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Tell Me No Lies : A Crime Thriller Novella
As Police Chief Johnson investigates a murder, he discovers a chilling journal called “The Narrator” at the crime scene. Its unsettling third-person entries reveal a twisted love triangle, raising the urgent who really killed James LaBelle?
While trying to manage his new role and the haunting memories of his wife’s disappearance two years ago, Johnson finds himself attracted to his live-in nanny, complicating his already chaotic life. As he digs deeper into the dark secrets surrounding the murder, he must confront his past and navigate a dangerous mix of love and betrayal. Will he find the truth before it consumes him? The investigation leads him into a maze where nothing is as it seems.
*This book can be enjoyed on its own, but it is set within the Hunted universe.*
While trying to manage his new role and the haunting memories of his wife’s disappearance two years ago, Johnson finds himself attracted to his live-in nanny, complicating his already chaotic life. As he digs deeper into the dark secrets surrounding the murder, he must confront his past and navigate a dangerous mix of love and betrayal. Will he find the truth before it consumes him? The investigation leads him into a maze where nothing is as it seems.
*This book can be enjoyed on its own, but it is set within the Hunted universe.*
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2024
64 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 19, 2025
QUICK TWISTED READ
Tell me no lies is a novella, full of mystery, suspense and some romance. It had some interesting characters and kept the suspense going till the very end. It is a quick solid read..
Tell me no lies is a novella, full of mystery, suspense and some romance. It had some interesting characters and kept the suspense going till the very end. It is a quick solid read..
December 2, 2025
I loved this short story. When it ended I found myself wanting so much more.
I did not want it to end. I really enjoyed the authors writing because it kept me so
on the edge with the twists and who dun it's. Such a crazy domestic/psychological thriller!
#mustread #bookrec
I did not want it to end. I really enjoyed the authors writing because it kept me so
on the edge with the twists and who dun it's. Such a crazy domestic/psychological thriller!
#mustread #bookrec
October 18, 2024
Tell Me No Lies is a novella, but don’t let that fool you. This was jam packed with suspense and had me wondering what was going to happen next throughout the entire story. When TJ, the MMC, returns in this book, we get more of an inside scoop on who he is and how he is affected by his past traumas. He is attempting to solve a m*rder, take care of his family, and let go of old wounds. In the meantime, there’s a journal with clues he and his team are piecing together and trying to figure out who dun it. You’ve got a little bit of angsty romance and good spice to tie it all together. Grab this one! You won’t regret it.
December 26, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed crafting this novella! Revisiting TJ's character from Hunted & Captured brought me so much joy. I’m eager to explore more stories with him and have big plans for a series of Chief Johnson novellas! Thank you for taking the time to read it! This novella also connects my literary worlds, featuring plenty of fun Easter eggs for those familiar with all books.
October 23, 2024
This is a short, little novella, but it definitely packs quite a punch! I have not read Hunted before I read this one, and while they tie into the same universe, I was definitely able to enjoy it without any prior knowledge of the characters. I was made aware prior to reading, that it does contain some spoilers for the Hunted series if that's something that may bother you, but it's a standalone as well.
I always appreciate a thriller that keeps me guessing, and this one delivered on that. There were plenty of twists and turns, some reveals that I definitely did not see coming at all! I love being surprised by books, so kudos for that! I loved the whole setup, a murder has taken place, and the MC, a detective, has a strange journal written by 'The Narrator' who tells the victims life story in the third person. It was a very unique way of unraveling all the clues.
James has a way of making the characters just seem so natural and human. Every time I read her books, I tend to forget that these aren't real people. The way she strings sentences together always holds my interest. There is also a cute little romance in this that was a nice break from the craziness at times! The ending seemed to suggest that perhaps there is more of this story to tell, and I'm excited to see where it goes!
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this novella in exchange for my honest review!
