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The Summer I Lied
Amazon Editors' Pick for Bestselling YA Thriller/Suspense Release 2025
Midsommar meets The Counselors in this twisty, YA beach read. It has it murder, country clubs, and cults. Don't forget the watermelon seltzers!
Welcome to Seawick, where there is always more beneath the surface.
Tara Young wants a carefree summer—no school, no obligations, and definitely no more anonymous threats. But secrets have consequences, and Tara’s secrets have already cost her friendships as well as any real chance of attending college next year.
Even as Tara tries to enjoy her town's summer traditions, the shadow of her past refuses to let go. It isn’t until the mayor unexpectedly offers her a job on his private island that her luck seems to change.
Mayor Carlston’s exclusive country club, also known as the Seawick Sealer’s Club, boasts everything from luxury spas to midnight galas, and the generous cash tips are just the beginning. But what starts as strange rules—remaining silent and staying indoors at night—quickly spirals into something sinister. Employees go missing, rituals grow darker, and the red glow of the Subtropic Supermoon looms over it all.
As Tara learns what it means to be a Carlston Girl, she realizes she isn't the only one with something to hide. Secrets can be deadly, and neither the island nor the town is safe. Can she confront the past and survive the summer, or will the truth bury her in the sand?
Midsommar meets The Counselors in this twisty, YA beach read. It has it murder, country clubs, and cults. Don't forget the watermelon seltzers!
Welcome to Seawick, where there is always more beneath the surface.
Tara Young wants a carefree summer—no school, no obligations, and definitely no more anonymous threats. But secrets have consequences, and Tara’s secrets have already cost her friendships as well as any real chance of attending college next year.
Even as Tara tries to enjoy her town's summer traditions, the shadow of her past refuses to let go. It isn’t until the mayor unexpectedly offers her a job on his private island that her luck seems to change.
Mayor Carlston’s exclusive country club, also known as the Seawick Sealer’s Club, boasts everything from luxury spas to midnight galas, and the generous cash tips are just the beginning. But what starts as strange rules—remaining silent and staying indoors at night—quickly spirals into something sinister. Employees go missing, rituals grow darker, and the red glow of the Subtropic Supermoon looms over it all.
As Tara learns what it means to be a Carlston Girl, she realizes she isn't the only one with something to hide. Secrets can be deadly, and neither the island nor the town is safe. Can she confront the past and survive the summer, or will the truth bury her in the sand?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2025
21 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 18, 2025
I’m thrilled to write this because this was one of the best books I’ve ever read. It was absolutely captivating from the very beginning and held my interest the whole way through. The creativity was incredible—the people in seal costumes were oddly charming and memorable. The writing style was unique and engaging. Some chapters were just a page long, yet they packed so much meaning. The story flowed in a beautifully unconventional way that kept me completely hooked. I not only understood the plot but loved how it unfolded. I had moderate expectations since it was an Amazon Choice, but I was completely blown away.
July 29, 2025
Overall, i really enjoyed this book. I finished it in one sitting.
The protagonist is both relatable and insufferable all at once which made her feel real. she lies to protect herself and others, and while that creates conflict it also makes you want to dig deeper into her motivations. This book is strictly a thriller so if you're looking for hints of romance this isn't it. I thought that it was beautifully written and poetic. The ending was unpredictable and insane and I loved it!!!
the only reason it's 4 stars for me instead of 5 is the pace dragged slightly in the middle. there were a few scenes that felt a little repetitive especially with the inner monologue which pulled me out of the story at times.
The protagonist is both relatable and insufferable all at once which made her feel real. she lies to protect herself and others, and while that creates conflict it also makes you want to dig deeper into her motivations. This book is strictly a thriller so if you're looking for hints of romance this isn't it. I thought that it was beautifully written and poetic. The ending was unpredictable and insane and I loved it!!!
the only reason it's 4 stars for me instead of 5 is the pace dragged slightly in the middle. there were a few scenes that felt a little repetitive especially with the inner monologue which pulled me out of the story at times.
July 13, 2025
I feel bad to write this but this was my least favourite book I’ve ever read. It was so boring and I didn’t get interested until I was 56% done. It was so so so strange. The people dressed in seal costumes, flopping on the ground. 😮 The writing style was very confusing. 🫤 Some chapters were one page long. It flip flopped all around and couldn’t keep me intrigued. I get the basis of the story but the way it was told and laid out was not at all captivating. I had such high hopes for this as it was an Amazon choice but I was so disappointed.
July 31, 2025
I honestly have no idea what I just read. This book was SO strange. It was creepy but also twisted, & left me confused at the same time. I kept reading because it felt like the story was building up to something but I feel like nothing really happened. It fell flat for me. I was trying to envision what was going on but some things just lost me. Such a weird read.
July 30, 2025
The perfect beach read! An engaging and entertaining creepy cult thriller with mystery. Unreliable but relatable narrator. I was completely not expecting the twists. Be prepared to be unsettled! Loved it!
May 29, 2025
Super trippy book and unique take on a beach cult. Read it quickly over Memorial Day Weekend
May 29, 2025
Refreshing book because it felt original and took tropes but made them feel new, especially the whole "cult" theme. I liked Midsommer so this book was perfect for me
June 28, 2025
Strange, but good summer read!
July 1, 2025
I loved the unique aspects in the book but overall felt it to be poorly written and almost rushed.
July 31, 2025
3.5 rounded up. It kept my attention really well, but it did feel quite random a lot of the time.
May 5, 2025
Love the beach town and the cult vibe. Very twisty and easy readiblility
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews