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Lie to Me
A terrified author. A hidden tormentor. A race against time.
Best-selling mystery author Elena Winthrop has survived a difficult and traumatic past. Which may explain why she has become a virtual recluse who depends on her best friend and assistant Lila for almost everything.
So when Lila dies suddenly, Elena is beyond devastated. But that’s just the start of her troubles.
Forced to engage with the world, Elena discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. Then sinister gifts start to turn up on her doorstep. She gets taunting messages about what she’s wearing and doing. Is someone watching her, tracking her every move?
Or, reeling from blow after blow, is she actually losing her mind?
Doubting her own sanity, Elena enlists a private investigator and discovers it isn’t only her mental health at stake - it’s her life. Someone out there hates her and is determined to make her suffer.
But who? And why? Can Elena find her anonymous tormentor before it’s too late?
Lie to Me – the chilling psychological thriller by the best-selling author of The Stepfather and The Scorned Wife.
Best-selling mystery author Elena Winthrop has survived a difficult and traumatic past. Which may explain why she has become a virtual recluse who depends on her best friend and assistant Lila for almost everything.
So when Lila dies suddenly, Elena is beyond devastated. But that’s just the start of her troubles.
Forced to engage with the world, Elena discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. Then sinister gifts start to turn up on her doorstep. She gets taunting messages about what she’s wearing and doing. Is someone watching her, tracking her every move?
Or, reeling from blow after blow, is she actually losing her mind?
Doubting her own sanity, Elena enlists a private investigator and discovers it isn’t only her mental health at stake - it’s her life. Someone out there hates her and is determined to make her suffer.
But who? And why? Can Elena find her anonymous tormentor before it’s too late?
Lie to Me – the chilling psychological thriller by the best-selling author of The Stepfather and The Scorned Wife.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2024
411 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 19, 2024
I just love Theo’s books and grab them as soon as they come out. He has such a good writing style that I breeze right through them. I enjoyed this book as well. I normally would have given 5 stars, but he committed my number one sin in books: animal abuse/death. I don’t care how bad a person is, I don’t want any mention of animal abuse!! Sometimes people comment that bad people start with abuse of animals in real life. I KNOW this so you don’t have to comment about that. I’m entitled to feel this way, and I just hate it! Of course, I’ll still read Theo’s books. He’s one of my favorite authors. I just hope he’ll read this and consider it for future books.
November 27, 2024
Very predictable.
February 22, 2025
The main character drove me nuts and was so naive.
November 26, 2024
Lie To Me by Theo Baxter, Elena Winthrop is an author with agoraphobia and writers block. She is under a lot of stress with stalkers, her cheating husband David and the death of her assistant, who was also her best friend. Life does become more manageable when she hires the new assistant Carlotta. It seems every issue Elena has Carlotta has a remedy for it,. The only thing that gives Elena pause is when Carlotta starts insinuating her opinion on her writing and when she goes to hang out with her agent, she is struck dumb by Carlotta’s outrageous reaction to it. Alayna, however, can’t focus on that because David she believes is cheating again in strange things are happening around her home, including dead animals showing up on the porch. her agent even hires, a private detective Jack to try and get to the bottom of it, but when Elena finds out who has been plaguing her life, the danger is already too close. Will Elena‘s fans love her to death or is it her beloved husband? Will this make all her problems worse or will she even live long enough to be bothered by it? I really really really enjoyed this book. I find Theo Baxter has really written a well developed story, with great characters, likable situations that are intense, awkward, and uncomfortable. All the things you love in a great thriller. He is really upping his game and I am loving all of it!
November 20, 2024
This isn’t my first book by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. I enjoy Baxter’s writing style immensely. He writes with such ease that the reader is intrigued, the words flow seamlessly, and the storytelling makes you want to turn pages quickly. This is a thriller book, but the trauma that Elena has suffered in her life, and how she eventually overcomes it by the end, really is nice to read!
There is a lot of tension in this book, there is a lot of suspense. And maybe there will be readers that will not be able to figure out who the culprit is early on like I did. For those that aren’t able to figure it out, I think the ending will prove shocking. There was a twist that I didn’t see coming, but I was able to figure out who was behind it all pretty early on. However, this did not take away from my enjoyment of the book. I still kept reading so that I could see how it would all play out.
I did enjoy the ending. I enjoyed seeing Elena gain confidence and strength. Thriller readers will enjoy this book!
There is a lot of tension in this book, there is a lot of suspense. And maybe there will be readers that will not be able to figure out who the culprit is early on like I did. For those that aren’t able to figure it out, I think the ending will prove shocking. There was a twist that I didn’t see coming, but I was able to figure out who was behind it all pretty early on. However, this did not take away from my enjoyment of the book. I still kept reading so that I could see how it would all play out.
I did enjoy the ending. I enjoyed seeing Elena gain confidence and strength. Thriller readers will enjoy this book!
November 18, 2024
Another cracker of a book from this talented man, I read this in a day! OMG I have had so many emotions, starting from frustration to hope. I absolutely loved the story plot, it was really gripping. I felt terrified for Elena, was wishing for her to become more stern, and stop letting people walk all over her. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
November 19, 2024
3★
As mystery writer Morticia Rose, Elena Winthrop is accustomed to twists, but in her personal life she has become quite vulnerable due to certain circumstances. When the threats escalate from a crazed fan, Elena must face her greatest fears.
Going into this book, I was intrigued by the aspect of Elena’s life replicating fiction and she certainly has had her share of trauma. As a character, I empathized with Elena at times, but her choices were challenging. While there was plenty of tense moments, the plot felt a little repetitive and that lessened the impact of the mystery for me. I was also able to identify the culprit very early in the story.
Lie to Me is about overcoming trauma and regaining control of one’s life. This book may appeal to those seeking a thriller.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
As mystery writer Morticia Rose, Elena Winthrop is accustomed to twists, but in her personal life she has become quite vulnerable due to certain circumstances. When the threats escalate from a crazed fan, Elena must face her greatest fears.
“Something was wrong with me, and having all these people tell me how awful I was clearly meant something. It was proof I deserved only the worst.”
Going into this book, I was intrigued by the aspect of Elena’s life replicating fiction and she certainly has had her share of trauma. As a character, I empathized with Elena at times, but her choices were challenging. While there was plenty of tense moments, the plot felt a little repetitive and that lessened the impact of the mystery for me. I was also able to identify the culprit very early in the story.
Lie to Me is about overcoming trauma and regaining control of one’s life. This book may appeal to those seeking a thriller.
*An ARC was provided for a review.*
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey*
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 11, 2024
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
For author Elena Winthrop, her real life was becoming more dangerous than fiction. Still grieving the loss of her assistant and the breakdown of her marriage, she found herself the target of escalating threats from her most relentless haters. With the help of a private investigator, she must figure out who was the perpetrator before it was too late.
I thought the premise was interesting, offering a behind-the-scenes look at an author’s life and the challenges she faced. Unfortunately, the story was bland and lacked intrigue.
Despite being a mystery writer, Elena was clueless about her surroundings and seemed incapable of making effective decisions. I’m glad for the addition of Jack’s character, which made the story more interesting.
Lie to Me is a story of overcoming adversities. It might appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers.
✒️🔪✒️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . .✒️🔪✒️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
For author Elena Winthrop, her real life was becoming more dangerous than fiction. Still grieving the loss of her assistant and the breakdown of her marriage, she found herself the target of escalating threats from her most relentless haters. With the help of a private investigator, she must figure out who was the perpetrator before it was too late.
I thought the premise was interesting, offering a behind-the-scenes look at an author’s life and the challenges she faced. Unfortunately, the story was bland and lacked intrigue.
Despite being a mystery writer, Elena was clueless about her surroundings and seemed incapable of making effective decisions. I’m glad for the addition of Jack’s character, which made the story more interesting.
Lie to Me is a story of overcoming adversities. It might appeal to readers who enjoy psychological thrillers.
✒️🔪✒️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . .✒️🔪✒️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
December 13, 2024
Predictable twist
I liked the writing and the side characters. The twist was predictable early on. My biggest issue was I couldn’t stand the main character. I understood she had a traumatic past and childhood but she was gullible, naive and unable to take care of herself.
I liked the writing and the side characters. The twist was predictable early on. My biggest issue was I couldn’t stand the main character. I understood she had a traumatic past and childhood but she was gullible, naive and unable to take care of herself.
October 28, 2024
This was dark in places, and intense in places and a lot of what the heck is happening to Elena?! Poor Elena, a prolific writer with a lot of pressure on her shoulders. A truly horrific past, an idiot of a husband and a stalker. In walks Carlotta, the PA to save her.
I really felt for Elena, her life spirals out of control so quickly. Someone is really out to get her, and yet she really can't see what is in front of her face.
I flew through this book. It was addictive, despite Elena repeating herself a bit. As much at times, it was annoying, I also felt that in this book it was important to be reminded, to have it drummed in. It made the situation feel more perilous and sinister.
Then we have the introduction of Jack; if only he wasn't a character in a book! I loved him when he came on the page, he was a breath of fresh and for Elena the first sign of hope.
The answers are always right in front of us, despite not wanting to admit it. I was shouting at Elena quite a lot, I just wanted her to see sense!
As I say, intense, twisty and so so addictive!!
I really felt for Elena, her life spirals out of control so quickly. Someone is really out to get her, and yet she really can't see what is in front of her face.
I flew through this book. It was addictive, despite Elena repeating herself a bit. As much at times, it was annoying, I also felt that in this book it was important to be reminded, to have it drummed in. It made the situation feel more perilous and sinister.
Then we have the introduction of Jack; if only he wasn't a character in a book! I loved him when he came on the page, he was a breath of fresh and for Elena the first sign of hope.
The answers are always right in front of us, despite not wanting to admit it. I was shouting at Elena quite a lot, I just wanted her to see sense!
As I say, intense, twisty and so so addictive!!
December 21, 2024
Best-selling mystery author Elena Winthrop has survived a difficult and traumatic past. Which may explain why she has become a virtual recluse who depends on her best friend and assistant Lila for almost everything. So when Lila dies suddenly, Elena is beyond devastated. But that’s just the start of her troubles. Forced to engage with the world, Elena discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. Then sinister gifts start to turn up on her doorstep. She gets taunting messages about what she’s wearing and doing. Is someone watching her, tracking her every move? Or, reeling from blow after blow, is she actually losing her mind? Doubting her own sanity, Elena enlists a private investigator and discovers it isn’t only her mental health at stake - it’s her life. Someone out there hates her and is determined to make her suffer. But who? And why? Can Elena find her anonymous tormentor before it’s too late?
It was a good read.
It was a good read.
December 10, 2024
Pretty good
Engaging, but very obvious what was going on. A quick read and well written, although there were a lot of repetitive thoughts. Overall, worth a read.
Engaging, but very obvious what was going on. A quick read and well written, although there were a lot of repetitive thoughts. Overall, worth a read.
November 19, 2024
The cover of this psychological thriller is absolutely stunning—it practically begged me to pick it up! With Theo Baxter's impressive track record of delivering gripping psychological narratives, I couldn't resist diving in.
The story follows Elena, a successful writer trapped in a miserable marriage to her irresponsible husband while haunted by a shocking past she can't shake off. Her unresolved issues manifest in troubling physical symptoms that spiral out of her control. Thankfully, she has Lila, her devoted friend and assistant, to help navigate these challenges.
But when tragedy strikes and Lila takes her own life, Elena is left with David, her unfaithful and selfish husband, who offers no comfort. As her professional life crumbles, she takes a chance on a new assistant, Carlotta, hoping to regain some sense of normalcy. Just when it seems like she might find her footing again, the demons of her past come roaring back.
"Lie to Me" is a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Baxter has a knack for storytelling that draws you in, though I found parts of it somewhat predictable as an avid thriller reader. While it didn't grab me quite as much as some of his earlier works, it's clear that many others have found it to be a gripping read!
Thanks to the author and Inkubator Books for the gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#LietoMe #TheoBaxter #ZooloosBookTours #inkubatorbooks
The story follows Elena, a successful writer trapped in a miserable marriage to her irresponsible husband while haunted by a shocking past she can't shake off. Her unresolved issues manifest in troubling physical symptoms that spiral out of her control. Thankfully, she has Lila, her devoted friend and assistant, to help navigate these challenges.
But when tragedy strikes and Lila takes her own life, Elena is left with David, her unfaithful and selfish husband, who offers no comfort. As her professional life crumbles, she takes a chance on a new assistant, Carlotta, hoping to regain some sense of normalcy. Just when it seems like she might find her footing again, the demons of her past come roaring back.
"Lie to Me" is a whirlwind of unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. Baxter has a knack for storytelling that draws you in, though I found parts of it somewhat predictable as an avid thriller reader. While it didn't grab me quite as much as some of his earlier works, it's clear that many others have found it to be a gripping read!
Thanks to the author and Inkubator Books for the gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
#LietoMe #TheoBaxter #ZooloosBookTours #inkubatorbooks
November 20, 2024
As soon as I spotted this new release by Baxter, I knew I had to read it!
Apart from the fact that I'm amassing a good sized library of books by this author now - just look at this amazing front cover image!
Anything with lies and I'm in but combine this with the blood dripping and the book and I was completely desperate to dive in.
I loved that Elena was a reclusive author - the whole lifestyle and situation seemed so believable at first.
But as her aide, Lila passes away andeaves her alone, Elena struggles to reconnect with real life and when strange things start happening, it's hard for her to separate real life with what's in her head.
This was super fast-paced as ever and I raced through the pages.
I really enjoyed the tense atmosphere that was created as Elena struggled to socialise again and with the possible stalker elements, this felt pretty creepy too.
I didn't wholly connect with Elena though and found some of the decisions she made were a bit questionable and she was pretty repetitive.
I think I'd worked out most of the twists in this one quite early on too - which is unusual from this author - but I think this added to the general vibe of the book and it had me detaching from Elena and almost willing her on at times.
A bit of a different read but still pretty compelling and enjoyable overall.
Am already looking forward to the next one....
Apart from the fact that I'm amassing a good sized library of books by this author now - just look at this amazing front cover image!
Anything with lies and I'm in but combine this with the blood dripping and the book and I was completely desperate to dive in.
I loved that Elena was a reclusive author - the whole lifestyle and situation seemed so believable at first.
But as her aide, Lila passes away andeaves her alone, Elena struggles to reconnect with real life and when strange things start happening, it's hard for her to separate real life with what's in her head.
This was super fast-paced as ever and I raced through the pages.
I really enjoyed the tense atmosphere that was created as Elena struggled to socialise again and with the possible stalker elements, this felt pretty creepy too.
I didn't wholly connect with Elena though and found some of the decisions she made were a bit questionable and she was pretty repetitive.
I think I'd worked out most of the twists in this one quite early on too - which is unusual from this author - but I think this added to the general vibe of the book and it had me detaching from Elena and almost willing her on at times.
A bit of a different read but still pretty compelling and enjoyable overall.
Am already looking forward to the next one....
November 10, 2024
Elena, a writer, is struggling at the moment. She has a stalker, her husband is a waste of space and her previous PA committed suicide. In walks Carlotta to save the day.
Theo Baxter does it again and sucks you in from the beginning. I cannot stress enough how much I love reading his books.
This was really dark and intense in places and really had me on edge. Coming home to an open front door that she knew she'd locked, the constant barage of hate emails, letters and even more disgusting presents. It's no wonder Elena felt like she was going insane. Her husband making things 10 times worse with no sympathy whatsoever. I guessed who was behind it quite early on, but once again couldn't work out the connection until it was revealed.
Theo Baxter does it again and sucks you in from the beginning. I cannot stress enough how much I love reading his books.
This was really dark and intense in places and really had me on edge. Coming home to an open front door that she knew she'd locked, the constant barage of hate emails, letters and even more disgusting presents. It's no wonder Elena felt like she was going insane. Her husband making things 10 times worse with no sympathy whatsoever. I guessed who was behind it quite early on, but once again couldn't work out the connection until it was revealed.
November 26, 2024
4/5 stars! As someone that works in the mental health field, I love a good psychological thriller, and this one checked a lot of boxes. However, there was one fatal flaw that kept me from staying engaged across the course of the story. For a character that writes mystery books, our FMC was implausibly naive about the clues surrounding her. For some readers, this may make her more relatable, but it left me annoyed. That said, I appreciated the twists and turns in the book and it was still a solid read.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review
January 3, 2025
Buzzwordathon 2025- January- "lie"
3.25
3.25
November 12, 2024
I really love books about authors. Don’t ask me why but I do 😂 so this immediately sucked me in and it does keep your attention the entire time. I wanted to know what happened and who it was. I did guess the bad guy but did not guess the connection or who they actually were.
December 6, 2024
Couldn't You See?
I was certain I knew who the real villain was fairly quickly, even though several others had potential. The questions for me were why and how? That took some time to explain and made for interesting reading.
I was certain I knew who the real villain was fairly quickly, even though several others had potential. The questions for me were why and how? That took some time to explain and made for interesting reading.
November 21, 2024
Lie To Me by Theo Baxter
A terrified author. A hidden tormentor. A race against time.
Best-selling mystery author Elena Winthrop, a survivor of a complex and traumatic past, has become a virtual recluse, relying heavily on her best friend and assistant, Lila, for almost everything. So when Lila dies suddenly, Elena is devastated. However, this is just the beginning of her troubles.
The race against time begins, adding urgency and tension to the story. Forced to engage with the world, Elena discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. Soon after, sinister gifts appear on her doorstep, accompanied by taunting messages about what she is wearing and doing. Is someone watching her, tracking her every move?
Is she losing her mind as she reels from one blow after another? Doubting her sanity, Elena enlists the help of a private investigator and uncovers a shocking truth: it's not just her mental health at stake—it's her life. Someone out there hates her and is determined to make her suffer.
But who? And why? Can Elena find her anonymous tormentor before it's too late?
M.A. Hunter has crafted another brilliant novel. You are pulled into this twisty, fast-paced, suspenseful, and creepy thriller from the first page to the last. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and you feel every emotion alongside them as the tension rises.
I am happy to recommend this book and every other psychological thriller by this talented author.
I want to thank the publishers Inkubator Books, author Theo Baxter, and Zooloos Book Tours for providing a copy for me to read and review.
A terrified author. A hidden tormentor. A race against time.
Best-selling mystery author Elena Winthrop, a survivor of a complex and traumatic past, has become a virtual recluse, relying heavily on her best friend and assistant, Lila, for almost everything. So when Lila dies suddenly, Elena is devastated. However, this is just the beginning of her troubles.
The race against time begins, adding urgency and tension to the story. Forced to engage with the world, Elena discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. Soon after, sinister gifts appear on her doorstep, accompanied by taunting messages about what she is wearing and doing. Is someone watching her, tracking her every move?
Is she losing her mind as she reels from one blow after another? Doubting her sanity, Elena enlists the help of a private investigator and uncovers a shocking truth: it's not just her mental health at stake—it's her life. Someone out there hates her and is determined to make her suffer.
But who? And why? Can Elena find her anonymous tormentor before it's too late?
M.A. Hunter has crafted another brilliant novel. You are pulled into this twisty, fast-paced, suspenseful, and creepy thriller from the first page to the last. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and you feel every emotion alongside them as the tension rises.
I am happy to recommend this book and every other psychological thriller by this talented author.
I want to thank the publishers Inkubator Books, author Theo Baxter, and Zooloos Book Tours for providing a copy for me to read and review.
November 22, 2024
Elena is writer with many problems. An abuse past, an unfaithful husband, and to drive her further into herself, her best friend and assistant dies. Struggling to get through each day, her life spirals further as ominous gifts and vile messages are left for her. Things get so bad that she begins to think she’s going mad and at the insistence of her editor Beatrice, Elena begins to fight to take back her life. In a nutshell, I loved Elena. The way she finds an inner strength to deal with everything that’s thrown at her, I was cheering her all the way through. On every page there is a distinct air of menace, which had my nerves constantly frayed with the feeling of dread. As ever, Theo has created very believable characters from David to the wonderful Beatrice, who pulls no punches.
Lie To Me is one of those books which dragged me in from the first page and refused to let go until I’d read the final page and can only be a 5* read from me. As I’m finally calming my heart rate, I can only wonder what Theo has in store for me next.
Lie To Me is one of those books which dragged me in from the first page and refused to let go until I’d read the final page and can only be a 5* read from me. As I’m finally calming my heart rate, I can only wonder what Theo has in store for me next.
November 23, 2024
Who doesn't love a Theo Baxter thriller? They're not too long, not too short and can easily be read over several hours.
Lie to Me takes us on a dark, deep dive into one woman's life and the changes that come about when she hires new PA Carlotta. Is she David's new affair?
It's a fast paced, super suspenseful read, it has some great characters, is full of unexpected twists and has a jaw dropper ending.
Lie to Me takes us on a dark, deep dive into one woman's life and the changes that come about when she hires new PA Carlotta. Is she David's new affair?
It's a fast paced, super suspenseful read, it has some great characters, is full of unexpected twists and has a jaw dropper ending.
November 19, 2024
Definitely recommend
Lie to me by Theo Baxter.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I did enjoy this book. I do love this author. This is the 9th book of his I've read. I did like Elana. I didn't like her husband, David. Gripping read. I couldn't put it down. I read it in two sittings. I wasn't sure how I felt about Carlotta. There was something about her. I didn't trust her. I did like Jack. Especially how he was helping her. I certainly didn't see that coming. I was partly right, though. I did like the ending. I would definitely recommend this book.
Lie to me by Theo Baxter.
I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I did enjoy this book. I do love this author. This is the 9th book of his I've read. I did like Elana. I didn't like her husband, David. Gripping read. I couldn't put it down. I read it in two sittings. I wasn't sure how I felt about Carlotta. There was something about her. I didn't trust her. I did like Jack. Especially how he was helping her. I certainly didn't see that coming. I was partly right, though. I did like the ending. I would definitely recommend this book.
November 4, 2024
Lie To Me by Theo Baxter is chock full of suspense and tense moments. Mystery author Elena has suffered excruciating childhood trauma and her life remains out of control after the death of her personal assistant and the infidelity of her husband. Her new assistant is a dream and she can finally start to let go of her past. But a fresh wave of harassment causes her anxiety to kick into high gear. She hires an investigator to peel back the layers.
Though the premise is fascinating, I struggled with engaging with Elena (though at times felt empathy for her plight) and ascertained the perpetrator very early. Still, the writing is gripping and I got swept away in the story.
My sincere thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this captivating novel.
Though the premise is fascinating, I struggled with engaging with Elena (though at times felt empathy for her plight) and ascertained the perpetrator very early. Still, the writing is gripping and I got swept away in the story.
My sincere thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this captivating novel.
November 23, 2024
Here is my review for Lie To Me by Theo Baxter
This story was a fantastic psychological read. The author really had me sitting on tenterhooks as the author character, Elena, was traumatised, tormented and harassed to make her feel like she was losing her mind. Elena Winthrop was abused as a child by her parents and her dad took it further so she had as little to do with them as possible. Lila, who had been her best friend and personal assistant who understood her so well, had suddenly passed away leaving Elena totally devastated and lost without her. She realised she had fallen out of love with her husband and that he was cheating on her with another woman. They tried marriage counselling but that didn’t work so she wanted a divorce. She finally got a new personal assistant who she clicked with and they worked well together. David started to offload his work onto her too which Elena wasn’t happy about. She felt he was starting to take liberties with his work and spending her money when she went into his man cave, after a possible break-in and saw all the games and new gadgets in there. Just who broke into her house while she was out? Was it kids like the police suggested? Was it a fan? Someone else? This story was a brilliant read which I really loved reading. It was superbly written and extremely well plotted throughout. You could feel the suspense building in the story and it got so I didn’t want to put the book down. I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough to find out what was going to happen next. The storyline was intriguing and kept me hooked. This author writes brilliant psychological thrillers.
Blurb :
A terrified author. A hidden tormentor. A race against time.
Best-selling mystery author Elena Winthrop has survived a difficult and traumatic past. Which may explain why she has become a virtual recluse who depends on her best friend and assistant Lila for almost everything.
So when Lila dies suddenly, Elena is beyond devastated. But that’s just the start of her troubles.
Forced to engage with the world, Elena discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. Then sinister gifts start to turn up on her doorstep. She gets taunting messages about what she’s wearing and doing. Is someone watching her, tracking her every move?
Or, reeling from blow after blow, is she actually losing her mind?
Doubting her own sanity, Elena enlists a private investigator and discovers it isn’t only her mental health at stake - it’s her life. Someone out there hates her and is determined to make her suffer.
But who? And why? Can Elena find her anonymous tormentor before it’s too late?
This story was a fantastic psychological read. The author really had me sitting on tenterhooks as the author character, Elena, was traumatised, tormented and harassed to make her feel like she was losing her mind. Elena Winthrop was abused as a child by her parents and her dad took it further so she had as little to do with them as possible. Lila, who had been her best friend and personal assistant who understood her so well, had suddenly passed away leaving Elena totally devastated and lost without her. She realised she had fallen out of love with her husband and that he was cheating on her with another woman. They tried marriage counselling but that didn’t work so she wanted a divorce. She finally got a new personal assistant who she clicked with and they worked well together. David started to offload his work onto her too which Elena wasn’t happy about. She felt he was starting to take liberties with his work and spending her money when she went into his man cave, after a possible break-in and saw all the games and new gadgets in there. Just who broke into her house while she was out? Was it kids like the police suggested? Was it a fan? Someone else? This story was a brilliant read which I really loved reading. It was superbly written and extremely well plotted throughout. You could feel the suspense building in the story and it got so I didn’t want to put the book down. I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough to find out what was going to happen next. The storyline was intriguing and kept me hooked. This author writes brilliant psychological thrillers.
Blurb :
A terrified author. A hidden tormentor. A race against time.
Best-selling mystery author Elena Winthrop has survived a difficult and traumatic past. Which may explain why she has become a virtual recluse who depends on her best friend and assistant Lila for almost everything.
So when Lila dies suddenly, Elena is beyond devastated. But that’s just the start of her troubles.
Forced to engage with the world, Elena discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. Then sinister gifts start to turn up on her doorstep. She gets taunting messages about what she’s wearing and doing. Is someone watching her, tracking her every move?
Or, reeling from blow after blow, is she actually losing her mind?
Doubting her own sanity, Elena enlists a private investigator and discovers it isn’t only her mental health at stake - it’s her life. Someone out there hates her and is determined to make her suffer.
But who? And why? Can Elena find her anonymous tormentor before it’s too late?
November 21, 2024
Book Review: Lie to Me by Theo Baxter
Theo Baxter’s Lie to Me is a taut, psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until its final, jaw-dropping reveal. Packed with suspense, deception, and unexpected twists, this novel masterfully delves into the fragility of trust and the terrifying notion that danger can come from those closest to us.
Elena Winthrop, a successful but reclusive mystery author, is a captivating protagonist. Having endured a traumatic past, her fragile world begins to unravel when her trusted assistant and best friend, Lila, dies unexpectedly. Baxter expertly captures Elena’s descent into paranoia as she struggles to cope with her loss while confronting unsettling discoveries: her husband’s infidelity, disturbing gifts left on her doorstep, and the eerie sense that someone is watching her every move.
The novel’s strength lies in its exploration of Elena’s mental state. As the threats mount, readers are left questioning whether her tormentor is real or a manifestation of her unraveling psyche. Baxter skillfully blurs the line between perception and reality, creating a suffocating atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.
The supporting characters are equally compelling, each with secrets that make them potential suspects. From her deceitful husband to the enigmatic private investigator Elena hires, everyone has something to hide, adding layers to the mystery. The pacing is relentless, with every revelation raising the stakes and every twist pushing Elena closer to the edge.
Baxter’s writing is vivid and immersive, drawing readers into Elena’s isolated world and her mounting terror. The suspense is expertly crafted, with ominous clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing. When the truth is finally unveiled, it’s both shocking and satisfying, tying together the threads of Elena’s unraveling life with chilling precision.
Lie to Me is a gripping thriller that will appeal to fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl. It’s a story about betrayal, obsession, and the devastating effects of lies—both those told by others and the ones we tell ourselves. A must-read for anyone who loves psychological suspense with an emotional punch.
Theo Baxter’s Lie to Me is a taut, psychological thriller that keeps readers guessing until its final, jaw-dropping reveal. Packed with suspense, deception, and unexpected twists, this novel masterfully delves into the fragility of trust and the terrifying notion that danger can come from those closest to us.
Elena Winthrop, a successful but reclusive mystery author, is a captivating protagonist. Having endured a traumatic past, her fragile world begins to unravel when her trusted assistant and best friend, Lila, dies unexpectedly. Baxter expertly captures Elena’s descent into paranoia as she struggles to cope with her loss while confronting unsettling discoveries: her husband’s infidelity, disturbing gifts left on her doorstep, and the eerie sense that someone is watching her every move.
The novel’s strength lies in its exploration of Elena’s mental state. As the threats mount, readers are left questioning whether her tormentor is real or a manifestation of her unraveling psyche. Baxter skillfully blurs the line between perception and reality, creating a suffocating atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.
The supporting characters are equally compelling, each with secrets that make them potential suspects. From her deceitful husband to the enigmatic private investigator Elena hires, everyone has something to hide, adding layers to the mystery. The pacing is relentless, with every revelation raising the stakes and every twist pushing Elena closer to the edge.
Baxter’s writing is vivid and immersive, drawing readers into Elena’s isolated world and her mounting terror. The suspense is expertly crafted, with ominous clues and red herrings that keep readers guessing. When the truth is finally unveiled, it’s both shocking and satisfying, tying together the threads of Elena’s unraveling life with chilling precision.
Lie to Me is a gripping thriller that will appeal to fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl. It’s a story about betrayal, obsession, and the devastating effects of lies—both those told by others and the ones we tell ourselves. A must-read for anyone who loves psychological suspense with an emotional punch.
December 30, 2024
Elena Winthrop is a successful author, but behind her talent lies a reclusive agoraphobe struggling with personal tragedy. When her best friend and assistant, Lila, commits suicide, Elena can’t turn to her husband for support after discovering he’s cheating on her. To make matters worse, her abusive parents are now coming for her money, and her publisher is pressuring her to deliver pages for her next book. She begins receiving threatening emails, realizing that one of her former stalkers might be behind it all. Things steadily spiral out of control as the threats get worse, with Elena now terrified for her life. She must figure out who's behind the harassment before it's too late.
The story moves at a steady pace and starts off strongly in the beginning, drawing you in immediately. As the book progresses, things start to feel repetitive. We constantly hear about Elena's trauma and the abuse she suffered as a child, but it’s so vague and non-specific that I became irritated by the re-telling of the same details. This happens in other instances as well, such as David's cheating. Bringing up the same issues that have already been established, without adding any new insights, felt like filler and slowed the momentum considerably.
I love that Elena grows tremendously and finds her strength and redemption by the end, but it takes a long time to warm up to her initially. Her PTSD can explain some of her behaviors, but I still found her naïvety and utter cluelessness frustrating. Thank god we've got some better characters like Beatrice and Jack to balance things out. My biggest disappointment of all was how utterly predictable the identity of the stalker was. It was so apparent that any attempt at throwing in red herrings to cast self doubt had no effect whatsoever. It's glaringly obvious and takes away from the suspense and mystery surrounding the stalking aspect of this story.
I still found myself liking this book for its interesting plot and Elena's personal growth. I love a good stalking story, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark, feeling too obvious from the start. I hope the next thing I read by Theo Baxter will draw me in more! Thank you to Inkubator Books via Booksprout for providing me a chance to read this in exchange for a review!
The story moves at a steady pace and starts off strongly in the beginning, drawing you in immediately. As the book progresses, things start to feel repetitive. We constantly hear about Elena's trauma and the abuse she suffered as a child, but it’s so vague and non-specific that I became irritated by the re-telling of the same details. This happens in other instances as well, such as David's cheating. Bringing up the same issues that have already been established, without adding any new insights, felt like filler and slowed the momentum considerably.
I love that Elena grows tremendously and finds her strength and redemption by the end, but it takes a long time to warm up to her initially. Her PTSD can explain some of her behaviors, but I still found her naïvety and utter cluelessness frustrating. Thank god we've got some better characters like Beatrice and Jack to balance things out. My biggest disappointment of all was how utterly predictable the identity of the stalker was. It was so apparent that any attempt at throwing in red herrings to cast self doubt had no effect whatsoever. It's glaringly obvious and takes away from the suspense and mystery surrounding the stalking aspect of this story.
I still found myself liking this book for its interesting plot and Elena's personal growth. I love a good stalking story, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark, feeling too obvious from the start. I hope the next thing I read by Theo Baxter will draw me in more! Thank you to Inkubator Books via Booksprout for providing me a chance to read this in exchange for a review!
November 16, 2024
This book was fantastic and it certainly deserves more then 5 stars in my opinion. I enjoyed it from page one and did not put the book down until it was done. The characters in this book were great and I did not figure out who the culprit was until the last few chapters of the book.
Elena Winthrop has had a very hard life and her life is still beyond her control. When she was a young child her father molested her almost every night and her mother knew he was doing it and she did nothing to stop it. When she got married to a man that she thought loved her, but David has had numerous affairs the entire time they have been married. She had a very dear friend that was also her assistant, but Lila had committed suicide. Now she has a new assistant that is very efficient, Carlotta. Elena is a mystery writer and she has had her fill of stalkers and crazy people that admire and hate her work. Lately she has been getting tons of hate mail in her email, in the regular mail and even finding dead animals on her front step. With everything that is going on I feel as if I am going crazy, I can't sleep, eat or write and I have a deadline fast approaching. When I do finally get some work submitted to Beatrice my editor she tells me it is trash and I finally break down and tell her some of what is going on.
Beatrice has advised me to hire a private investigator Jack, her helped her during her divorce but keeping an eye on her husband. Jack is a retired police officer that just loves his work and helping people. Elena really gets along well with Jack and he seems to bring out some of her confidence in herself again. So she is back to making good decisions with her life. And with Jack's help they have to find out who the perpetrator is before it is too late.
Elena Winthrop has had a very hard life and her life is still beyond her control. When she was a young child her father molested her almost every night and her mother knew he was doing it and she did nothing to stop it. When she got married to a man that she thought loved her, but David has had numerous affairs the entire time they have been married. She had a very dear friend that was also her assistant, but Lila had committed suicide. Now she has a new assistant that is very efficient, Carlotta. Elena is a mystery writer and she has had her fill of stalkers and crazy people that admire and hate her work. Lately she has been getting tons of hate mail in her email, in the regular mail and even finding dead animals on her front step. With everything that is going on I feel as if I am going crazy, I can't sleep, eat or write and I have a deadline fast approaching. When I do finally get some work submitted to Beatrice my editor she tells me it is trash and I finally break down and tell her some of what is going on.
Beatrice has advised me to hire a private investigator Jack, her helped her during her divorce but keeping an eye on her husband. Jack is a retired police officer that just loves his work and helping people. Elena really gets along well with Jack and he seems to bring out some of her confidence in herself again. So she is back to making good decisions with her life. And with Jack's help they have to find out who the perpetrator is before it is too late.
October 15, 2025
Lie to Me starts with a strong and intriguing premise, but quickly falls into the trap of predictability. The main character comes across as incredibly naïve, almost frustratingly so — easily manipulated, oblivious to what’s happening right in front of her, and blind to the true culprit behind the events unfolding around her.
If you’ve read even a handful of thrillers or watched a few mystery films, you’ll probably see the twist coming long before the halfway point. The clues aren’t hidden between the lines — they’re practically flashing neon signs. By the 50% mark, I had already connected the dots, and the only one still lost in the fog was, unfortunately, the protagonist herself.
What makes it even more ironic is that she’s supposed to be a successful author — someone who builds complex plots and unexpected character developments for a living. Yet here she seems incapable of recognizing the simplest patterns right in front of her. I understand that her past trauma and isolation have made her distrustful of people, but shouldn’t that make her more observant, not less? Instead, she circles through the same thoughts chapter after chapter, obsessing over suspects that have already been ruled out several pages ago.
And then comes the ending — 33 chapters of buildup for a climax that’s over in a handful of lines. The big confrontation feels rushed, as if the story suddenly ran out of breath. The final message of empowerment is appreciated, yes, but the execution lacks emotional weight and originality.
Overall, Lie to Me had every ingredient for a clever, layered psychological thriller — but it settles for something much safer and far too predictable. A missed opportunity that could have been so much more.
If you’ve read even a handful of thrillers or watched a few mystery films, you’ll probably see the twist coming long before the halfway point. The clues aren’t hidden between the lines — they’re practically flashing neon signs. By the 50% mark, I had already connected the dots, and the only one still lost in the fog was, unfortunately, the protagonist herself.
What makes it even more ironic is that she’s supposed to be a successful author — someone who builds complex plots and unexpected character developments for a living. Yet here she seems incapable of recognizing the simplest patterns right in front of her. I understand that her past trauma and isolation have made her distrustful of people, but shouldn’t that make her more observant, not less? Instead, she circles through the same thoughts chapter after chapter, obsessing over suspects that have already been ruled out several pages ago.
And then comes the ending — 33 chapters of buildup for a climax that’s over in a handful of lines. The big confrontation feels rushed, as if the story suddenly ran out of breath. The final message of empowerment is appreciated, yes, but the execution lacks emotional weight and originality.
Overall, Lie to Me had every ingredient for a clever, layered psychological thriller — but it settles for something much safer and far too predictable. A missed opportunity that could have been so much more.
November 8, 2024
Lie To Me by Theo Baxter is a recommended psychological thriller following a mystery author who may be slowly losing her mind.
Author Elena Winthrop survived a difficult childhood, the death of her assistant Lila, and putting up with a cheating, lazy husband. She's getting her anxiety under control and manages to hire a new assistant, Carlotta, who quickly becomes a great help to her. Then her house is broken into, the hate mail and calls begin to increase, she's getting messages from a man who is watching her, and ominous gifts begin to show up at her house. Thank goodness for her friend and editor, Beatrice, who recommends Elena hire a PI to help.
This is a tension-packed psychological thriller due to everything that is happening in Elena's life. The intense and repetitive events that seem to be threatening her sanity sometimes make it difficult to connect with Elena as a sympathetic character. It isn't always clear if she is too trustworthy or too naive. Her thoughts also tend to be repetitive, which does serve to magnify her fears, but can be aggravating. It makes you wonder why she didn't turn to Beatrice, a welcomed, strong character, for help more often. The PI, Jack, is also a welcomed addition to the novel.
The drawback to Lie To Me is that it is easy to figure out what is going on early on. It is a fast read and there is a further twist at the end, however, that will be a big surprise. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
Author Elena Winthrop survived a difficult childhood, the death of her assistant Lila, and putting up with a cheating, lazy husband. She's getting her anxiety under control and manages to hire a new assistant, Carlotta, who quickly becomes a great help to her. Then her house is broken into, the hate mail and calls begin to increase, she's getting messages from a man who is watching her, and ominous gifts begin to show up at her house. Thank goodness for her friend and editor, Beatrice, who recommends Elena hire a PI to help.
This is a tension-packed psychological thriller due to everything that is happening in Elena's life. The intense and repetitive events that seem to be threatening her sanity sometimes make it difficult to connect with Elena as a sympathetic character. It isn't always clear if she is too trustworthy or too naive. Her thoughts also tend to be repetitive, which does serve to magnify her fears, but can be aggravating. It makes you wonder why she didn't turn to Beatrice, a welcomed, strong character, for help more often. The PI, Jack, is also a welcomed addition to the novel.
The drawback to Lie To Me is that it is easy to figure out what is going on early on. It is a fast read and there is a further twist at the end, however, that will be a big surprise. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
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