I always appreciate a thriller that keeps me guessing, and this one delivered on that. There were plenty of twists and turns, some reveals that I definitely did not see coming at all! I love being surprised by books, so kudos for that! I loved the whole setup, a murder has taken place, and the MC, a detective, has a strange journal written by 'The Narrator' who tells the victims life story in the third person. It was a very unique way of unraveling all the clues.
James has a way of making the characters just seem so natural and human. Every time I read her books, I tend to forget that these aren't real people. The way she strings sentences together always holds my interest. There is also a cute little romance in this that was a nice break from the craziness at times! The ending seemed to suggest that perhaps there is more of this story to tell, and I'm excited to see where it goes!
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this novella in exchange for my honest review!
November 5, 2024
ARC REVIEW!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg this book!
I absolutely loved this novella! Even though it's short don't underestimate it! It's full of suspense and makes you want to keep reading!
The storyline is portrayed amazingly! Runs smoothly and I loved it! I couldn't get enough!!
The characters, omg they are amazing! Very well portrayed and I felt like I was in the story with them! This is a must read! It is a standalone but it does connect to Captured 🖤
The ending!!! 😍😍😍
I would like to thank Labrie James for the amazing opportunity to ARC read this book and I can't wait for the next one!
#labriejames #labriejamesauthor #crime #thriller #novella #arcreader #arc #arcreaders #newrelease #outnow #tellmenolies
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Omg this book!
I absolutely loved this novella! Even though it's short don't underestimate it! It's full of suspense and makes you want to keep reading!
The storyline is portrayed amazingly! Runs smoothly and I loved it! I couldn't get enough!!
The characters, omg they are amazing! Very well portrayed and I felt like I was in the story with them! This is a must read! It is a standalone but it does connect to Captured 🖤
The ending!!! 😍😍😍
I would like to thank Labrie James for the amazing opportunity to ARC read this book and I can't wait for the next one!
#labriejames #labriejamesauthor #crime #thriller #novella #arcreader #arc #arcreaders #newrelease #outnow #tellmenolies
November 2, 2024
Another GREAT one by LaBrie James! This is the third book I have read from this author and her writing is really amazing! She hooks you from the start!
Tell Me No Lies it from the POV of Cheif Johnson and "The Narrator" from the journal found at a crime scene.
Crime thriller with so much of a great mystery to solve! This read will have you on the edge of your seat waiting and wanting another book asap!
It starts from a crime scene and keeps you guessing the whole time, you won't see it coming! The Narrator is awesome and twisted! AND the ending!!!!???? Only the beginning, I cannot wait for more! I loved it.
Suspense, romance, obsessions, toxicity, murder mystery and spice🌶
Tell Me No Lies it from the POV of Cheif Johnson and "The Narrator" from the journal found at a crime scene.
Crime thriller with so much of a great mystery to solve! This read will have you on the edge of your seat waiting and wanting another book asap!
It starts from a crime scene and keeps you guessing the whole time, you won't see it coming! The Narrator is awesome and twisted! AND the ending!!!!???? Only the beginning, I cannot wait for more! I loved it.
Suspense, romance, obsessions, toxicity, murder mystery and spice🌶
November 15, 2024
I completely dig this book! I've read everything she's put out, and this one is by far the most polished. The older characters give it a mature edge, and it's evident that her writing is leveling up with each release. It was a seriously impressive read. While it's set in the Hunted universe, it stands strong on its own.
September 1, 2025
I absolutely loved The Hunted books, so I was really excited when I saw this one on kindle unlimited. I think my rating would’ve been higher if I’d read it closer to the first two so maybe that’s my excuse for a re-read soon!
The crime aspect was great! I enjoyed trying to piece together the whodunit, especially when it seemed so obvious at first but ended up surprising me. I also liked getting more insight into TJ as a character and seeing his relationships explored.
However his relationship with Willow felt a little rushed for me. Very quickly they were sleeping together, while I get that she’d been in his life for years as the nanny, it still felt a bit instant and lost some impact. (Again, if I’d read this right after the others maybe I’d feel differently?)
The thriller side was definitely fun though! I loved the case itself, the journal entries and the twist at the end. The end was really sweet too (for TJ and Willow).
