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You Lied First
The truth is, everyone lies. All that matters is who lies the best…'A multi-layered thriller in which no one can be trusted set against a stunning desert backdrop – absolutely loved it.' Catherine Cooper‘Exotic, intriguing and utterly addictive’ MJ Arlidge
Sara is about to spend a week in a villa with people she barely knows.
She’s been invited to join her daughter, Liv, her boyfriend and his parents on their holiday. She can’t say no. After what happened, she’ll jump at any chance to spend time with Liv.
She tries to be the perfect guest, and they seem like the perfect hosts. But something about the Forrest family isn’t right.
By the end of the trip, someone will be dead. Lies will bind the rest of them together. But who can lie the best?
Utterly unputdownable, this gripping thriller is perfect for fans of TM Logan, Nikki Smith and Elin Hildebrand and Netflix's The Perfect Couple.
Praise for Annabel Kantaria
‘Haunting, dark and wonderfully atmospheric' B A Paris
‘A brilliant tale about a toxic friendship’ The Sun
‘A nail-biting read that absolutely gripped me’ Susan Lewis
'A clever, tense thriller' Heat
Readers are OBSESSED with You Lied First…'Quick paced, dark in places and full of suspense…it had me on the edge of my seat'
'A great story, twisty, gripping and nicely exotic'
'I couldn't read fast enough…brilliant'
Sara is about to spend a week in a villa with people she barely knows.
She’s been invited to join her daughter, Liv, her boyfriend and his parents on their holiday. She can’t say no. After what happened, she’ll jump at any chance to spend time with Liv.
She tries to be the perfect guest, and they seem like the perfect hosts. But something about the Forrest family isn’t right.
By the end of the trip, someone will be dead. Lies will bind the rest of them together. But who can lie the best?
Utterly unputdownable, this gripping thriller is perfect for fans of TM Logan, Nikki Smith and Elin Hildebrand and Netflix's The Perfect Couple.
Praise for Annabel Kantaria
‘Haunting, dark and wonderfully atmospheric' B A Paris
‘A brilliant tale about a toxic friendship’ The Sun
‘A nail-biting read that absolutely gripped me’ Susan Lewis
'A clever, tense thriller' Heat
Readers are OBSESSED with You Lied First…'Quick paced, dark in places and full of suspense…it had me on the edge of my seat'
'A great story, twisty, gripping and nicely exotic'
'I couldn't read fast enough…brilliant'
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 17, 2025
142 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Kantaria
11 books159 followersAnnabel Kantaria is a British journalist who’s written prolifically for publications throughout the Middle East. She lives in Dubai with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 17, 2025
I had high hopes for this novel, having enjoyed work from this author previously. I was not disappointed - this is a great story, twisty, gripping and nicely exotic - given the sunny Middle Eastern location.
The plot is based on Sarah, trying to rebuild her relationship with 17year old daughter, Liv, by joining a holiday with Liv, her boyfriend and his parents. The destination is Oman, where boyfriend and parents Margo and Guy previously lived. On the holiday they are frequently joined by Celine, an ex-pat they befriended when residing there previously.
All is going fairly well until they camp in the dessert and thereafter things get seriously messy!!
This is a great read, lots of plot twists and a very worthy ending! Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
The plot is based on Sarah, trying to rebuild her relationship with 17year old daughter, Liv, by joining a holiday with Liv, her boyfriend and his parents. The destination is Oman, where boyfriend and parents Margo and Guy previously lived. On the holiday they are frequently joined by Celine, an ex-pat they befriended when residing there previously.
All is going fairly well until they camp in the dessert and thereafter things get seriously messy!!
This is a great read, lots of plot twists and a very worthy ending! Highly recommended.
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
November 12, 2025
You lied first
Definitely a page turner! Lots of twists and turns. This story will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next! Sara and her daughter Olivia have a very strained relationship. Olivia has a boyfriend, Flynn, whose family is going to the Middle East over Christmas holiday and the invite Sara and Olivia to go also. Once there a series of disturbing incidents happen and one person ends up dead…murdered! Who did it remains unknown until the end and even then you wonder, really? Good story very fast paced.
Definitely a page turner! Lots of twists and turns. This story will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next! Sara and her daughter Olivia have a very strained relationship. Olivia has a boyfriend, Flynn, whose family is going to the Middle East over Christmas holiday and the invite Sara and Olivia to go also. Once there a series of disturbing incidents happen and one person ends up dead…murdered! Who did it remains unknown until the end and even then you wonder, really? Good story very fast paced.
August 12, 2025
A heart-pounding adrenaline suspense thriller!
Buckle up for a wild ride through the pages of this gripping tale! Sarah's journey to mend her bond with Liv unveils in the mesmerizing landscapes of Oman. Unexpected events during their desert escapade will keep you on the edge of your seat. With each twist, this book tugs at your heartstrings, offering both thrill and emotional depth. A must-read for those yearning for an adrenaline rush intertwined with poignant moments.
Buckle up for a wild ride through the pages of this gripping tale! Sarah's journey to mend her bond with Liv unveils in the mesmerizing landscapes of Oman. Unexpected events during their desert escapade will keep you on the edge of your seat. With each twist, this book tugs at your heartstrings, offering both thrill and emotional depth. A must-read for those yearning for an adrenaline rush intertwined with poignant moments.
December 10, 2025
Fantastic read. Absolutely edge of the seat plots and twists. In saying that I cannot believe the main characters thought anyone would believe their version of the events. The main characters are well thought out and written. The final twist of the plot was well constructed. Highly recommend.
August 18, 2025
I think I'm too cynical. I want to love this twisty tail of... revenge .. for want of a better word. But it's a bit weak and anti climatic. Personally the ending could have been so much more heart pounding and raw. The plot is good but the teenagers are bleak. I really do want to like it more.
October 20, 2025
gripping.
This book tells a really good yarn. A lot of authors start straight off with the murder. But this story gave in depth relationships. There were a couple of ‘oh’ moments including when I found how who the killer was. Well worth a read
This book tells a really good yarn. A lot of authors start straight off with the murder. But this story gave in depth relationships. There were a couple of ‘oh’ moments including when I found how who the killer was. Well worth a read
August 30, 2025
This book was full of twist and turns, there were times I wanted to get angry with the characters, but then I felt their emotions.
This is one of Annabel Kantaria best books, she just gets better
This is one of Annabel Kantaria best books, she just gets better
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews