What do you think?
Behind the Lies
1998
On the morning of her boyfriend’s birthday, Katie Reed left their apartment and never returned…
One thing is certain. It will change the lives of everyone around her.
2022
Tom Beatty is first in line to help his sister when she needs a transplant, but he’s left reeling by his blood results. As he searches for answers, he learns of a young woman who disappeared decades ago, and to uncover the truth he must find her. But someone wants to keep the past hidden, and delving into it is a dangerous game. One that could be perilous for those closest to him.
Can Tom find out what is behind the lies before it’s too late?
On the morning of her boyfriend’s birthday, Katie Reed left their apartment and never returned…
One thing is certain. It will change the lives of everyone around her.
2022
Tom Beatty is first in line to help his sister when she needs a transplant, but he’s left reeling by his blood results. As he searches for answers, he learns of a young woman who disappeared decades ago, and to uncover the truth he must find her. But someone wants to keep the past hidden, and delving into it is a dangerous game. One that could be perilous for those closest to him.
Can Tom find out what is behind the lies before it’s too late?
- GenresThriller
424 pages, ebook
Published September 22, 2024
About the author
Carol Gulliford
5 books57 followersCarol Gulliford writes psychological thrillers full of suspense. Her character-driven stories keep readers wanting to read just one more chapter.
She is an avid reader of mystery and suspense and lives in the south of England with her son and partner.
Her debut novel, Behind the Lies, was released in 2024 and is now available as an audiobook.
Carol's other books:
One Final Breath (a quick read thriller novella)
Out of the Dark (a taut, emotional thriller)
A Price to Pay (a suspense-filled crime thriller)
Carol also has a children's picture book called The Popcorn Factory, aimed at ages 1-6.
Connect with Carol:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
https://www.instagram.com/carolgullif...
https://www.tiktok.com/@carolgullifor...
She is an avid reader of mystery and suspense and lives in the south of England with her son and partner.
Her debut novel, Behind the Lies, was released in 2024 and is now available as an audiobook.
Carol's other books:
One Final Breath (a quick read thriller novella)
Out of the Dark (a taut, emotional thriller)
A Price to Pay (a suspense-filled crime thriller)
Carol also has a children's picture book called The Popcorn Factory, aimed at ages 1-6.
Connect with Carol:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
https://www.instagram.com/carolgullif...
https://www.tiktok.com/@carolgullifor...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 3, 2026
I read this on a long plane ride and enjoyed it. The plot was intriguing and well paced. The character were relatable. Overall, an enjoyable read with some twists.
March 25, 2025
Rounding up from 4.5 stars
This is Carol's debut novel from late last year. It has been slightly reworked and republished.
Even though I picked up on what happened early on, the author kept the suspense at such a high level that it didn't matter. In addition, there were still a ton of questions left to be answered. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is Carol's debut novel from late last year. It has been slightly reworked and republished.
Even though I picked up on what happened early on, the author kept the suspense at such a high level that it didn't matter. In addition, there were still a ton of questions left to be answered. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to reading more from this author.
March 1, 2025
Carol’s characters are well-developed, and their individual stories feel real. In 2022, Tom Beatty is a loving brother to Serena, a caring son to Fiona and David and a doting boyfriend to his new girlfriend. His sister’s health suddenly declines and she needs a stem cell transplant. He is the first to offer help.
A young woman’s disappearance in 1998 connects to his search for answers. He uncovers truths that some will stop at nothing to keep hidden.
I enjoyed this story’s mysterious aspects and its use of dual timelines for the slow revelation of clues. I felt certain parts of the story weren’t required and acted as an unneeded filler in an otherwise excellently executed narrative.
Carol weaves the two timelines together, creating some nail biting moments. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
A young woman’s disappearance in 1998 connects to his search for answers. He uncovers truths that some will stop at nothing to keep hidden.
I enjoyed this story’s mysterious aspects and its use of dual timelines for the slow revelation of clues. I felt certain parts of the story weren’t required and acted as an unneeded filler in an otherwise excellently executed narrative.
Carol weaves the two timelines together, creating some nail biting moments. I look forward to reading more from her in the future.
March 27, 2025
Behind the Lies will keep you moving with a fast paced thriller told in different timelines. A family of secrets takes center stage in this gripping novel. A missing girl. A family in turmoil. How do they go together? Only way to find out!
January 21, 2025
I really enjoyed Behind the Lies. This book kept me hooked from start to finish with its amazing and crazy storyline. The dual timelines of 1998 and 2022 add an extra layer of intrigue and suspense, making it hard to put down. While there was some fluff (IMO) here and there, it didn't take away from the overall experience.
Tom's journey to uncover the truth about Katie's disappearance, while trying to save his sister Serena, was both thrilling and emotional. The plot twists were unexpected and kept me eagerly turning the pages. The characters were well-developed, and the plot was full of surprises.
Overall, it was a wonderful read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.
Tom's journey to uncover the truth about Katie's disappearance, while trying to save his sister Serena, was both thrilling and emotional. The plot twists were unexpected and kept me eagerly turning the pages. The characters were well-developed, and the plot was full of surprises.
Overall, it was a wonderful read that I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.
January 17, 2025
Love the author’s style of writing. The descriptive sentences pull you in straight away. Tom and Serena’s lives are turned upside down when layers of their lives unfold. Brilliant book and I will be following Carol on her writing journey. Well done 👏
December 2, 2024
Abducted, Missing Females Lead to a Twenty-Four Year Secret; and Old Cold Case
A prologue were a young female jogger is abducted,and held captive, immediately grabbed my attention.
What follows is a shocking story of Katie Reed, being held against her will in a small room.
The reasons for her captivity, are disgusting enough, but the circumstances that follow are heartbreaking.
Cut to 24 years later, Tom Beatty is living a very contented life.
He has just started a promising relationship with the lovely young actress, Sophie.
His younger sister Serena is finally returning from a year abroad and they are meeting a restaurant in London to farewell their parents as they embark on the trip to Sri Lanka.
Yep.
Life is good.
Until.
Serena informs him that she is not well.
Soon, she is informed the she has a bone marrow immune disorder.
Of COURSE Tom being a blood relative goes and get tested straight away, believing his compatibility with his younger sister is just a formality.
Little do the two siblings know, but this unexpected illness/ turn of events ends up uncovering a twenty four year old cold case.
From this first time author for me, and as a suspense read, this wasn’t bad.
The start had me hooked right away.
However, I DID think there was a still too much padding with background stories revolving around the lives of Tom ,Sophie and Serena that could possibly have been condensed.
When these three were off doing normal “ life” things , visiting the parents, and enjoying their time around London, I just wanted to get back to the STORY!
I felt it was being dragged out for the benefit of a word count.
It was frustrated at how many times Tom and Serena avoided confronting their parents, and were content to let’s things go…for a while
Then we got Sophie’s POV’s where she was off living the life of the up-and- coming stage performer/ actress, these seemed to be put into the narrative specifically to throw up a lot of red herrings into the plot.
So.
Overall, though, not a bad read.
But I wouldn’t go as far to say “ a shocking twist” when you know the minute the DNA tests come back what has happened here.
Then your primary concern is the fate of Katie Reed when we go back to 1998 chapters
Four stars
A prologue were a young female jogger is abducted,and held captive, immediately grabbed my attention.
What follows is a shocking story of Katie Reed, being held against her will in a small room.
The reasons for her captivity, are disgusting enough, but the circumstances that follow are heartbreaking.
Cut to 24 years later, Tom Beatty is living a very contented life.
He has just started a promising relationship with the lovely young actress, Sophie.
His younger sister Serena is finally returning from a year abroad and they are meeting a restaurant in London to farewell their parents as they embark on the trip to Sri Lanka.
Yep.
Life is good.
Until.
Serena informs him that she is not well.
Soon, she is informed the she has a bone marrow immune disorder.
Of COURSE Tom being a blood relative goes and get tested straight away, believing his compatibility with his younger sister is just a formality.
Little do the two siblings know, but this unexpected illness/ turn of events ends up uncovering a twenty four year old cold case.
From this first time author for me, and as a suspense read, this wasn’t bad.
The start had me hooked right away.
However, I DID think there was a still too much padding with background stories revolving around the lives of Tom ,Sophie and Serena that could possibly have been condensed.
When these three were off doing normal “ life” things , visiting the parents, and enjoying their time around London, I just wanted to get back to the STORY!
I felt it was being dragged out for the benefit of a word count.
It was frustrated at how many times Tom and Serena avoided confronting their parents, and were content to let’s things go…for a while
Then we got Sophie’s POV’s where she was off living the life of the up-and- coming stage performer/ actress, these seemed to be put into the narrative specifically to throw up a lot of red herrings into the plot.
So.
Overall, though, not a bad read.
But I wouldn’t go as far to say “ a shocking twist” when you know the minute the DNA tests come back what has happened here.
Then your primary concern is the fate of Katie Reed when we go back to 1998 chapters
Four stars
May 17, 2026
Personal Copy Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Behind the lies by Carol Gulliford
Published December 2024
Thank you Carol and InsideStory for handing me this dark little disaster wrapped up as a bedtime story. Really appreciated the emotional damage before sleep. Fantastic idea.
What can I even say besides the fact that I absolutely devoured this book like some sleep-deprived raccoon digging through psychological trauma for entertainment. From chapter one it had me by the throat. It’s fast paced, addictive and written in a way that makes it stupidly easy to sink into. No complicated mental gymnastics. No pretending to be intellectual while reading. Just pure dark twisty chaos straight into my bloodstream. Honestly? It felt like watching an episode of Criminal Minds while clutching snacks and whispering “this is so messed up” every five minutes. Which, for me, is peak comfort reading apparently. Says a lot about me. Probably nothing good.
And the worst part? I caught myself rooting for the person I absolutely should not have been rooting for. Morally questionable behavior on my part. Deeply concerning. Yet somehow the story makes you understand that person enough to make you uncomfortable with yourself. Love that for me.
Then came that first revelation and my brain immediately started doing detective work like I suddenly belonged at the BAU. I knew. I felt it in my bones. And the entire time I kept reading I was begging the universe not to let me be right.
Unfortunately my inner detective deserved a raise.
And wow. Being right hurt.
Not for everyone though. One person can still choke.
What I loved most is that beneath all the darkness and manipulation, this story still carries something painfully human underneath it all. Love that was doomed before it even started. People taking things that were never theirs to touch. A sibling bond that somehow managed to warm my cold dead heart for five whole seconds. And of course the reminder that secrets never stay buried. They rot. They spread. They ruin absolutely everybody standing too close to them.
Anyway. I’m not about to spoil this beautifully twisted mess for future readers. Just know this book crawls into your head quietly and then refuses to leave with any dignity whatsoever.
Five stars from me and my emotionally compromised moral compass.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Behind the lies by Carol Gulliford
Published December 2024
Thank you Carol and InsideStory for handing me this dark little disaster wrapped up as a bedtime story. Really appreciated the emotional damage before sleep. Fantastic idea.
What can I even say besides the fact that I absolutely devoured this book like some sleep-deprived raccoon digging through psychological trauma for entertainment. From chapter one it had me by the throat. It’s fast paced, addictive and written in a way that makes it stupidly easy to sink into. No complicated mental gymnastics. No pretending to be intellectual while reading. Just pure dark twisty chaos straight into my bloodstream. Honestly? It felt like watching an episode of Criminal Minds while clutching snacks and whispering “this is so messed up” every five minutes. Which, for me, is peak comfort reading apparently. Says a lot about me. Probably nothing good.
And the worst part? I caught myself rooting for the person I absolutely should not have been rooting for. Morally questionable behavior on my part. Deeply concerning. Yet somehow the story makes you understand that person enough to make you uncomfortable with yourself. Love that for me.
Then came that first revelation and my brain immediately started doing detective work like I suddenly belonged at the BAU. I knew. I felt it in my bones. And the entire time I kept reading I was begging the universe not to let me be right.
Unfortunately my inner detective deserved a raise.
And wow. Being right hurt.
Not for everyone though. One person can still choke.
What I loved most is that beneath all the darkness and manipulation, this story still carries something painfully human underneath it all. Love that was doomed before it even started. People taking things that were never theirs to touch. A sibling bond that somehow managed to warm my cold dead heart for five whole seconds. And of course the reminder that secrets never stay buried. They rot. They spread. They ruin absolutely everybody standing too close to them.
Anyway. I’m not about to spoil this beautifully twisted mess for future readers. Just know this book crawls into your head quietly and then refuses to leave with any dignity whatsoever.
Five stars from me and my emotionally compromised moral compass.
June 29, 2025
1998: Katie Reed vanishes on her boyfriend’s birthday, and that morning unsettles everyone she left behind.
2022: Tom Beatty is on transplant waitlist duty until his blood test unlocks a decades-old disappearance. As he chases Katie’s trail, secrets surface, and whoever buried them doesn’t want them uncovered. Time’s running out.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
What an amazing book. It's twisty, peeling back secrets one breadcrumb at a time. The dual timeline between 1998 and 2022 never confused me. The switches were smooth and purposeful. Gulliford’s characters feel real and layered, not cardboard cutouts. Her writing drew me right into each scene. I could picture whatever dark corner or surreal setting she described. Massive thanks to Carol Gulliford for the audiobook of Behind the Lies and the opportunity to provide this candid review!
The Vibes It Brings:
🎭 Psychological suspense
🕰️ Dual‑timeline mystery
😶 Quiet thrills in everyday settings
🧩 Family ties and medical drama
🌒 Secrets hidden in plain sight
Narration:
Narrator Sarah Kempton adds real tension and unease. Her voice shifts undercover, sharp when needed, soft when revealing. She makes every reveal lean and tense. I loved everything about her voice. It boosted the immersive feel.
Final Thoughts:
Behind the Lies grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end. Twist after twist keeps you guessing but never confused. It goes beyond your typical mystery thanks to its dual timelines, emotional undercurrents, and grounded, believable characters. Highly recommended if you like suspense with emotional stakes.
2022: Tom Beatty is on transplant waitlist duty until his blood test unlocks a decades-old disappearance. As he chases Katie’s trail, secrets surface, and whoever buried them doesn’t want them uncovered. Time’s running out.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
What an amazing book. It's twisty, peeling back secrets one breadcrumb at a time. The dual timeline between 1998 and 2022 never confused me. The switches were smooth and purposeful. Gulliford’s characters feel real and layered, not cardboard cutouts. Her writing drew me right into each scene. I could picture whatever dark corner or surreal setting she described. Massive thanks to Carol Gulliford for the audiobook of Behind the Lies and the opportunity to provide this candid review!
The Vibes It Brings:
🎭 Psychological suspense
🕰️ Dual‑timeline mystery
😶 Quiet thrills in everyday settings
🧩 Family ties and medical drama
🌒 Secrets hidden in plain sight
Narration:
Narrator Sarah Kempton adds real tension and unease. Her voice shifts undercover, sharp when needed, soft when revealing. She makes every reveal lean and tense. I loved everything about her voice. It boosted the immersive feel.
Final Thoughts:
Behind the Lies grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end. Twist after twist keeps you guessing but never confused. It goes beyond your typical mystery thanks to its dual timelines, emotional undercurrents, and grounded, believable characters. Highly recommended if you like suspense with emotional stakes.
June 26, 2026
This is not your typical psychological thriller. It does not follow what I have come to expect from the genre. However, that is exactly what makes it even more psychological in my opinion.
The contrast between the three to four POVs works brilliantly. You have the case from 1998 alongside what appears to be the everyday life of a normal family. The fact that you do not necessarily know how the different POVs are connected makes you want to keep reading to see how it all unfolds.
You do not really realise that things are not what they seem until you are right in the middle of it. The confusion, uncertainty and emotions experienced by the characters are felt just as strongly by the reader.
I liked how every character was relatable to some extent. They felt like ordinary people, which made the events and overall tone of the book even more tense and shocking in a way that felt natural.
I also appreciated the slower pacing, as it allowed for a great deal of character development and gave you time to get to know the ins and outs of each individual. Because of this, everything the characters go through hits much harder, as they begin to feel like friends or family.
I devoured this in under 24 hours. It is a quick and compelling read that kept me turning the pages, and I would absolutely recommend it.
The contrast between the three to four POVs works brilliantly. You have the case from 1998 alongside what appears to be the everyday life of a normal family. The fact that you do not necessarily know how the different POVs are connected makes you want to keep reading to see how it all unfolds.
You do not really realise that things are not what they seem until you are right in the middle of it. The confusion, uncertainty and emotions experienced by the characters are felt just as strongly by the reader.
I liked how every character was relatable to some extent. They felt like ordinary people, which made the events and overall tone of the book even more tense and shocking in a way that felt natural.
I also appreciated the slower pacing, as it allowed for a great deal of character development and gave you time to get to know the ins and outs of each individual. Because of this, everything the characters go through hits much harder, as they begin to feel like friends or family.
I devoured this in under 24 hours. It is a quick and compelling read that kept me turning the pages, and I would absolutely recommend it.
March 23, 2025
In the early morning of the year 1998, Katie goes on a jogging, but never returns home. In 2022, Tom tries to help his sister Serena with a transplant, but he is disappointed with blood results. Searching for answers, he finds out that everyone is not who they appear to be.
Behind the lies is a slow paced thriller/drama that from the beginning pulls you in and doesn't let go until you read the last page.
Characters are interesting and from the early on you feel connection with them. I especially liked the relationship between the main trio (Tom, Serena and Sophie).
I also love the timeline changes from '98 to '22, so when chapter ends with a high note, it makes you want to read further, bcs you want to know what will happen next.
All in all, I loved the Behind the lies, and if you are in for tense, thriller/drama with loveable characters, I fully recommend it.
Behind the lies is a slow paced thriller/drama that from the beginning pulls you in and doesn't let go until you read the last page.
Characters are interesting and from the early on you feel connection with them. I especially liked the relationship between the main trio (Tom, Serena and Sophie).
I also love the timeline changes from '98 to '22, so when chapter ends with a high note, it makes you want to read further, bcs you want to know what will happen next.
All in all, I loved the Behind the lies, and if you are in for tense, thriller/drama with loveable characters, I fully recommend it.
October 23, 2025
Y’all! This one had me side-eyeing everyone. A missing woman, a DNA shocker, and secrets that just won’t stay buried—this thriller is pure tension wrapped in mystery. 🕸️
Katie vanishes in 1998. Fast-forward to 2022, and Tom’s routine blood test flips his world upside down. His search for answers? Dangerous, addictive, and oh-so-twisty. 😬
Gulliford’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and loaded with punch. You can practically feel the chill in the air and the weight of every lie. If you love thrillers that make your heart race and your jaw drop—this one’s calling your name. 👀💥
Katie vanishes in 1998. Fast-forward to 2022, and Tom’s routine blood test flips his world upside down. His search for answers? Dangerous, addictive, and oh-so-twisty. 😬
Gulliford’s writing is sharp, atmospheric, and loaded with punch. You can practically feel the chill in the air and the weight of every lie. If you love thrillers that make your heart race and your jaw drop—this one’s calling your name. 👀💥
January 5, 2025
Strong 3.5/4.
Finished in 2 days as I really enjoyed the story but thought there was a lot of unnecessary padding which didn’t progress the plot, when I was just wanting to move on with the main story. Was also some minor typos/inconsistencies but didn’t take away from my experience.
Exciting read overall!
Finished in 2 days as I really enjoyed the story but thought there was a lot of unnecessary padding which didn’t progress the plot, when I was just wanting to move on with the main story. Was also some minor typos/inconsistencies but didn’t take away from my experience.
Exciting read overall!
July 22, 2025
I loved this audiobook! I’m still reeling over it. What happens when a woman goes missing years ago & how can it be possibly related to 20 years later? Well one man figures out how his gf goes missing only then to try and help his sister with a transplant only to find out he’s not a blood match? I was waiting for the shoe to drop everytime for it to be dropped over and over. So well done!
June 29, 2025
1998: Katie Reed vanishes on her boyfriend’s birthday, and that morning unsettles everyone she left behind.
2022: Tom Beatty is on transplant waitlist duty until his blood test unlocks a decades-old disappearance. As he chases Katie’s trail, secrets surface, and whoever buried them doesn’t want them uncovered. Time’s running out.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
What an amazing book. It's twisty, peeling back secrets one breadcrumb at a time. The dual timeline between 1998 and 2022 never confused me. The switches were smooth and purposeful. Gulliford’s characters feel real and layered, not cardboard cutouts. Her writing drew me right into each scene. I could picture whatever dark corner or surreal setting she described. Massive thanks to Carol Gulliford for the audiobook of Behind the Lies and the opportunity to provide this candid review!
The Vibes It Brings:
🎭 Psychological suspense
🕰️ Dual‑timeline mystery
😶 Quiet thrills in everyday settings
🧩 Family ties and medical drama
🌒 Secrets hidden in plain sight
Narration:
Narrator Sarah Kempton adds real tension and unease. Her voice shifts undercover, sharp when needed, soft when revealing. She makes every reveal lean and tense. I loved everything about her voice. It boosted the immersive feel.
Final Thoughts:
Behind the Lies grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end. Twist after twist keeps you guessing but never confused. It goes beyond your typical mystery thanks to its dual timelines, emotional undercurrents, and grounded, believable characters. Highly recommended if you like suspense with emotional stakes.
TL;DR:
A pulse‑racing mystery with dual timelines, deep characters, and a narrator who nails the tension.
2022: Tom Beatty is on transplant waitlist duty until his blood test unlocks a decades-old disappearance. As he chases Katie’s trail, secrets surface, and whoever buried them doesn’t want them uncovered. Time’s running out.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
What an amazing book. It's twisty, peeling back secrets one breadcrumb at a time. The dual timeline between 1998 and 2022 never confused me. The switches were smooth and purposeful. Gulliford’s characters feel real and layered, not cardboard cutouts. Her writing drew me right into each scene. I could picture whatever dark corner or surreal setting she described. Massive thanks to Carol Gulliford for the audiobook of Behind the Lies and the opportunity to provide this candid review!
The Vibes It Brings:
🎭 Psychological suspense
🕰️ Dual‑timeline mystery
😶 Quiet thrills in everyday settings
🧩 Family ties and medical drama
🌒 Secrets hidden in plain sight
Narration:
Narrator Sarah Kempton adds real tension and unease. Her voice shifts undercover, sharp when needed, soft when revealing. She makes every reveal lean and tense. I loved everything about her voice. It boosted the immersive feel.
Final Thoughts:
Behind the Lies grabs you and doesn’t let go until the end. Twist after twist keeps you guessing but never confused. It goes beyond your typical mystery thanks to its dual timelines, emotional undercurrents, and grounded, believable characters. Highly recommended if you like suspense with emotional stakes.
TL;DR:
A pulse‑racing mystery with dual timelines, deep characters, and a narrator who nails the tension.
December 16, 2025
Behind the Lies peels back the polished surface of a family built on secrets. Gulliford delivers a gripping psychological thriller where trust is fragile, truths are buried deep, and every revelation cuts closer to home. Dark, unsettling, and impossible to put down, this story proves that the most dangerous lies are the ones told to protect the people we love most.
March 27, 2025
A gripping page turner. This is my second book by this author. Great holiday read. Can't wait until this author has written more!
May 13, 2025
Is it too late for Tom.. will the lies come out? This was a fast-paced thriller. Great character development throughout the book. The amount of twist in the book will keep you wondering what's happening.
If you're looking for a great who done it,...cold case story. This is it.
If you're looking for a great who done it,...cold case story. This is it.
July 18, 2025
Behind the Lies by Carol Gulliford
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a very gripping and twisty thriller, full of secrets and lies!
This book has lots of intensity and is a fast paced read! I was hooked from start to finish.
Tom finds out his sister, Serena, needs a medical procedure and when he is tested to see if he’s a match, he finds out that they aren’t even related! After this discovery, Tom is determined to get some answers about his family, and begins to dig deep.
I enjoyed the dual timelines and how through mystery, twists and suspense they are able to weave together. There were lots of surprises that I didn’t see coming!!
This is Carol Gulliford’s debut novel and I think it’s extremely enjoyable and very well written!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did a very good job!
*This book is out now and I highly recommend giving it a listen/read!!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a very gripping and twisty thriller, full of secrets and lies!
This book has lots of intensity and is a fast paced read! I was hooked from start to finish.
Tom finds out his sister, Serena, needs a medical procedure and when he is tested to see if he’s a match, he finds out that they aren’t even related! After this discovery, Tom is determined to get some answers about his family, and begins to dig deep.
I enjoyed the dual timelines and how through mystery, twists and suspense they are able to weave together. There were lots of surprises that I didn’t see coming!!
This is Carol Gulliford’s debut novel and I think it’s extremely enjoyable and very well written!
I listened to the audio version and the narrator did a very good job!
*This book is out now and I highly recommend giving it a listen/read!!*
February 6, 2025
The beginning of this book and the ending were fantastic. The middle fell a little flat for me. There was just a lot of blah going on in the middle. Too much happening that didn’t really lead to what was going on with the main plot of the book. A lot of dialogue and a lot of description in things that I wondered why do I need to know that. I would definitely read another book by this author. I just really struggled with the middle.
September 23, 2025
I found this author through a fun adopt an Author and I am so glad I did! This was a debut novel for Carol Gulliford and it was a fantastic read! From the first page to the last I was immersed in the book. Her characters were well developed and the storyline was well written. I loved the two timelines which brought everything together. I did not want to put the book down! I look forward to reading more books by this author!
October 2, 2024
Riveting
The story lines and trimmings were just perfect, each page was exciting, making you want to turn the page and continue reading, I found that I couldn't put the book down.
The story lines and trimmings were just perfect, each page was exciting, making you want to turn the page and continue reading, I found that I couldn't put the book down.
October 28, 2024
Fantastic, kept you thinking of will happen next, read it in 2 days
November 22, 2024
I was so intrigued by this book. Read it in a couple of days. Fantastic!
July 23, 2025
Intriguing
This book captured me from the beginning. Great story, enjoyable read. The story got a little slow in the middle, yet, I couldn't put it down. Great ending.
This book captured me from the beginning. Great story, enjoyable read. The story got a little slow in the middle, yet, I couldn't put it down. Great ending.
September 8, 2025
This was a great book it kept me hooked from the start nice short chapters . I loved the plot. Great read al around.
August 20, 2025
Who Do You Think You Are?
Carol Gulliford is a British author from the South Coast of England. Her love for thrillers began when she read her first Sidney Sheldon novel and, ever since, she has been drawn to edge-of-your-seat films and cleverly constructed, twist-driven stories.
That passion clearly shines through in her own work. I recently read her debut Behind the Lies — and what a debut it is.
From the opening pages, Gulliford immerses the reader in a compelling dual-timeline narrative. In one strand, we follow Katie Reed, who suddenly disappears in 1998 and is never seen again. In the second timeline, set in 2022, we meet Tom Beatty, a young man whose sister requires a life-saving operation — and who is about to encounter the biggest surprise of his life.
The novel is written in a confident, highly readable style. Although the story leans toward a slow-burn approach — and the middle section could perhaps move at a slightly quicker pace — the carefully crafted prose and the intriguing mystery maintain momentum throughout. The characters are well drawn and engaging, making it easy for the reader to connect emotionally with the narrative. You sense that something important is coming — but the precise nature of it remains just out of reach. When the dramatic turning point finally arrives, the pace accelerates and it becomes impossible to put the book down.
This is an impressive debut with an original and well-structured plot, and it deserves a wide readership. I, for one, will be eagerly watching for her next novel.
Carol Gulliford is a British author from the South Coast of England. Her love for thrillers began when she read her first Sidney Sheldon novel and, ever since, she has been drawn to edge-of-your-seat films and cleverly constructed, twist-driven stories.
That passion clearly shines through in her own work. I recently read her debut Behind the Lies — and what a debut it is.
From the opening pages, Gulliford immerses the reader in a compelling dual-timeline narrative. In one strand, we follow Katie Reed, who suddenly disappears in 1998 and is never seen again. In the second timeline, set in 2022, we meet Tom Beatty, a young man whose sister requires a life-saving operation — and who is about to encounter the biggest surprise of his life.
The novel is written in a confident, highly readable style. Although the story leans toward a slow-burn approach — and the middle section could perhaps move at a slightly quicker pace — the carefully crafted prose and the intriguing mystery maintain momentum throughout. The characters are well drawn and engaging, making it easy for the reader to connect emotionally with the narrative. You sense that something important is coming — but the precise nature of it remains just out of reach. When the dramatic turning point finally arrives, the pace accelerates and it becomes impossible to put the book down.
This is an impressive debut with an original and well-structured plot, and it deserves a wide readership. I, for one, will be eagerly watching for her next novel.
May 15, 2026
Behind the Lies by Carol Gulliford is a phenomenal, heart-wrenching, and masterfully executed debut psychological thriller that will leave readers completely breathless.
The narrative seamlessly weaves between two timelines—1998 and the present day—gradually building a tense bridge between them. Gulliford crafts a brilliantly elusive plot where the connection between the eras remains beautifully hidden until a jaw-dropping twist brings everything crashing together, leaving the reader stunned. She nailed the dual-timeline structure—when the past and present collide in a way that breaks your heart and shocks you!
This book boasts a vivid spectrum of characters, ranging from deeply likeable to utterly hateful, and evokes genuine emotional investment. Fast-paced, atmospheric, and packed with a shocking emotional punch, this is a spectacular page-turner that thriller lovers will easily devour in a single sitting. 5 shocking, well-deserved stars!
There is no better feeling than digging a book out of your Kindle graveyard and discovering it's a hidden 5-star masterpiece.
The narrative seamlessly weaves between two timelines—1998 and the present day—gradually building a tense bridge between them. Gulliford crafts a brilliantly elusive plot where the connection between the eras remains beautifully hidden until a jaw-dropping twist brings everything crashing together, leaving the reader stunned. She nailed the dual-timeline structure—when the past and present collide in a way that breaks your heart and shocks you!
This book boasts a vivid spectrum of characters, ranging from deeply likeable to utterly hateful, and evokes genuine emotional investment. Fast-paced, atmospheric, and packed with a shocking emotional punch, this is a spectacular page-turner that thriller lovers will easily devour in a single sitting. 5 shocking, well-deserved stars!
There is no better feeling than digging a book out of your Kindle graveyard and discovering it's a hidden 5-star masterpiece.
May 13, 2026
First I would like to thank the author Carol Gulliford and Inside Story for sharing this book with me.
Wow. This book completely caught me off guard. The dual timelines, the decades-old disappearance, and the family secrets uncovered through medical testing kept me constantly on edge. My feelings about the characters changed over and over as the truth slowly unraveled. A tense, emotional psychological thriller that really stuck with me.
“In 1998 Katie Reed’s disappearance becomes the catalyst for decades of secrets, fractured relationships, and dangerous truths resurfacing years later. The line “It will change the lives of everyone around her” hints that her disappearance is tied to multiple people in ways that aren’t immediately obvious — especially Tom Beatty’s storyline in 2022, where a medical discovery leads him into the unresolved past.”
This intense psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.
October 20, 2025
The audiobook narration was outstanding, bringing real depth and nuance to the characters while heightening the tension of the unfolding mystery. On Kindle, Gulliford’s writing shines — her prose is sharp and evocative, and the dual timelines between 1998 and 2022 are woven together seamlessly.
The story begins with the disappearance of Katie in 1998, then shifts to Tom’s search for answers years later when a shocking discovery about his family changes everything. The pacing is steady but relentless, drawing you deeper into the web of secrets with every chapter.
With believable characters, emotional depth, and plenty of twists, Behind the Lies kept me hooked from start to finish. A superb debut and a must-read (or listen) for fans of thoughtful, character-driven thrillers.
The story begins with the disappearance of Katie in 1998, then shifts to Tom’s search for answers years later when a shocking discovery about his family changes everything. The pacing is steady but relentless, drawing you deeper into the web of secrets with every chapter.
With believable characters, emotional depth, and plenty of twists, Behind the Lies kept me hooked from start to finish. A superb debut and a must-read (or listen) for fans of thoughtful, character-driven thrillers.
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