Overall, this was a quick, page-turning read. It kept me engaged and I’d definitely read more about TJ and/or anything else in The Hunted universe.
The crime aspect was great! I enjoyed trying to piece together the whodunit, especially when it seemed so obvious at first but ended up surprising me. I also liked getting more insight into TJ as a character and seeing his relationships explored.
However his relationship with Willow felt a little rushed for me. Very quickly they were sleeping together, while I get that she’d been in his life for years as the nanny, it still felt a bit instant and lost some impact. (Again, if I’d read this right after the others maybe I’d feel differently?)
The thriller side was definitely fun though! I loved the case itself, the journal entries and the twist at the end. The end was really sweet too (for TJ and Willow).
Overall, this was a quick, page-turning read. It kept me engaged and I’d definitely read more about TJ and/or anything else in The Hunted universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2026
Really good short story. Labrie did a great job in writing this and the story was like I was watching a movie, I enjoyed every page. I felt how to MMC really wanted to move on but desired to close the chapters of his past, that was refreshing to read. The ending definitely made me want more of the story!
November 9, 2024
Wow. I have no idea how this one outdid Hunted and Captured (in the same universe) and I loved those! The romance, the tension, the twists and turns. I loved Willow and TJ together. I hope that there's continuation in the story some day because I absolutely could not get enough!
November 17, 2024
It's got me wanting the whole story
This is a quick read that will leave you needing to know the complete story. Hunted and Captured are now my next reads....wow! Who are Miriam and Evie.....really....
This is a quick read that will leave you needing to know the complete story. Hunted and Captured are now my next reads....wow! Who are Miriam and Evie.....really....
November 2, 2024
Tell me no lies was the best book yet. I hope she writes a sequel to this one I could barely put the book down if I could give up more than five star rating I sure would
November 23, 2024
Good read
May 13, 2025
This book was so lovely 😊
August 22, 2025
3.25/5 The book was good, just not what I expected. I will say, though, that the book did have me guessing who did it the whole time
October 19, 2024
Incredible novella! For such a quick read, it was full of suspense, some romance added in there, and the ending has me WISHING for more immediately.
Tell me no lies follows chief Johnson (TJ) from the hunted series. In this novella, Johnson is trying to solve a bizarre murder case, while dealing with family life and his past traumas. A mysterious journal is a key factor in helping him and his crew solve this mystery, but you truly don't see the twist coming and the pieces fall into place in such a bizarre way it'll leave you gasping.
I loved this novella and can't wait to have more from TJ and his story and see where his character goes.
Thank you Labrie for an ARC of this book to read and review! ❤️
Tell me no lies follows chief Johnson (TJ) from the hunted series. In this novella, Johnson is trying to solve a bizarre murder case, while dealing with family life and his past traumas. A mysterious journal is a key factor in helping him and his crew solve this mystery, but you truly don't see the twist coming and the pieces fall into place in such a bizarre way it'll leave you gasping.
I loved this novella and can't wait to have more from TJ and his story and see where his character goes.
Thank you Labrie for an ARC of this book to read and review! ❤️
October 17, 2024
Quick, enjoyable, and left me wanting more. I loved this novella! The author said it was a bridge between her other stories-but I found it nice as a stand alone as well. There wasn't any need for background information. I was happy that the main characters were returning favorites. I loved getting to know TJ a bit more and his life going forward. Tell Me No Lies follows TJ, a cop, who starts investigating a simple murder...until a journal is found. The journal aspect was a great hook and that is what drove me to keep reading until I was done! And the ending! I hope to see more like this in the future!
October 17, 2024
As soon as I saw this was a crime thriller, I knew I had to read it. I don't usually go for second-chance romances, but this one was totally worth it. The fact that it opened at a crime scene told me I was in for a wild ride. I both loved and was creeped out by The Narrator at the same time. The story had me hooked and kept me guessing throughout. It delivered on all the tropes—toxic, obsessive, and unhinged! I loved the adrenaline rush, and it kept my blood pumping! And the ending!!! I get it now—the end is just the beginning, OMG!!! If you're into crime thrillers and want to be kept guessing until the very end, definitely check this one out!
November 2, 2024
Tell Me No Lies is an exhilarating romp that grips you faster than a caffeinated squirrel on a sugar rush! The rapid pace and intriguing storyline are like a rollercoaster ride for your brain—hold on tight, because every chapter leaves you gasping for air and wondering if you’ve accidentally signed up for an extreme reading challenge.
The unique twists and turns keep the narrative fresher than a pair of socks on laundry day (and let’s be honest, that’s a miracle). Plus, the blend of spice and romance is so delicious, it could give a five-star chef a run for their money! Honestly, I’m just waiting for the characters to start a cooking show with all that sizzling chemistry.
I can hardly contain my excitement for what’s coming next—if this book were a pizza, I’d be begging for extra slices!
The unique twists and turns keep the narrative fresher than a pair of socks on laundry day (and let’s be honest, that’s a miracle). Plus, the blend of spice and romance is so delicious, it could give a five-star chef a run for their money! Honestly, I’m just waiting for the characters to start a cooking show with all that sizzling chemistry.
I can hardly contain my excitement for what’s coming next—if this book were a pizza, I’d be begging for extra slices!
November 2, 2024
Great performance of an amazing story.
I have read all of the books by this author and to hear it as an audiobook version brought a whole new life and depth to it! LaBrie James has amazing story telling in a way that weaves the reader into the world of the characters in the story. Hoover Lynn has a skill of bringing the characters to life that I really appreciated and I look forward to listening to other books by these two. They are an amazing duo!
I have read all of the books by this author and to hear it as an audiobook version brought a whole new life and depth to it! LaBrie James has amazing story telling in a way that weaves the reader into the world of the characters in the story. Hoover Lynn has a skill of bringing the characters to life that I really appreciated and I look forward to listening to other books by these two. They are an amazing duo!
November 17, 2024
I just read TELL ME NO LIES by LaBrie James.
This was a good book but it was much harder for me to get sucked in then the other books of hers I read.
When I 1st started to read this book I was in chapter 1 when someone came up behind me and scared me half to death just by saying my name.
I thought wow this is going to be great. For me to be that distracted in the 1st chapter. However I found it was slow moving until I got to chaper 10. Once into chapter 10 my interest spiked again.
To me this was more of a romance forbidden love story than I was expecting. The crime scene/murder was more of a background story. Still good but a slower start then her other stories.
This book although complete it leaves room for at least 1 more story line that could go in at least 2 different directions.
Of the LaBrie James books this is really the first that I don't feel like it needs the F... bomb warning.
This was a good book but it was much harder for me to get sucked in then the other books of hers I read.
When I 1st started to read this book I was in chapter 1 when someone came up behind me and scared me half to death just by saying my name.
I thought wow this is going to be great. For me to be that distracted in the 1st chapter. However I found it was slow moving until I got to chaper 10. Once into chapter 10 my interest spiked again.
To me this was more of a romance forbidden love story than I was expecting. The crime scene/murder was more of a background story. Still good but a slower start then her other stories.
This book although complete it leaves room for at least 1 more story line that could go in at least 2 different directions.
Of the LaBrie James books this is really the first that I don't feel like it needs the F... bomb warning.
September 28, 2025
As Police Chief Johnson investigates a murder, he uncovers a chilling journal titled The Narrator at the crime scene. Its unsettling third-person entries reveal a twisted love triangle, leaving the urgent question: who really killed James LaBelle? While navigating his new role and the lingering trauma of his wife's disappearance two years earlier, Johnson tinds himself drawn to his live-in nanny, adding even more complexity to his chaotic life. As he delves deeper into the dark secrets surrounding the murder, he must confront his past and navigate a dangerous mix of love, desire, and betrayal. Will he uncover the truth before it consumes him? The investigation twists into a labyrinth where nothing is as it seems. This book stands alone but is set within the Hunted universe.
