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Eight Years of Lies
Listening Length: 10 hours and 53 minutes
‘Is that Mrs Bennet?’ The chirpy voice of the school receptionist tinkles down the phone line. ‘This is St Mary’s. Do you know what time you’ll be here to pick up Isla? Only it’s almost four and the school day finishes at three o’clock.’
This is the day my life changes forever.
It started so normally. The alarm went at 7am. My husband made bacon and pancakes for me and our seven-year-old daughter, the kitchen full of chatter and laughter.
He gave me a quick kiss, told me he loved me, grabbed his wallet, and rushed off to work.
Just an ordinary day. Until I get the call from the school. It was Tom’s turn to pick up our daughter. He must be held up for some reason. I call his mobile. Leave a message.
Then I call his office. I get his boss. His tone is brusque. Tom hasn’t shown up at all today.
I find Tom’s phone under our bed. Now I know there’s something seriously wrong. I scroll through his messages. A text sent late last night: I KNOW EVERYTHING.
I call the police. They don’t want to know. They think Tom’s having an affair.
But it’s far worse than that. I start digging – and make a truly shocking discovery.
The man I’ve lived with for the past eight years, the man I’ve made a home, a family, a life with, isn’t who I thought he was at all. The man I married has been lying to me ... about everything.
‘Is that Mrs Bennet?’ The chirpy voice of the school receptionist tinkles down the phone line. ‘This is St Mary’s. Do you know what time you’ll be here to pick up Isla? Only it’s almost four and the school day finishes at three o’clock.’
This is the day my life changes forever.
It started so normally. The alarm went at 7am. My husband made bacon and pancakes for me and our seven-year-old daughter, the kitchen full of chatter and laughter.
He gave me a quick kiss, told me he loved me, grabbed his wallet, and rushed off to work.
Just an ordinary day. Until I get the call from the school. It was Tom’s turn to pick up our daughter. He must be held up for some reason. I call his mobile. Leave a message.
Then I call his office. I get his boss. His tone is brusque. Tom hasn’t shown up at all today.
I find Tom’s phone under our bed. Now I know there’s something seriously wrong. I scroll through his messages. A text sent late last night: I KNOW EVERYTHING.
I call the police. They don’t want to know. They think Tom’s having an affair.
But it’s far worse than that. I start digging – and make a truly shocking discovery.
The man I’ve lived with for the past eight years, the man I’ve made a home, a family, a life with, isn’t who I thought he was at all. The man I married has been lying to me ... about everything.
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 12, 2025
5387 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
May 5, 2025
I read about a third of this trite, boring, predictable "thriller" and skimmed the rest.
Summary: Claire, who has "thick, dark blonde hair" she runs her hands through no fewer than 40 times, is searching for her husband Tom who's disappeared after, you guessed it, eight years together.
And you know what? Those were Eight Years of Lies!
The sole narrator (that would be Claire of the thick, blonde hair) has the personality and intellect of a wet noodle. At least half the book is unhinged Claire running around the UK sobbing and screaming about her missing husband, who wouldn't leave her, not ever.
Claire's lil' sidekick is, bizarrely, her ex Adam, the one she cheated on with liar Tom. Adam is a police officer, but he's helping Claire in an "unofficial" (aka, he still wants to fuck her) capacity.
The cherry on top of this shit sundae is the perp wielding a knife while patiently explaining the entire plot in granular detail in the last chapter because clearly the author thinks everyone's as dumb as her characters.
The dialogue is so cringe, I needed ibuprofen for the pain.
Terrible book - my first, and certainly last, by this author.
Summary: Claire, who has "thick, dark blonde hair" she runs her hands through no fewer than 40 times, is searching for her husband Tom who's disappeared after, you guessed it, eight years together.
And you know what? Those were Eight Years of Lies!
The sole narrator (that would be Claire of the thick, blonde hair) has the personality and intellect of a wet noodle. At least half the book is unhinged Claire running around the UK sobbing and screaming about her missing husband, who wouldn't leave her, not ever.
Claire's lil' sidekick is, bizarrely, her ex Adam, the one she cheated on with liar Tom. Adam is a police officer, but he's helping Claire in an "unofficial" (aka, he still wants to fuck her) capacity.
The cherry on top of this shit sundae is the perp wielding a knife while patiently explaining the entire plot in granular detail in the last chapter because clearly the author thinks everyone's as dumb as her characters.
The dialogue is so cringe, I needed ibuprofen for the pain.
Terrible book - my first, and certainly last, by this author.
July 9, 2025
This was ok, I found myself not being too bothered if I was distracted on the audio read. It was a ‘no thought required’ to listen and work while doing easy tasks. Claire has one daughter who’s mutually agreed with her husband Tom that she'd be the breadwinner. Working part time and out of character has forgotten to pick up their beloved daughter from school, setting off a chain of events leading to lies and quite mundane intrigue.
This distraught mum takes some sick time off work to do her sleuthing work, rushing off with the help of her ex boyfriend who happens to be a cop. This is a little off as she didn’t leave their relationship well and it’s all a little too smooth in the delivery, additionally the passage of information in the conclusion was far too much of an easy way out in telling the reader as opposed to showing which to me is ALWAYS extremely off putting.
Claire didn’t treat her helpful ex well, this doesn’t usually irk me but it did this time and the ease in which he slotted into the story line did not ring true.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library.
This distraught mum takes some sick time off work to do her sleuthing work, rushing off with the help of her ex boyfriend who happens to be a cop. This is a little off as she didn’t leave their relationship well and it’s all a little too smooth in the delivery, additionally the passage of information in the conclusion was far too much of an easy way out in telling the reader as opposed to showing which to me is ALWAYS extremely off putting.
Claire didn’t treat her helpful ex well, this doesn’t usually irk me but it did this time and the ease in which he slotted into the story line did not ring true.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library.
February 20, 2025
Lisa Hall always delivers the twists and there are some pretty wild ones here! I loved Eight Years of Lies, I could have easily read it in one sitting if I didn’t need to get up for work the next day. So addictive.l so full of tension and lies.
Claire thought she knew her husband Tom. Turns out she doesn’t know him at all. Who is this man that she married and where has he disappeared to? And the biggest question of all is why? Imagine the fear and the pain if this happened to you? when the police tell you that they can’t do anything to help you, would you take matters into your own hands?
Pick this up and just go with the story. Sure, not everyone would go to these lengths but isn’t that why we read, it was a fun escape read and I loved it. Lisa Hall is absolutely a must read author for me.
Thanks so much to Joffe Books on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on February 19th.
Claire thought she knew her husband Tom. Turns out she doesn’t know him at all. Who is this man that she married and where has he disappeared to? And the biggest question of all is why? Imagine the fear and the pain if this happened to you? when the police tell you that they can’t do anything to help you, would you take matters into your own hands?
Pick this up and just go with the story. Sure, not everyone would go to these lengths but isn’t that why we read, it was a fun escape read and I loved it. Lisa Hall is absolutely a must read author for me.
Thanks so much to Joffe Books on NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Publishes on February 19th.
December 30, 2025
The truth about this "LIES" book:
Very, very, very, very slow.
The first 40% of the book introduced readers to a frazzled female protagonist whining and wondering about the whereabouts of her missing husband.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Sofia Engstrand.
Two stars, rounded up.
August 15, 2025
This was definitely my least favorite hall book, which was disappointing since I’ve loved some of her others. Between you and me is one of my favorite psychological thrillers, so this was a disappointment. I think mainly my dislike came from the main character, without me being able to put my finger on why. I get that she needed to know where her husband was and uncover his lies, but I kept thinking: what about your daughter ? She left her with her sister and rarely came by to spend time with her. I also didn’t get the Adam
Part, why would an ex use all his time off to help his former girlfriend who broke his heart. Also, I had no patience for all the dead ends and I just wanted something more to happen.
Part, why would an ex use all his time off to help his former girlfriend who broke his heart. Also, I had no patience for all the dead ends and I just wanted something more to happen.
December 23, 2024
I received a free copy of, Eight Years of Lies, by Lisa Hall, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Claire thought she knew her husband Tom, but she did not. I thought this was an ok read, I did not care for the ending though.
January 6, 2025
This was a decent read but I’m not sure how much it stands out against similar stories in the genre. The book centers on Claire, whose husband Tom acts a little off for a couple weeks before disappearing without a trace one morning. Claire knows he wouldn’t have left her and their young daughter on purpose and sets out to delve into his past to figure out what might have happened.
The story could be fast paced but is a tad repetitive, as Claire tells the reader something and then regularly repeats that to another character. I also found it a little hard to believe that she would blow off her important job and leave her traumatized child at home to go on what seems like a wild goose chase to find Tom (not to mention with an ex-boyfriend along for the ride). That being said, I do think the hunt for Tom was interesting and I was invested in the uncovering of various clues that got her closer to the truth. I had an inkling is the big twist at the end but didn’t have it exactly figured out, and I thought it was done well. I thought the end was ok- didn’t bowl me over but it tied up loose ends well.
Overall, I thought this was an ok read but I am not entirely sure how memorable it will be after I read a few more books. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down, I had to know what was happening.
It is well written with a compelling whodunit story line and well developed characters that left me not knowing what to believe or who to trust.
The pacing was perfect and I was gripped right from the very start and kept hooked all the way through.
The book is full of atmosphere and tension and the twists kept me guessing.
I loved it and would definitely recommend
It is well written with a compelling whodunit story line and well developed characters that left me not knowing what to believe or who to trust.
The pacing was perfect and I was gripped right from the very start and kept hooked all the way through.
The book is full of atmosphere and tension and the twists kept me guessing.
I loved it and would definitely recommend
January 13, 2026
A chilling plot, with some clever plot twists.
A little slow early on, although pace increases as the story progresses.
A little slow early on, although pace increases as the story progresses.
February 13, 2025
8 years is a long time to live a lie
And to do it convincingly, building a life, family and career
All to then be threatened in one second, when the past you have left so far behind comes and taps you on the shoulder…or in this case sends you a message
This is what has happened to Tom and now for his wife Claire her whole life and everything she thought she knew about Tom is in question
Travelling to Bristol, Cornwall and Soho to try and find her now missing husband Claire unwraps her husband’s life and his past becomes ever more intriguing…and threatening
A good, whoisit/who and why dunit missing person story with one of ‘those endings’ that is a trademark of this author ie brilliant 😎
And to do it convincingly, building a life, family and career
All to then be threatened in one second, when the past you have left so far behind comes and taps you on the shoulder…or in this case sends you a message
This is what has happened to Tom and now for his wife Claire her whole life and everything she thought she knew about Tom is in question
Travelling to Bristol, Cornwall and Soho to try and find her now missing husband Claire unwraps her husband’s life and his past becomes ever more intriguing…and threatening
A good, whoisit/who and why dunit missing person story with one of ‘those endings’ that is a trademark of this author ie brilliant 😎
August 21, 2025
Narrated by Sofia Engstrand
Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 02-19-25
The main character is Claire, married to Tom for eight years. Tom has been acting weird in recent weeks. Then he fail to pick up their daughter after the school, also not responding to his phone. Claire is worried that something bad has happened to him. When she starts to uncover his tracks, she's about to learn that she didn't really know her husband at all!
The premise was promising, but at some point this story got frustrating as Claire wasn't very relatable. Title "Eight Years of Lies" and book synopsis reveal a lot about the plot. You already know what is going to happen next, so story feels slow-paced, repetitive and predictable.
I hated the way author constantly told how the main character was feeling, thinking, moving, instead of showing. Something about the main character was distracting, and I didn't much care about any of the characters, including Tom and his whereabouts.
Sadly I often felt like I should be doing something else than read this mediocre book... Ahh, this story just wasn't for me.
Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins
Release date: 02-19-25
The main character is Claire, married to Tom for eight years. Tom has been acting weird in recent weeks. Then he fail to pick up their daughter after the school, also not responding to his phone. Claire is worried that something bad has happened to him. When she starts to uncover his tracks, she's about to learn that she didn't really know her husband at all!
The premise was promising, but at some point this story got frustrating as Claire wasn't very relatable. Title "Eight Years of Lies" and book synopsis reveal a lot about the plot. You already know what is going to happen next, so story feels slow-paced, repetitive and predictable.
I hated the way author constantly told how the main character was feeling, thinking, moving, instead of showing. Something about the main character was distracting, and I didn't much care about any of the characters, including Tom and his whereabouts.
Sadly I often felt like I should be doing something else than read this mediocre book... Ahh, this story just wasn't for me.
December 30, 2024
I do not remember the ‘shocking twist’.
So, I finished reading this last week and I now realize that I remember almost nothing about the book. I mean, I can remember that it was a little slow, but solid enough to keep me reading. I do remember a couple of basic plot points.
But I do not remember the so-called shocking twist or even being shocked or even how the book ends.
Just…poof! And, it’s gone.
I hope your experience is different.
• ARC via Publisher
So, I finished reading this last week and I now realize that I remember almost nothing about the book. I mean, I can remember that it was a little slow, but solid enough to keep me reading. I do remember a couple of basic plot points.
But I do not remember the so-called shocking twist or even being shocked or even how the book ends.
Just…poof! And, it’s gone.
I hope your experience is different.
• ARC via Publisher
February 13, 2025
A Roller coaster book, that Will keep you Guessing. Thank you to netgalley.com for letting me read this digital arc,.the opinion is my own
April 21, 2025
Eight Years of Lies promised a twist I’d never see coming—I wish I’d never seen this book coming.
I went into Eight Years of Lies expecting a gripping psychological thriller. What I got instead was a frustrating exercise in patience, filled with juvenile dialogue, characters who made zero sense, and a “shocking twist” that fizzled out like a flat soda.
The premise? Actually intriguing. A woman wakes up to a normal morning after a perfectly fine night with her husband—who kisses her goodbye, drops their daughter at school, and then vanishes. Later that day, an ad pops up on her Facebook: a photo of her husband and her daughter, but the post is from another woman claiming they’re her missing family. Juicy, right?
Except then the characters start talking, and everything falls apart.
The wife isn’t passive, I’ll give her that—she digs through his past, retraces every lie, and desperately tries to make sense of this mess. But it’s the constant inner monologues that kill the pacing. Every time she uncovers a clue, we’re treated to an entire internal essay about her confusion, heartbreak, and memories—again and again. Girl, we get it. He lied. Move on to the next clue, please.
Then there’s the cop ex-boyfriend who somehow made it into the police force despite lacking all common sense. The man literally shrugs off her concern by saying “maybe he just left.” I’m sorry, what? A husband disappears, and your expert analysis is “he needed space”? The sister chimes in with the same brainless logic. It felt like the entire supporting cast was allergic to critical thinking.
Even the parts meant to be suspenseful—the mystery narrator tied up, the vague flashbacks—were written in a way that screamed fake suspense. You could tell where it was going miles before the “reveal.”
And don’t even get me started on the legal system in this book. Apparently, anyone can just vanish and the response from law enforcement is a collective shrug and a “let’s not file a report just yet.”
By the time the ending came—one that promised a “twist you’ll never see coming”—I was rolling my eyes so hard I almost saw my own brain. It wasn’t shocking, it wasn’t clever, it was just… meh.
If you’re looking for a thriller that actually thrills, this isn’t it. Eight Years of Lies is more like Eight Hours of Why-Am-I-Still-Reading-This.
I went into Eight Years of Lies expecting a gripping psychological thriller. What I got instead was a frustrating exercise in patience, filled with juvenile dialogue, characters who made zero sense, and a “shocking twist” that fizzled out like a flat soda.
The premise? Actually intriguing. A woman wakes up to a normal morning after a perfectly fine night with her husband—who kisses her goodbye, drops their daughter at school, and then vanishes. Later that day, an ad pops up on her Facebook: a photo of her husband and her daughter, but the post is from another woman claiming they’re her missing family. Juicy, right?
Except then the characters start talking, and everything falls apart.
The wife isn’t passive, I’ll give her that—she digs through his past, retraces every lie, and desperately tries to make sense of this mess. But it’s the constant inner monologues that kill the pacing. Every time she uncovers a clue, we’re treated to an entire internal essay about her confusion, heartbreak, and memories—again and again. Girl, we get it. He lied. Move on to the next clue, please.
Then there’s the cop ex-boyfriend who somehow made it into the police force despite lacking all common sense. The man literally shrugs off her concern by saying “maybe he just left.” I’m sorry, what? A husband disappears, and your expert analysis is “he needed space”? The sister chimes in with the same brainless logic. It felt like the entire supporting cast was allergic to critical thinking.
Even the parts meant to be suspenseful—the mystery narrator tied up, the vague flashbacks—were written in a way that screamed fake suspense. You could tell where it was going miles before the “reveal.”
And don’t even get me started on the legal system in this book. Apparently, anyone can just vanish and the response from law enforcement is a collective shrug and a “let’s not file a report just yet.”
By the time the ending came—one that promised a “twist you’ll never see coming”—I was rolling my eyes so hard I almost saw my own brain. It wasn’t shocking, it wasn’t clever, it was just… meh.
If you’re looking for a thriller that actually thrills, this isn’t it. Eight Years of Lies is more like Eight Hours of Why-Am-I-Still-Reading-This.
February 6, 2025
I'm pretty sure I'm going to be in the minority with this one, but whilst I found it an OK, solid enough read, it didn't excite me at all.
I found it really slow to get going, it took an awful lot for me to stick with it in all honesty, but I did, hoping for some big plot twist that just didn't happen as much as I was expecting.
The book is centred around Claire, married to Tom for eight years, and with a young daughter. For the past couple of weeks, Tom hasn't been his usual calm, collected self. He's been snappy, glued to his phone, and now he hasn't arrived to pick his daughter up from school. Claire has also received an online message asking why 'her' husband and 'daughter' are in a photo with her.
Claire goes on a mad, wild goose chase to find her husband. With no answers to any of her questions, can she find him and find out just who he really is?
I did quite enjoy the hunt for Tom, I found the mystery quite engrossing for a short time and the uncovering of clues really investing. I did find it quite hard to believe that she'd leave her young daughter at home, traumatised, whilst doing this, though!
The premise was promising, but, for me, it just wasn't believable or convincing, and I just have to have some relatable connection to really get into a book.
The ending wrapped everything up well, but I had part guessed the twist.
One big bug bear of mine is repetition, and it was in bucket loads throughout the book, with Claire constantly reiterating to you as the reader and then to another character within the book .... arrrgggghhh. It's really not needed!
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC.
I found it really slow to get going, it took an awful lot for me to stick with it in all honesty, but I did, hoping for some big plot twist that just didn't happen as much as I was expecting.
The book is centred around Claire, married to Tom for eight years, and with a young daughter. For the past couple of weeks, Tom hasn't been his usual calm, collected self. He's been snappy, glued to his phone, and now he hasn't arrived to pick his daughter up from school. Claire has also received an online message asking why 'her' husband and 'daughter' are in a photo with her.
Claire goes on a mad, wild goose chase to find her husband. With no answers to any of her questions, can she find him and find out just who he really is?
I did quite enjoy the hunt for Tom, I found the mystery quite engrossing for a short time and the uncovering of clues really investing. I did find it quite hard to believe that she'd leave her young daughter at home, traumatised, whilst doing this, though!
The premise was promising, but, for me, it just wasn't believable or convincing, and I just have to have some relatable connection to really get into a book.
The ending wrapped everything up well, but I had part guessed the twist.
One big bug bear of mine is repetition, and it was in bucket loads throughout the book, with Claire constantly reiterating to you as the reader and then to another character within the book .... arrrgggghhh. It's really not needed!
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC.
February 5, 2025
This book was okay. It wasn't memorable or unique. It didn't stand out in any way. There was one twist, and it was mild at best. It was a bit slow, too. But overall, it was interesting enough to keep me reading.
March 25, 2025
Okay
The book had an excellent twist at the end. But it took the whoooole book to get there and not a lot of action during it. I feel it was the same sentences repeated over and over to fill the pages. But I did like the twist at the end.
The book had an excellent twist at the end. But it took the whoooole book to get there and not a lot of action during it. I feel it was the same sentences repeated over and over to fill the pages. But I did like the twist at the end.
March 10, 2025
Nearly every review includes a caveat that they received a free book in exchange for a review. Not me.
The premise is intriguing, and the twist wasn’t what I expected, but Claire’s motivations and actions were mostly mind boggling. Why (HOW?!) can you walk away from your scared seven year old to go off searching for your missing husband?! I get that she wanted answers, but as a mother, there’s no way I see her actions as relatable.
Speaking of things I cannot relate to- Adam. Ok I get that he may carry a torch for her, but his “help” goes way beyond that. Plus, idk- he’s helping his ex try to find the man she cheated on him with & left him for?
There were plot holes- a lot of them. I won’t be rereading this one.
The premise is intriguing, and the twist wasn’t what I expected, but Claire’s motivations and actions were mostly mind boggling. Why (HOW?!) can you walk away from your scared seven year old to go off searching for your missing husband?! I get that she wanted answers, but as a mother, there’s no way I see her actions as relatable.
Speaking of things I cannot relate to- Adam. Ok I get that he may carry a torch for her, but his “help” goes way beyond that. Plus, idk- he’s helping his ex try to find the man she cheated on him with & left him for?
There were plot holes- a lot of them. I won’t be rereading this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2025
What a great story! I hate to say it though that Claire really got on my nerves. Whatever did she think she was doing? Her daughter is devastated when dad Tom fails to pick her up from school, but instead of being there for her, she swans off playing amateur detective, leaving the poor child with her sister Gwen. Abandonment issues in later life no doubt.
To make it worse, when she goes to the police station, the officer in charge is her ex, Adam, who she ditched for Tom, breaking his heart. The consensus of course is that Tom has probably upped and left her (I have some sympathy there). But as he’s an adult he’s not technically a missing person. Instead of telling her to sling her hook, Adam decides to put his career on the line to help her ‘unofficially’. But rather than leaving it to his many years’ experience in solving crimes, she does the exact opposite, putting herself and others in danger. I’m not including the cruise competition, because I’d have done exactly the same thing.
There are quite a few threads going on here. It starts with a Facebook post that simply says: PLEASE CAN ANYONE HELP ME? HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? Except that the person posting is called Lydia French and the picture is of Tom and their daughter. But ‘Lydia’ claims they are HER husband and child. And so the mystery begins. I’m not giving anything away, but Claire has got it all so wrong.
However… it was brilliant and I really couldn’t wait to read on to the end. It’s really well plotted and exciting with believable characters and a storyline that promises to spiral out of control. Thank goodness for Adam and Gwen, who keep everything in perspective.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
To make it worse, when she goes to the police station, the officer in charge is her ex, Adam, who she ditched for Tom, breaking his heart. The consensus of course is that Tom has probably upped and left her (I have some sympathy there). But as he’s an adult he’s not technically a missing person. Instead of telling her to sling her hook, Adam decides to put his career on the line to help her ‘unofficially’. But rather than leaving it to his many years’ experience in solving crimes, she does the exact opposite, putting herself and others in danger. I’m not including the cruise competition, because I’d have done exactly the same thing.
There are quite a few threads going on here. It starts with a Facebook post that simply says: PLEASE CAN ANYONE HELP ME? HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN? Except that the person posting is called Lydia French and the picture is of Tom and their daughter. But ‘Lydia’ claims they are HER husband and child. And so the mystery begins. I’m not giving anything away, but Claire has got it all so wrong.
However… it was brilliant and I really couldn’t wait to read on to the end. It’s really well plotted and exciting with believable characters and a storyline that promises to spiral out of control. Thank goodness for Adam and Gwen, who keep everything in perspective.
Many thanks to @ZooloosBT for inviting me to be part of this blog tour.
July 26, 2025
Trashy and silly
Absolute trash. Reasons:
1) Slow and idiotic writing
2) Repetitive
3) Possibly one of the silliest, most idiotic main characters
4) Awful, unrealistic dialogue
5) Simply: ridiculous
Absolute trash. Reasons:
1) Slow and idiotic writing
2) Repetitive
3) Possibly one of the silliest, most idiotic main characters
4) Awful, unrealistic dialogue
5) Simply: ridiculous
February 24, 2025
DNF…. felt like it was very slow and didn’t hook me in like other books…. missing the punch i like.
maybe will come back to it down the line
maybe will come back to it down the line
March 27, 2025
This was something. Kept me entertained on the beach but let’s just say the quality of writing was low.
April 15, 2025
Really enjoyed this quick and fast paced thriller. Twists and turns on every page. That ending just wow 🤩
February 19, 2025
Claire and Tom have been married for eight years and have a seven year old daughter, Isla. Claire thought they had a happy marriage until one day Tom disappears and she has no clue where he's gone and why. On the same day she sees a sponsored advert on Facebook from a Lydia French asking if anyone has seen her husband and daughter, but the photo is of Tom and Isla, who is this woman and why is she looking for them? With the help of Adam, her ex and a police officer, Claire begins to dig into Tom's past to try and find out where he could have gone but she discovers a lot more than she bargained for, does she really know the man she married?
Eight Years of Lies is the new fast paced thriller by this author which I devoured in a couple of days. It's a gripping read, told from the perspective of Claire and regular snippets from an unknown person, which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, with Claire experiencing numerous pitfalls in her journey to try and find Tom, determined he would come home if he could, which makes the truths she discovers all the harder to deal with. This is a tense and intriguing read, with some very unreliable characters, great twists along the way and what an unexpected ending!
I’d like to thank Joffe Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads
Eight Years of Lies is the new fast paced thriller by this author which I devoured in a couple of days. It's a gripping read, told from the perspective of Claire and regular snippets from an unknown person, which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, with Claire experiencing numerous pitfalls in her journey to try and find Tom, determined he would come home if he could, which makes the truths she discovers all the harder to deal with. This is a tense and intriguing read, with some very unreliable characters, great twists along the way and what an unexpected ending!
I’d like to thank Joffe Books and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads
March 2, 2025
Tom is missing. He set off for work one Tuesday and never came home. A nightmare for a loved one especially when a young child is involved. Add to that the police not being interested – “he’s left you love” being the response – what can you do?
Well our Claire takes it upon herself to go digging and dig she does. But as she scratches the surface of finishing her husband, I took a sharp intake of breath. She’s opened a massive can of worms.
I felt sick for my namesake protagonist. Everything she discovered just made my heart sick for her. The man she loved and trusted was turning out to be an A1 liar. Her tenacity for the truth is admirable – to be fair in her situation I’d like to think I’d be the same. Thankfully I’ve met my OH’s family and seen baby photos so I’m not worried!
Hall has written a suspense packed read where I was blind to where I was going. I didn’t know what had happened to Tom – was he dead? Was he kidnapped? Was this Claire’s imagination? Had he just simply left her for a different life? What I encountered was what I’d seen with my other experiences of Hall’s imagination – something a little unexpected! Great read!
Well our Claire takes it upon herself to go digging and dig she does. But as she scratches the surface of finishing her husband, I took a sharp intake of breath. She’s opened a massive can of worms.
I felt sick for my namesake protagonist. Everything she discovered just made my heart sick for her. The man she loved and trusted was turning out to be an A1 liar. Her tenacity for the truth is admirable – to be fair in her situation I’d like to think I’d be the same. Thankfully I’ve met my OH’s family and seen baby photos so I’m not worried!
Hall has written a suspense packed read where I was blind to where I was going. I didn’t know what had happened to Tom – was he dead? Was he kidnapped? Was this Claire’s imagination? Had he just simply left her for a different life? What I encountered was what I’d seen with my other experiences of Hall’s imagination – something a little unexpected! Great read!
June 5, 2025
A good thriller! I enjoyed it very much! A woman’s husband goes missing, and the rest of the book is how she unravels the mystery. I didn’t particularly care for the last chapter. It was unnecessary and didn’t add anything to the book. I really wish authors and screenwriters knew the difference between “farther” and “further”! It’s one of my pet peeves, and it was rampant in this book. However, I do recommend this book. It’s one of the better ones I’ve read lately.
January 4, 2026
Loved it! Couldn’t put it down. Twists & turns I wasn’t expecting.
SPOILER: ITS ALWAYS THE MAN
SPOILER: ITS ALWAYS THE MAN
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
Saw the twist coming from the very start but that's fine, I like being proven right
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
Eight Years of Lies by Lisa Hall is a psychological thriller that grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go. The story begins with Claire’s ordinary morning taking a shocking turn when she spots a missing persons ad on Facebook. The plea reads, “Have you seen my missing husband and daughter?” — but it’s the photograph that freezes her in her tracks. It’s her husband, Tom, and their seven-year-old daughter, Isla.
Unable to reach Tom throughout the day and left reeling when he fails to collect Isla from school, Claire’s worry turns into a full-blown nightmare. As she delves into his disappearance, the unsettling truth slowly unravels: the man she has loved for eight years is not who she thought he was. Their entire life together has been built on a web of lies.
Lisa Hall crafts this story with a masterful touch, blending suspense, emotion, and jaw-dropping twists. While I’m often wary of thrillers that promise a “shattering final twist,” this one truly delivers. Hall’s writing kept me from jumping ahead or second-guessing the plot—each chapter pulled me deeper into the story, with pacing that felt just right.
The characters felt authentic and multifaceted. I found myself sympathising with Claire, even when her own actions had contributed to the unfolding chaos. The mix of empathy and frustration I felt toward her is a testament to Hall’s ability to create layered, believable characters.
The world-building was vivid and immersive, with a strong sense of place that allowed each scene to play out clearly in my mind. As Claire’s life unraveled, I felt the tension rise, and by the time the truth was revealed, I was fully invested in the outcome.
Overall, Eight Years of Lies is a gripping and well-crafted psychological thriller. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories filled with secrets, deception, and the unsettling realisation that you might not know the person sleeping beside you.
I highly recommend this one—you won’t want to put it down!
Unable to reach Tom throughout the day and left reeling when he fails to collect Isla from school, Claire’s worry turns into a full-blown nightmare. As she delves into his disappearance, the unsettling truth slowly unravels: the man she has loved for eight years is not who she thought he was. Their entire life together has been built on a web of lies.
Lisa Hall crafts this story with a masterful touch, blending suspense, emotion, and jaw-dropping twists. While I’m often wary of thrillers that promise a “shattering final twist,” this one truly delivers. Hall’s writing kept me from jumping ahead or second-guessing the plot—each chapter pulled me deeper into the story, with pacing that felt just right.
The characters felt authentic and multifaceted. I found myself sympathising with Claire, even when her own actions had contributed to the unfolding chaos. The mix of empathy and frustration I felt toward her is a testament to Hall’s ability to create layered, believable characters.
The world-building was vivid and immersive, with a strong sense of place that allowed each scene to play out clearly in my mind. As Claire’s life unraveled, I felt the tension rise, and by the time the truth was revealed, I was fully invested in the outcome.
Overall, Eight Years of Lies is a gripping and well-crafted psychological thriller. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy stories filled with secrets, deception, and the unsettling realisation that you might not know the person sleeping beside you.
I highly recommend this one—you won’t want to put it down!
February 25, 2025
This is the second book I have read by Lisa Hall, having been previously been introduced to her writing by a Book Club Choice. I was apprehensive about doing so as I found the previous novel repetitive, unfortunately so was this one at times, but it did not spoil my enjoyment.
Claire has been happily married or so she thought to Tom for eight years. Then suddenly he just disappears without trace leaving her alone with their daughter wondering why. Her search for him is told by her but interspersed with chapters from an unknown person, which certainly adds to the intrigue. Claire soon discovers she does not know her husband at all, as shocking discoveries unfold throughout the novel.
A very quick read for me, a contemporary psychological thriller full of lies and surprising twists. Far fetched maybe at times but then I read for escapism so went with the flow.
With thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author for the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
Claire has been happily married or so she thought to Tom for eight years. Then suddenly he just disappears without trace leaving her alone with their daughter wondering why. Her search for him is told by her but interspersed with chapters from an unknown person, which certainly adds to the intrigue. Claire soon discovers she does not know her husband at all, as shocking discoveries unfold throughout the novel.
A very quick read for me, a contemporary psychological thriller full of lies and surprising twists. Far fetched maybe at times but then I read for escapism so went with the flow.
With thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author for the opportunity to read and review.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
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