birthday arrives. And then panic sets in, but Jess is determined to find her daughter, even if it means she has to do it alone.
This story grabbed me right from the first page. And I raced through this to the end as fast as I could. The characters were all extremely well written, and developed well as the story progressed. Jess especially was a great character. This story offered a lot of red herrings, twists, and turns, until you reach the unbelievable end. This story also made me question what I would do if I was ever in that position, and really makes you think about the choices and decisions you would make.
January 21, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I was excited to read it based on the description. I thought the concept of this book was interesting and I liked the way that the story was told from both mothers’ perspectives, showing the decisions mothers face when supporting their children. The addition of the true crime podcast was also a positive for me.
I did however find the book to be dragged out quite a lot, more so in the second half, and I didn’t feel things progressed quickly enough. The start of the book was fast paced, had twists and turns, and kept me guessing what was going to happen next, however I felt the pace slowed down a lot as the book progressed.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and the concept of the plot, however I wasn’t desperate to read on at any point and found myself losing interest towards the end.
I did however find the book to be dragged out quite a lot, more so in the second half, and I didn’t feel things progressed quickly enough. The start of the book was fast paced, had twists and turns, and kept me guessing what was going to happen next, however I felt the pace slowed down a lot as the book progressed.
Overall, I did enjoy this book and the concept of the plot, however I wasn’t desperate to read on at any point and found myself losing interest towards the end.
September 24, 2024
This was a really interesting book and the best Heidi Perks novel that I have read so far.
Someone is Lying tells the story of Issie, a 17 year old girl who meets 19 year old Dylan and suddenly becomes withdrawn from her previously close relationship with her mum and best friends. When Issie decides to go travelling with Dylan and suddenly goes incommunicado, her mum Jess can't help but fear the worst - that Dylan has controlled her, is preventing her contacting her mum or maybe even worse.
Frustratingly, I can't go into why this novel worked so well for me without hinting at spoilers but this is not the novel that you may think it is. I will leave it there!
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Penguin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Someone is Lying tells the story of Issie, a 17 year old girl who meets 19 year old Dylan and suddenly becomes withdrawn from her previously close relationship with her mum and best friends. When Issie decides to go travelling with Dylan and suddenly goes incommunicado, her mum Jess can't help but fear the worst - that Dylan has controlled her, is preventing her contacting her mum or maybe even worse.
Frustratingly, I can't go into why this novel worked so well for me without hinting at spoilers but this is not the novel that you may think it is. I will leave it there!
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone | Penguin for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2025
Jess is fraught with anxiety when her daughter Issie fails to get in touch on her 18th birthday. Issie is travelling around Europe with her boyfriend Dylan, Jess is convinced something has happened to Issie and with no help from the police she travels to Lisbon herself.
Dylan’s mum Kay doesn’t seem very concerned but with both women wanting to protect their child this book really does show how far a mother will go for her child.
The twists and turns come thick and fast, just when I thought I had it figured out there was another and with chapters from the true crime podcast ‘Gone’ thrown in the mix I really enjoyed this psychological mystery.
Many thanks to publisher, NetGalley and author for my gifted eARC.
Dylan’s mum Kay doesn’t seem very concerned but with both women wanting to protect their child this book really does show how far a mother will go for her child.
The twists and turns come thick and fast, just when I thought I had it figured out there was another and with chapters from the true crime podcast ‘Gone’ thrown in the mix I really enjoyed this psychological mystery.
Many thanks to publisher, NetGalley and author for my gifted eARC.
November 22, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book!
From the very start of this book I was absolutely hooked. The format of the story from both mothers’ perspectives with occasional inputs in the form of a podcast script was interesting and fresh. The storyline felt believable and real, with the dilemmas faced by both mothers seeming very plausible, as were their responses.
Where the book lost a star for me is that the momentum seemed to slow towards the end where it felt the story was dragged on with very little progress for a few chapters.
I enjoyed the twists and turns and would recommend this to friends, however I do wish the last section kept me hooked as it did at the beginning.
From the very start of this book I was absolutely hooked. The format of the story from both mothers’ perspectives with occasional inputs in the form of a podcast script was interesting and fresh. The storyline felt believable and real, with the dilemmas faced by both mothers seeming very plausible, as were their responses.
Where the book lost a star for me is that the momentum seemed to slow towards the end where it felt the story was dragged on with very little progress for a few chapters.
I enjoyed the twists and turns and would recommend this to friends, however I do wish the last section kept me hooked as it did at the beginning.
March 11, 2025
Wow I loved someone is lying,this book kept me guessing and on my toes all the way through! Twists and turns that I really didn’t see coming, fast paced and an innovative script with the podcast entries which I really enjoyed!
Such a thought provoking read too especially as a parent, none of us know how we would react in such a situation in order to protect our child and what happens, as in this case if both parents have very different view points it’s almost impossible to comprehend the complexities of such a situation.
Family dynamics across the social divide, misjudged pre conceptions, divided loyalties and an overarching love for your child no matter where you sit socially, makes you reconsider what you would do throughout the book!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Such a thought provoking read too especially as a parent, none of us know how we would react in such a situation in order to protect our child and what happens, as in this case if both parents have very different view points it’s almost impossible to comprehend the complexities of such a situation.
Family dynamics across the social divide, misjudged pre conceptions, divided loyalties and an overarching love for your child no matter where you sit socially, makes you reconsider what you would do throughout the book!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
March 25, 2025
Someone is lying...and it might not be who you think.
This is an he-said-she-said story. It is a story about a mother's love and what a mother would do for her child.
Mothers always think they know their child best, but do they?
Would you do anything to save your child, even if it means lying, or would you practice tough love and let them take responsibility for their mistakes?
I am a huge fan of Heidi Perks, and this was another awesome read! She has an amazing way of pulling you into the story, and it is one of those books you don't want to put down.
Highly recommend!
This is an he-said-she-said story. It is a story about a mother's love and what a mother would do for her child.
Mothers always think they know their child best, but do they?
Would you do anything to save your child, even if it means lying, or would you practice tough love and let them take responsibility for their mistakes?
I am a huge fan of Heidi Perks, and this was another awesome read! She has an amazing way of pulling you into the story, and it is one of those books you don't want to put down.
Highly recommend!
April 25, 2025
Someone is lying is the perfect name for this book, because someone is. You just don't know who.
The story follows a mom who's teenage daughter has disappeared. Narration jumps between her perspective, as a mom who loves her child and wants to find out what has happened to her, to a podcast which is telling the story.
You get to hear a little bit of the big picture with the podcast script, and then dive into the daily activities with the mom. As she wasn't part of what happened, you follow along while she digs into the disappearance and form judgements without knowing what actually happened. Only what she's been told.
Its a fun way to tell a story, and I love how my perspective shifted with new information. I also enjoyed hearing it from the prospective of the family, rather than those involved directly.
The story follows a mom who's teenage daughter has disappeared. Narration jumps between her perspective, as a mom who loves her child and wants to find out what has happened to her, to a podcast which is telling the story.
You get to hear a little bit of the big picture with the podcast script, and then dive into the daily activities with the mom. As she wasn't part of what happened, you follow along while she digs into the disappearance and form judgements without knowing what actually happened. Only what she's been told.
Its a fun way to tell a story, and I love how my perspective shifted with new information. I also enjoyed hearing it from the prospective of the family, rather than those involved directly.
October 26, 2024
Jess’s daughter Issie has gone on holiday with her boyfriend to celebrate her 18th birthday. When she is unable to contact her daughter Jess reports her missing.
A thriller with plenty of twist and turns about family dynamics and relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A thriller with plenty of twist and turns about family dynamics and relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2025
This book was really good, I found it a bit slow to get in to at the beginning, but once I read a couple of chapters I was hooked waiting to see what would happen next.
It was really nice seeing the two perspectives of the mothers and how the story was told from their point of view and how much a mother would do to protect their child
It was really nice seeing the two perspectives of the mothers and how the story was told from their point of view and how much a mother would do to protect their child
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
A parent’s nightmare – where to start to find your child? Especially in another country. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book till several chapters in – when the misdirections and emotional claws are used to great effect and the story blossoms in a potent way, capturing the desire and dilemma of every parent. Not everything is as you think it is … this is a study reminding us that we don’t always know our children as well as we think we do and how hard it is to do the right thing. Another good read.
Pub 27.3.25.
Pub 27.3.25.
April 4, 2025
I absolutely loved this crime story! It was thrilling and full of suspense, but also explored a deep mother-daughter relationship. The plot kept me hooked from start to finish. A truly captivating read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 353 reviews