November 2, 2024
Tell Me No Lies is an exhilarating read that grips you with its rapid pace and intriguing storyline. Each chapter leaves you wanting more, making it nearly impossible to put down. The unique twists and turns keep the narrative fresh and exciting, ensuring that you’re always on the edge of your seat. The perfect blend of spice and romance adds an extra layer of depth to the characters and their relationships, making it an even more captivating experience. I can hardly contain my anticipation for what’s to come next!
October 24, 2024
Tell Me No Lies is a crime thriller that is about a small town police chief as he works on a particularly unusual case. We follow him as he works not only on solving the mystery but also as he works through his own personal conflicts.
I’ve read all of LaBrie James works and this one is my favorite to date. The older ages of the characters added a layer of relatability. Her use of the “Narrator” chapters pulled me in and kept me captivated. This story was unpredictable making it so I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what was going to happen next. If I had any complaints, it’s that it was a novella and a not a novel, I didn’t want it to end.
A great read, can’t want to see what James comes up with next!
I’ve read all of LaBrie James works and this one is my favorite to date. The older ages of the characters added a layer of relatability. Her use of the “Narrator” chapters pulled me in and kept me captivated. This story was unpredictable making it so I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what was going to happen next. If I had any complaints, it’s that it was a novella and a not a novel, I didn’t want it to end.
A great read, can’t want to see what James comes up with next!
January 14, 2025
I was absolutely hooked from the very first page—just like with all of her other books! I couldn’t put it down and found myself up way too late, desperate to tie up every loose end. My mind was racing with all the possible endings, but as always, she pulled a fast one and completely surprised me!
Trust me, you’ll want to dive into this amazing book, but make sure you read the others it connects with first. It’s such a thrilling journey! Don’t miss out on Hunted, Captured, and Inevitability of Us! Happy reading, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Trust me, you’ll want to dive into this amazing book, but make sure you read the others it connects with first. It’s such a thrilling journey! Don’t miss out on Hunted, Captured, and Inevitability of Us! Happy reading, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
April 3, 2025
Another great story from James. Short but mighty. You should read the others before this, but not completely necessary
October 22, 2024
Tell Me No Lies by LaBrie James is a novella that’s set in the Hunted universe. However, it can be read as a standalone. This kept me on the edge of my seat — seriously, every noise I heard had me convinced there was someone lurking in my house. 😅 Yet, that didn’t stop me from reading. I liked the mystery surrounding the murder. The journal and chapters with The Narrator added to the suspense. I loved that this is a good balance between thriller and romance. James is so good at that! I’m happy TJ was able to move on from Lila and find happiness with Willow. The ending was sweet. It also left me wanting more. Thank you, LaBrie James, for this eARC. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to read this early. ❤️ Tell Me No Lies is available 10/28 — just under a week away!
October 22, 2024
Tell Me No Lies is a can't-miss novella. I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy and I was dancing. This book has everything you want in a thriller-mystery, intrigue, and who-done-it with a twist. All of that is wrapped up in a sexy bow and handed to us on a pillow.
Tell Me No Lies can be read as a standalone, but it is a bridge novella between two of James' series. If you want to meet the enigmatic TJ before the events of this book (and trust me, you do), be sure to pick up Hunted and Captured as well.
10/10 Ms. James. I can't wait until we get another book in this world and I'll have to comfort myself by reading these all over again.
Tell Me No Lies can be read as a standalone, but it is a bridge novella between two of James' series. If you want to meet the enigmatic TJ before the events of this book (and trust me, you do), be sure to pick up Hunted and Captured as well.
10/10 Ms. James. I can't wait until we get another book in this world and I'll have to comfort myself by reading these all over again.
October 25, 2024
Well, she did it again! Every time I read a LaBrie James book I finish it wanting more and this is no exception. It’s a nice, short novella that didn’t take long to read but still packed the same suspenseful punch as the rest of the Hunted series. I highly recommend it, along with the others!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews