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Two Perfect Lies
The first lie made Lily a savior. The second framed Clara for murder.
If it weren't for Lily, Clara would still be a total outcast, shunned for her role in an incident that gave her a criminal record and ruined another girl's life. She's spent the past two years trying to escape that night, and ever since Lily Dalton befriended her, she's almost succeeded. After all, Lily's the golden girl of the high school—smart, popular, beloved by all—and as her best friend, Clara's now the bright, hard-working chemistry whiz.
But is Lily really just the good-hearted friend who saved Clara from the past? Because lately Lily has been talking about certain classmates and teachers—about wanting revenge. Do you ever think about making them pay? she asks. How would you do it? Lily has to be joking. At least that's what Clara thinks, until she finds a folder that outlines a deadly plan, including detailed steps and a list of targets in their school.
Shockingly, there's even more to Lily's plan, and it has everything to do with Clara. After all, everyone already knows what she did two years ago. Suddenly all the evidence has been turned against her, and there's no way she can prove her innocence. And the people on that list of targets? One after the next, they're meeting terrible fates, and Clara's looking guiltier by the second. It's up to Clara to find the truth and clear her name, before it's too late.
If it weren't for Lily, Clara would still be a total outcast, shunned for her role in an incident that gave her a criminal record and ruined another girl's life. She's spent the past two years trying to escape that night, and ever since Lily Dalton befriended her, she's almost succeeded. After all, Lily's the golden girl of the high school—smart, popular, beloved by all—and as her best friend, Clara's now the bright, hard-working chemistry whiz.
But is Lily really just the good-hearted friend who saved Clara from the past? Because lately Lily has been talking about certain classmates and teachers—about wanting revenge. Do you ever think about making them pay? she asks. How would you do it? Lily has to be joking. At least that's what Clara thinks, until she finds a folder that outlines a deadly plan, including detailed steps and a list of targets in their school.
Shockingly, there's even more to Lily's plan, and it has everything to do with Clara. After all, everyone already knows what she did two years ago. Suddenly all the evidence has been turned against her, and there's no way she can prove her innocence. And the people on that list of targets? One after the next, they're meeting terrible fates, and Clara's looking guiltier by the second. It's up to Clara to find the truth and clear her name, before it's too late.
338 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2026
75 people are currently reading
10345 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
March 31, 2026
Part sky-high tension and part palpable emotion, Two Perfect Lies had me instantly hooked from the very first page. With complex characters, a relentless pace, and layers of small, devious twists, this coming-of-age tale-meets-chilling revenge thriller was an edge-of-your-seat read that I couldn’t put down. Yup. You guessed it. It was yet another book that I inhaled in well under twenty-four hours. You see, with toxic friendships, ultra high stakes, and oodles of high school drama, it was a juicy look at the dark side of being a teen as well as one heck of an unguessable murder mystery. I mean, not only was this YA novel suspenseful, clever, thrilling, and taut, but the wicked manipulations and eye-popping betrayals had me literally swearing out loud again and again.
What else did I love about this dark, addictive read? Well, not only did it have me reimagining what my school days would have been like with a devil queen bee frenemy, but it explored identity, guilt, and redemption in a way that made it perfect for both adults and teens. Easily illustrating the popular girl-versus-the outcast dynamic that was both believable and raw, I definitely recommend checking my trigger list before diving in. You see, even though it was free of gory scenes, the gritty details just might hit a bit too close to home. But if you’re looking for a book that feels like Gossip Girl with a side of Cruel Summer, know that you’ve found it right here. Just be ready to throw your plans out the window so you can binge this unputdownable thrill ride in one single go. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The first lie made Lily a savior. The second framed Clara for murder. If it weren't for Lily, Clara would still be a total outcast, shunned for her role in an incident that gave her a criminal record and ruined another girl's life. She's spent the past two years trying to escape that night, and ever since Lily Dalton befriended her, she's almost succeeded. After all, Lily's the golden girl of the high school―smart, popular, beloved by all―and as her best friend, Clara's now the bright, hard-working chemistry whiz.
But is Lily really just the good-hearted friend who saved Clara from the past? Because lately Lily has been talking about certain classmates and teachers―about wanting revenge. Do you ever think about making them pay? she asks. How would you do it? Lily has to be joking. At least that's what Clara thinks, until she finds a folder that outlines a deadly plan, including detailed steps and a list of targets in their school.
Shockingly, there's even more to Lily's plan, and it has everything to do with Clara. After all, everyone already knows what she did two years ago. Suddenly all the evidence has been turned against her, and there's no way she can prove her innocence. And the people on that list of targets? One after the next, they're meeting terrible fates, and Clara's looking guiltier by the second. It's up to Clara to find the truth and clear her name, before it's too late.
Thank you Natalie D. Richards and Sourcebooks Fire for my complimentary Midnight Reads PR box. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 17, 2026
Content warning: bullying, gaslighting, stalking, toxic friendship, child abuse, adult/minor relationship, violence, rape, police brutality, racism
What else did I love about this dark, addictive read? Well, not only did it have me reimagining what my school days would have been like with a devil queen bee frenemy, but it explored identity, guilt, and redemption in a way that made it perfect for both adults and teens. Easily illustrating the popular girl-versus-the outcast dynamic that was both believable and raw, I definitely recommend checking my trigger list before diving in. You see, even though it was free of gory scenes, the gritty details just might hit a bit too close to home. But if you’re looking for a book that feels like Gossip Girl with a side of Cruel Summer, know that you’ve found it right here. Just be ready to throw your plans out the window so you can binge this unputdownable thrill ride in one single go. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The first lie made Lily a savior. The second framed Clara for murder. If it weren't for Lily, Clara would still be a total outcast, shunned for her role in an incident that gave her a criminal record and ruined another girl's life. She's spent the past two years trying to escape that night, and ever since Lily Dalton befriended her, she's almost succeeded. After all, Lily's the golden girl of the high school―smart, popular, beloved by all―and as her best friend, Clara's now the bright, hard-working chemistry whiz.
But is Lily really just the good-hearted friend who saved Clara from the past? Because lately Lily has been talking about certain classmates and teachers―about wanting revenge. Do you ever think about making them pay? she asks. How would you do it? Lily has to be joking. At least that's what Clara thinks, until she finds a folder that outlines a deadly plan, including detailed steps and a list of targets in their school.
Shockingly, there's even more to Lily's plan, and it has everything to do with Clara. After all, everyone already knows what she did two years ago. Suddenly all the evidence has been turned against her, and there's no way she can prove her innocence. And the people on that list of targets? One after the next, they're meeting terrible fates, and Clara's looking guiltier by the second. It's up to Clara to find the truth and clear her name, before it's too late.
Thank you Natalie D. Richards and Sourcebooks Fire for my complimentary Midnight Reads PR box. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 17, 2026
Content warning: bullying, gaslighting, stalking, toxic friendship, child abuse, adult/minor relationship, violence, rape, police brutality, racism
March 19, 2026
No because I hated it. I found it lacked substance, the plot felt repetitive and overall just not a good time.
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January 28, 2026ARC received! Thank you, SOURCEBOOKS Fire!!
April 30, 2026
i gave Two Perfect Lies 3 stars. it wasn’t bad, but it also didn’t fully hit for me either. the concept was actually really interesting and pulled me in at the start, but the pacing felt kinda off. like parts of it dragged and then other parts moved way too fast.
i liked the atmosphere and the whole tension it was trying to build, but i didn’t feel super connected to the characters. their decisions were a little frustrating at times and made it hard to stay fully invested.
overall it’s an okay read if you want something a bit suspenseful, just don’t go in expecting anything crazy.
i liked the atmosphere and the whole tension it was trying to build, but i didn’t feel super connected to the characters. their decisions were a little frustrating at times and made it hard to stay fully invested.
overall it’s an okay read if you want something a bit suspenseful, just don’t go in expecting anything crazy.
April 24, 2026
This was a very quick read with an interesting plotline. Set in high school, this just reminded me of how cruel teenagers can be to each other. But at the same time, Richards tries to add a layer of depth to the characters to give something more to the mystery, and this is where I started to lose it because some of these plot points - I just don't think a teenage girl is smart enough or has the means to carry all of this out.
The story focuses on Clara, our MC, who made a pretty horrible mistake in the past and has spent the past few years making up for it. When she joins the popular crowd she feels like she's finally been accepted. If the most popular girl in school likes her, then everything is fine, right? Honestly, I had to keep reminding myself that Clara was a child because some of her choices were just not it. And her blind allegiance to Lily had me screaming in frustration. But she's a teenager and she wants to believe her best friend.
The mystery, from the beginning, seemed rather over the top, even throwing in Clara's past - the cops were pretty clueless and I find it hard to believe that no one could do any detective work except 2 high school students. But here we are. I rated this three stars because it did keep me reading - I read it in pretty much one sitting - and there were some fun parts to it. But over all, it was just okay for me and didn't really bring anything new or exciting to teen thrillers.
The story focuses on Clara, our MC, who made a pretty horrible mistake in the past and has spent the past few years making up for it. When she joins the popular crowd she feels like she's finally been accepted. If the most popular girl in school likes her, then everything is fine, right? Honestly, I had to keep reminding myself that Clara was a child because some of her choices were just not it. And her blind allegiance to Lily had me screaming in frustration. But she's a teenager and she wants to believe her best friend.
The mystery, from the beginning, seemed rather over the top, even throwing in Clara's past - the cops were pretty clueless and I find it hard to believe that no one could do any detective work except 2 high school students. But here we are. I rated this three stars because it did keep me reading - I read it in pretty much one sitting - and there were some fun parts to it. But over all, it was just okay for me and didn't really bring anything new or exciting to teen thrillers.
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April 19, 2026
Trigger & Content Warnings
Racism
Child abuse
Rape
Bullying
Stalking
Police brutality
Racism
Child abuse
Rape
Bullying
Stalking
Police brutality
March 27, 2026
This is a relatively fast-paced, somewhat twisty YA thriller. It kept me invested, even when I began to suspect what the actual catalyst was all along.
That being said, this book falls prey to the same issue just about every other YA mystery/thriller does.
The characters do NOT act like teenaged human beings.
Nothing about Clara reads as adolescent except that she cries sometimes and keeps making the stupidest decisions known to man.
Trying to solve her own wrongfully-accused case is harrowing enough, but it's like she can't see Lily for who she is for the vast majority of this story. She keeps putting herself in worse and worse compromising positions with this girl without proof of why she's there and what she's doing. She keeps showing up at crime scenes just in time to be on scene when the cops arrive. She keeps not having an alibi whenever stuff goes down (although maybe that's not 100% her fault).
She doesn't learn, not the first time, or the second, or the third.
By the time things begin to turn around for Clara, I was ready to convict her of being a dumbass and lock her up just to get her out of society. People acting this idiotically shouldn't' be walking among us.
That being said, the plot itself was good. The drama was an interesting element. The way several kids come together to help Clara figure out what the hell is actually happening was a good touch. Taking out of the story that most of these people are still teenagers, the puzzling out of the different layers and elements of Lily's plan was pretty entertaining to follow.
I also really liked Henry and his and Clara's developing romance. It was super sweet to see him support her, even when everybody else in the town - including a few asshole cops - think she's guilty.
There's a bit of a jump-scare confession at the end when we learn about what really set Lily off trying to frame Clara for all these terrible crimes. I wasn't terribly surprised by it - I'd suspected something was going on, I just got the wrong person for the crime.
Trigger warning for .
If you enjoy mostly-clean YA stories - specifically books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - and you like mysteries and wrongfully-accused scenarios in general, you'll probably enjoy this one. This is one of those stories that would make a good starting point for those trying to get into this genre.
That being said, this book falls prey to the same issue just about every other YA mystery/thriller does.
The characters do NOT act like teenaged human beings.
Nothing about Clara reads as adolescent except that she cries sometimes and keeps making the stupidest decisions known to man.
Trying to solve her own wrongfully-accused case is harrowing enough, but it's like she can't see Lily for who she is for the vast majority of this story. She keeps putting herself in worse and worse compromising positions with this girl without proof of why she's there and what she's doing. She keeps showing up at crime scenes just in time to be on scene when the cops arrive. She keeps not having an alibi whenever stuff goes down (although maybe that's not 100% her fault).
She doesn't learn, not the first time, or the second, or the third.
By the time things begin to turn around for Clara, I was ready to convict her of being a dumbass and lock her up just to get her out of society. People acting this idiotically shouldn't' be walking among us.
That being said, the plot itself was good. The drama was an interesting element. The way several kids come together to help Clara figure out what the hell is actually happening was a good touch. Taking out of the story that most of these people are still teenagers, the puzzling out of the different layers and elements of Lily's plan was pretty entertaining to follow.
I also really liked Henry and his and Clara's developing romance. It was super sweet to see him support her, even when everybody else in the town - including a few asshole cops - think she's guilty.
There's a bit of a jump-scare confession at the end when we learn about what really set Lily off trying to frame Clara for all these terrible crimes. I wasn't terribly surprised by it - I'd suspected something was going on, I just got the wrong person for the crime.
Trigger warning for .
If you enjoy mostly-clean YA stories - specifically books like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - and you like mysteries and wrongfully-accused scenarios in general, you'll probably enjoy this one. This is one of those stories that would make a good starting point for those trying to get into this genre.
March 26, 2026
It was somewhat disjointed
It didn't flow at all
It didn't flow at all
March 17, 2026
I enjoyed nice easy full to story kept you guess what could be.
high school junior Clara discovers a shocking truth about her best friend.
Lily has a dark side and deadly plan. And she's orchestrated every last detail to make Clara look guilty.
The first lie made Lily a savior. The second framed Clara for murder.
high school junior Clara discovers a shocking truth about her best friend.
Lily has a dark side and deadly plan. And she's orchestrated every last detail to make Clara look guilty.
The first lie made Lily a savior. The second framed Clara for murder.
March 31, 2026
I’m sorry, what in the what in the what.
I can’t tell you how much of a blast I had reading this book late into the night. Despite how cheesy the plot twists were, if I was able to finish it and not want to stop, this means the book did its job.
Truly I did not mean to finish this all in one sitting, yet here we are. The whole book centers on a revenge motive, laced with a couple murders in between.
I kinda wish the book took a darker turn and made it like a Scream movie, where there was a masked killer and the main character has to find out who it really is. But maybe that would have been cliche too.
All in all, this kinda reminded me “Gone Too Far” by Richards, because it also borrows some of the same elements. Except, one character was drawn into the action whereas the other was trying to prove she was framed. So I guess there’s a tiny difference.
Clara has to prove her innocence after her friend decides she wants to implicate her in this crazy revenge scheme. The whole book goes back and forth between finding clues and what not, I kinda just wanted to see how it would all play out. It was like a chess game, where you had to connect all the pieces.
This marks my second book by Natalie D. Richards, and while I don’t venture too much into YA thrillers, for her novels, I am willing to make an exception. Some of the plot twists, which involved child abuse, accidents in a pool, etc…were…certainly interesting. But it kinda just connected back to this whole complicated web of a girl with mental health issues and a friend trying to figure secrets out before it’s too late. So when I spin it like that, I would say this is a psychological thriller and mystery.
I loved how I was constantly flipping the pages and just so into it. Gosh I needed this, I’ve been reading so much classical literature lately, and a YA book is just the right way to cleanse my mind.
Will definitely be adding Richards to my favorite YA writers list, and will possibly read more of her other books when I have time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️*/5 stars
I can’t tell you how much of a blast I had reading this book late into the night. Despite how cheesy the plot twists were, if I was able to finish it and not want to stop, this means the book did its job.
Truly I did not mean to finish this all in one sitting, yet here we are. The whole book centers on a revenge motive, laced with a couple murders in between.
I kinda wish the book took a darker turn and made it like a Scream movie, where there was a masked killer and the main character has to find out who it really is. But maybe that would have been cliche too.
All in all, this kinda reminded me “Gone Too Far” by Richards, because it also borrows some of the same elements. Except, one character was drawn into the action whereas the other was trying to prove she was framed. So I guess there’s a tiny difference.
Clara has to prove her innocence after her friend decides she wants to implicate her in this crazy revenge scheme. The whole book goes back and forth between finding clues and what not, I kinda just wanted to see how it would all play out. It was like a chess game, where you had to connect all the pieces.
This marks my second book by Natalie D. Richards, and while I don’t venture too much into YA thrillers, for her novels, I am willing to make an exception. Some of the plot twists, which involved child abuse, accidents in a pool, etc…were…certainly interesting. But it kinda just connected back to this whole complicated web of a girl with mental health issues and a friend trying to figure secrets out before it’s too late. So when I spin it like that, I would say this is a psychological thriller and mystery.
I loved how I was constantly flipping the pages and just so into it. Gosh I needed this, I’ve been reading so much classical literature lately, and a YA book is just the right way to cleanse my mind.
Will definitely be adding Richards to my favorite YA writers list, and will possibly read more of her other books when I have time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️*/5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2026
I loved this book! Although the plot twist at the end I did guess. BUTTTTTTTTTTTTTT Henry and Clara!!!!!! I need a seprate book of them being together and the aftermath of Lily and if she's going to jail for life!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
“Two Perfect Lie”s by Natalie D. Richards hooked me from the very first chapter. The pacing is fast, the tension feels real, and the characters are layered in ways that make you question everyone’s motives. I loved how it balanced suspense with real emotional depth, especially around friendship and trust. It’s one of those thrillers where you keep saying “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s midnight.
The story kept me guessing the whole way through and delivered some genuinely surprising twists that actually made sense. Richards writes teens in a believable, grounded way without making them feel like caricatures. They feel real and raw and you experience every emotion right along with them.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
The story kept me guessing the whole way through and delivered some genuinely surprising twists that actually made sense. Richards writes teens in a believable, grounded way without making them feel like caricatures. They feel real and raw and you experience every emotion right along with them.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC
Want to Read
October 31, 2025Love this author! Excited we're getting another story in 2026!
April 25, 2026
4.75🌟
I am shocked with how much I enjoyed this book because I have never come across such an unhinged high schooler in my life. That just made everything happening around that character so much more entertaining while keeping me on pins and needles trying to piece together the why behind it all. I honestly didn't want to put this book down for a single second. I loved that it manages to keep any juvenile cliches at bay while actually speaking on some seriously heavy subject matter that completely changes your perspective on why things went down the way they did.
The story kicks off with two best friends where one is a chemistry brainiac headed for a great college and the other is a popular girl who easily pulls people into her orbit despite constantly having the rug pulled out from under her. Things take a massive dramatic turn when their casual talk about getting revenge on teachers and classmates suddenly leads to one of them getting arrested for conspiracy to commit terrorism and eventually murder. The craziest part is the other friend is the key cog who put that spotlight on her which kicks off an intense cat and mouse game of one girl trying to clear her name while the other stays one step ahead.
Getting to the actual reason behind everything was shocking to say the least and I loved every single minute of watching their dynamic play out. The back and forth was so fun even when I found myself wanting to literally scream at the book because you could see a setup coming from a mile away. There was not a single dull moment thanks to the quick pacing and high entertainment factor so I really cannot say enough good things about how well written this is and the author deserves a massive bravo for bringing a totally fresh vibe to the YA thriller space.
I am shocked with how much I enjoyed this book because I have never come across such an unhinged high schooler in my life. That just made everything happening around that character so much more entertaining while keeping me on pins and needles trying to piece together the why behind it all. I honestly didn't want to put this book down for a single second. I loved that it manages to keep any juvenile cliches at bay while actually speaking on some seriously heavy subject matter that completely changes your perspective on why things went down the way they did.
The story kicks off with two best friends where one is a chemistry brainiac headed for a great college and the other is a popular girl who easily pulls people into her orbit despite constantly having the rug pulled out from under her. Things take a massive dramatic turn when their casual talk about getting revenge on teachers and classmates suddenly leads to one of them getting arrested for conspiracy to commit terrorism and eventually murder. The craziest part is the other friend is the key cog who put that spotlight on her which kicks off an intense cat and mouse game of one girl trying to clear her name while the other stays one step ahead.
Getting to the actual reason behind everything was shocking to say the least and I loved every single minute of watching their dynamic play out. The back and forth was so fun even when I found myself wanting to literally scream at the book because you could see a setup coming from a mile away. There was not a single dull moment thanks to the quick pacing and high entertainment factor so I really cannot say enough good things about how well written this is and the author deserves a massive bravo for bringing a totally fresh vibe to the YA thriller space.
November 2, 2025
*3 ½ stars rounded up to 4 stars*
Big thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC! Expected to be published in March of 2026.
I own almost all of Natalie D. Richards’ books and I always enjoy reading them! Two Perfect Lies was no exception.
Clara became an outcast two years ago after an incident involving criminal charges. However, becoming friends with Lily helped restore her reputation and save her future education in chemistry. One day Lily suddenly starts acting suspicious – asking how to blow up cars, asking if Clara ever wants to get revenge on other students and teachers, and just acting strange in general. Before Clara can turn Lily in for conspiracy to harm someone, she finds herself once again being arrested for the plan. It seems Lily has pinned it all on her and Clara has to find out why before the evidence is too stacked against her.
Just like Richards’ other books, the suspense kept me engaged in the book. The suspense wasn’t super intense (not that it has to be in order to be suspenseful) but it kept me intrigued. I love how the answers to the mysteries are slowly fed to the reader little by little throughout the book. Mysteries such as what Clara did two years prior, what Lily was planning to do, why Lily was planning any of it in the first place.
All the payoff to the suspense and mystery was just okay. I honestly expected a little bit more. Maybe like another plot twist to make it even more satisfying. But regardless it all wrapped up well enough.
It wasn’t the most intense book from Richards’ that I’ve read, but it was still enjoyable and entertaining. Suspense and mysteries that keep you guessing and wondering what is going to happen.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC! Expected to be published in March of 2026.
I own almost all of Natalie D. Richards’ books and I always enjoy reading them! Two Perfect Lies was no exception.
Clara became an outcast two years ago after an incident involving criminal charges. However, becoming friends with Lily helped restore her reputation and save her future education in chemistry. One day Lily suddenly starts acting suspicious – asking how to blow up cars, asking if Clara ever wants to get revenge on other students and teachers, and just acting strange in general. Before Clara can turn Lily in for conspiracy to harm someone, she finds herself once again being arrested for the plan. It seems Lily has pinned it all on her and Clara has to find out why before the evidence is too stacked against her.
Just like Richards’ other books, the suspense kept me engaged in the book. The suspense wasn’t super intense (not that it has to be in order to be suspenseful) but it kept me intrigued. I love how the answers to the mysteries are slowly fed to the reader little by little throughout the book. Mysteries such as what Clara did two years prior, what Lily was planning to do, why Lily was planning any of it in the first place.
All the payoff to the suspense and mystery was just okay. I honestly expected a little bit more. Maybe like another plot twist to make it even more satisfying. But regardless it all wrapped up well enough.
It wasn’t the most intense book from Richards’ that I’ve read, but it was still enjoyable and entertaining. Suspense and mysteries that keep you guessing and wondering what is going to happen.
February 23, 2026
I’ve read a few books by Natalie D. Richards, and Two Perfect Lies might be one of my favorites from her. The suspense isn’t over-the-top “intense”, but it’s the kind that keeps you completely locked in because you need to know the answers.
The story slowly feeds you pieces of the puzzle, what Clara did two years ago, what Lily is planning, and the biggest question of all… why. Every time a new detail dropped, I just wanted to keep reading to figure out how everything connected. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I also loved how layered the friendships were. The dynamic between Clara and Lily constantly had me questioning motives, loyalty, and who was really manipulating who. Add in the twists, secrets, and mounting tension, and it made for a really engaging ride.
Overall, this was twisty, addictive, and full of just enough surprises to keep me guessing until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story slowly feeds you pieces of the puzzle, what Clara did two years ago, what Lily is planning, and the biggest question of all… why. Every time a new detail dropped, I just wanted to keep reading to figure out how everything connected. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
I also loved how layered the friendships were. The dynamic between Clara and Lily constantly had me questioning motives, loyalty, and who was really manipulating who. Add in the twists, secrets, and mounting tension, and it made for a really engaging ride.
Overall, this was twisty, addictive, and full of just enough surprises to keep me guessing until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 21, 2026
I really loved this book. I never heard of this author or this book before I went to Barnes & Noble and found it on a Buy One Get One 50% off table. I read the back and it interested me, so I decided to buy it. I started this book at the beginning of my school day, and had 60 pages left after school, and I was so invested that I finished it at home. I would recommend this book to anyone. I felt as if I was Clara and the thought stressed me out so much, due to the conflict she is in.
January 11, 2026
This was a great, bingeable young adult thriller. I enjoyed following Clara in this story as she worked to clear her name and figure out why her best friend was framing her. This book had an intriguing storyline and complex characters, making it hard to put down. Two Perfect Lies was packed with twists and turns as well as secrets and lies and kept me guessing as to how it would end. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one.
Thank you @sourcebooksfire for the gifted arc.
Thank you @sourcebooksfire for the gifted arc.
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February 5, 2026Two Perfect Lies was jam packed with crazy twists and even more unexpected turns! I totally loved Clara and how she was determined to clear her name.. The twists and turns will keep you at the edge of your seat and second guessing until the very end..
March 28, 2026
i have yet to read a book from natalie d. richards that i didn’t enjoy
April 16, 2026
Fast pace and also kinda boring.
April 27, 2026
This was a pretty good read! It was fast paced as well
March 29, 2026
A great young adult mystery in which one teen accuses another teen of plotting to blow up the school's parking lot. This novel contained much teen drama and shows the fickleness of teenage friendships.
April 12, 2026
Definitely YA but moved quickly and easy to get through
November 25, 2025
Two Perfect Lies is one of those books where you can read in a sitting. The pages flew by, it had me hooked!
I really enjoyed Clara’s journey as she fought to be believed, as everyone has deemed her untrustworthy due to an incident in her past.
The plot was intriguing, and I loved how it all slowly came together as more and more of Lily's scheme got revealed. At several points I thought Clara was absolutely done for and there was no getting out of this for her.
Really liked this and I am excited to read more from Natalie D. Richards
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Fire | Sourcebooks Fire for this e-arc
I really enjoyed Clara’s journey as she fought to be believed, as everyone has deemed her untrustworthy due to an incident in her past.
The plot was intriguing, and I loved how it all slowly came together as more and more of Lily's scheme got revealed. At several points I thought Clara was absolutely done for and there was no getting out of this for her.
Really liked this and I am excited to read more from Natalie D. Richards
Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Fire | Sourcebooks Fire for this e-arc
October 12, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Natalie D. Richards delivers another gripping and emotionally charged YA thriller with “Two Perfect Lies,” which is a story packed with secrets, betrayals, and the haunting question of how far someone will go for revenge. Fast-paced and twisty from beginning to end, this story cements Richards as a master of teen suspense.
The book centers on Clara, a bright but ostracized high schooler trying to rebuild her life after a past mistake left her with a criminal record and a shattered reputation. Her saving grace seems to come in the form of Lily Dalton, the golden girl of their school; she is popular, confident, and seemingly effortlessly kind. With Lily’s friendship, Clara finally begins to feel like she belongs again.
But when classmates and teachers start becoming targets in a string of disturbing incidents, Clara’s world collapses once more. Evidence begins to pile up against her, and whispers of guilt echo through the halls. Every clue, every piece of “proof,” points to Clara — and when she discovers Lily is the one who thought of this detailed, sinister plan for revenge, the horrifying truth comes into focus. Lily isn’t the savior she seemed. She’s the puppeteer, and Clara’s been set up as the perfect scapegoat.
Richards excels at bringing tension and emotion together, keeping you on edge while grounding the story in raw, relatable teen struggles — guilt, identity, and the desperate need for redemption. The dynamic between Clara and Lily is especially compelling: it’s a chilling portrait of toxic friendship and manipulation that feels frighteningly real. I felt so much empathy for Clara who just wanted to move on from the worst moment of her life, but it seems like everyone around her never wants her punishment to end.
While there are a lot of characters and a fair amount of high school drama to track at first, the story quickly finds its rhythm. The pace is relentless; every chapter ends with a revelation or twist that propels you forward. Clara’s determination to uncover the truth and outsmart Lily, despite being cornered and disbelieved, makes her an easy character to root for. There is also a bit of romance that didn’t overwhelm the plot as Clara learns to depend on those close to her that love her no matter what.
One of the book’s strengths is its moral complexity. Lily isn’t portrayed as pure evil; she’s deeply troubled, her motives born from pain as much as malice. The story gets pretty dark when Lily’s motive and backstory are revealed, but the book doesn’t go into too much detail on it. Similarly, Clara isn’t a flawless heroine; she’s made mistakes, and her struggle for forgiveness and self-worth gives the story real emotional weight. The ending ties everything together neatly, delivering both closure and catharsis without losing its intensity.
Overall, “Two Perfect Lies” is a darkly addictive YA thriller. It’s part psychological puzzle, part emotional reckoning. With its layered characters, breathless pacing, and just the right amount of high school drama, it’s perfect for those who love mysteries that keep them guessing until the very end.
Natalie D. Richards delivers another gripping and emotionally charged YA thriller with “Two Perfect Lies,” which is a story packed with secrets, betrayals, and the haunting question of how far someone will go for revenge. Fast-paced and twisty from beginning to end, this story cements Richards as a master of teen suspense.
The book centers on Clara, a bright but ostracized high schooler trying to rebuild her life after a past mistake left her with a criminal record and a shattered reputation. Her saving grace seems to come in the form of Lily Dalton, the golden girl of their school; she is popular, confident, and seemingly effortlessly kind. With Lily’s friendship, Clara finally begins to feel like she belongs again.
But when classmates and teachers start becoming targets in a string of disturbing incidents, Clara’s world collapses once more. Evidence begins to pile up against her, and whispers of guilt echo through the halls. Every clue, every piece of “proof,” points to Clara — and when she discovers Lily is the one who thought of this detailed, sinister plan for revenge, the horrifying truth comes into focus. Lily isn’t the savior she seemed. She’s the puppeteer, and Clara’s been set up as the perfect scapegoat.
Richards excels at bringing tension and emotion together, keeping you on edge while grounding the story in raw, relatable teen struggles — guilt, identity, and the desperate need for redemption. The dynamic between Clara and Lily is especially compelling: it’s a chilling portrait of toxic friendship and manipulation that feels frighteningly real. I felt so much empathy for Clara who just wanted to move on from the worst moment of her life, but it seems like everyone around her never wants her punishment to end.
While there are a lot of characters and a fair amount of high school drama to track at first, the story quickly finds its rhythm. The pace is relentless; every chapter ends with a revelation or twist that propels you forward. Clara’s determination to uncover the truth and outsmart Lily, despite being cornered and disbelieved, makes her an easy character to root for. There is also a bit of romance that didn’t overwhelm the plot as Clara learns to depend on those close to her that love her no matter what.
One of the book’s strengths is its moral complexity. Lily isn’t portrayed as pure evil; she’s deeply troubled, her motives born from pain as much as malice. The story gets pretty dark when Lily’s motive and backstory are revealed, but the book doesn’t go into too much detail on it. Similarly, Clara isn’t a flawless heroine; she’s made mistakes, and her struggle for forgiveness and self-worth gives the story real emotional weight. The ending ties everything together neatly, delivering both closure and catharsis without losing its intensity.
Overall, “Two Perfect Lies” is a darkly addictive YA thriller. It’s part psychological puzzle, part emotional reckoning. With its layered characters, breathless pacing, and just the right amount of high school drama, it’s perfect for those who love mysteries that keep them guessing until the very end.
November 2, 2025
warnings: nothing explicit
Thank-you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
All High School junior Clara wants to do is forget about the terrible accident that happened last year. The terrible accident that nearly destroyed her life. But her fellow students have long memories. She knows she's at fault and what she did was wrong. She's paid her penance. No one else thinks so. No one accept Lily, the only friend Clara has. Lily is the perfect student, perfect daughter, perfect friend.
Isn't she?
When Clara discovers a plan of Lily's that shocks her to the core, Clara is left wondering what has happened to the perfect friend she used to have. Except that plan is just the beginning and soon Clara finds herself reliving her past mistakes while trying to prove her innocence. Because if she doesn't, her future will vanish all together.
.*.*.
My reactions:
Ok. So I did overall enjoy this book. I've enjoyed a few other books by this author and I was glad to enjoy this one too! It's always fun to be a repeat reader of an author. For me it was a solid three stars. It was almost a 3.5 until the ending.
Mostly, I just had issues pacing. And the ending. The beginning felt a bit slow before taking off suddenly. These set-up chapters just didn't feel like they were grounding me enough in the story. By the end, I could recognize all the details that were important and see some of the things that were happening and how it all comes together. But it just never felt like we were settled with the characters. Which resonated throughout the book I think, being grounded with the characters. When we learned what the Accident with Cadence was, it was kind of a let down and not worth the drawn out mystery of what happened. I never felt the severity of the situation.
The ending also felt rushed and I wasn't satisfied with how things were wrapped up in regards to getting answers...and the truth of what happened and why what happened did. Between the reveal with Mariana and Lily's pasts, I was a little disappointed in how quickly some of those issued were glazed over.
I think the author does a great job at creating tension for her wronged characters and does a great job at creating a mystery to bring her reader in. Over all I would recommend this book. It's a great blend of suspense and coming of age as Clara reconciles her past mistakes and I do like seeing her take accountability. A good comp title would be "A Good Girls Guide to Murder" or Natasha Preston's "The Dare."
Thank-you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
All High School junior Clara wants to do is forget about the terrible accident that happened last year. The terrible accident that nearly destroyed her life. But her fellow students have long memories. She knows she's at fault and what she did was wrong. She's paid her penance. No one else thinks so. No one accept Lily, the only friend Clara has. Lily is the perfect student, perfect daughter, perfect friend.
Isn't she?
When Clara discovers a plan of Lily's that shocks her to the core, Clara is left wondering what has happened to the perfect friend she used to have. Except that plan is just the beginning and soon Clara finds herself reliving her past mistakes while trying to prove her innocence. Because if she doesn't, her future will vanish all together.
.*.*.
My reactions:
Ok. So I did overall enjoy this book. I've enjoyed a few other books by this author and I was glad to enjoy this one too! It's always fun to be a repeat reader of an author. For me it was a solid three stars. It was almost a 3.5 until the ending.
Mostly, I just had issues pacing. And the ending. The beginning felt a bit slow before taking off suddenly. These set-up chapters just didn't feel like they were grounding me enough in the story. By the end, I could recognize all the details that were important and see some of the things that were happening and how it all comes together. But it just never felt like we were settled with the characters. Which resonated throughout the book I think, being grounded with the characters. When we learned what the Accident with Cadence was, it was kind of a let down and not worth the drawn out mystery of what happened. I never felt the severity of the situation.
The ending also felt rushed and I wasn't satisfied with how things were wrapped up in regards to getting answers...and the truth of what happened and why what happened did. Between the reveal with Mariana and Lily's pasts, I was a little disappointed in how quickly some of those issued were glazed over.
I think the author does a great job at creating tension for her wronged characters and does a great job at creating a mystery to bring her reader in. Over all I would recommend this book. It's a great blend of suspense and coming of age as Clara reconciles her past mistakes and I do like seeing her take accountability. A good comp title would be "A Good Girls Guide to Murder" or Natasha Preston's "The Dare."
November 13, 2025
Thank you SourceBooks Fire and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. This one was fast paced and very enjoyable! When she was a freshman Clara made a huge mistake, one that cost someone else their future, and made her a criminal. Now it’s her senior year and if it weren’t for her best friend Lily, she would still be an outcast. She still kind of is people really only seem to tolerate her because of her relationship with Lily. You see Lily is the golden student, she’s smart, popular, and everyone loves her. If you are good with Lily then you are good with everyone. But lately Lily has been acting a little off. She’s started asking questions about blowing cars up and talking about people at school who should be taken down, she’s even joked, well Clara thinks it’s a joke, about murder. Then Clara finds a folder that outlines a deadly plan that includes detailed steps and names of targets. Clara decides to get help, only to find that that she is now the suspected terrorist. This has to be a mistake right? Lily will correct them right? Only no one believes her that this was all Lily’s stuff. And more and more evidence is coming to light that makes it seem like Clara was about to do something terrible. She has no way to prove her innocence. Then the people are the target list start to meet terrible fates and Clara is looking guiltier then ever. If Clara doesn’t want to spend the rest of her life in jail she’ll have to find the truth and clear her name. But when all the cards are stacked against you is there really any hope? I think Natalie D. Richard’s very much has me in that feeling of being careful who you trust after this book! A thrill ride that had me hooked from start to finish! I was on the edge of my seat needing to know what happens next, and most of all why? All with a satisfying ending that I didn’t quite see coming! Highly recommend for mystery lovers!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Two Perfect Lies
Thank you so much Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC!
Read this review on my blog here!
https://emmaisabookworm.blogspot.com/...
😘 - there is a slight side plot with romance but not very descriptive
🤬 - language is pretty clean for YA
13+ because the stakes are pretty high and a bomb threat is part of the main plot
I love Natalie D. Richard’s books and this one did not disappoint! Her thrillers pull you in and make you INVESTED. I started this book the day after I got it (because I didn’t check my mail the day it came - my bad), read a little before bed, woke up and finished it the next morning. It is a page turner and I felt myself getting worried for Clara and how she was going to get out of the mess she is in.
☆⛤♥⭑plot⭑♥⛤☆
Clara is the hard working chemistry kid and best friends with the golden girl of the school, Lily. If not for Lily, Clara would still be an outcast. But Lily doesn’t seem as nice anymore. Now, she’s talking about people she wants revenge on. Clara assumes she’s joking and plays along, until it becomes serious when Clara finds a folder filled with details of the plan. When evidence turns up against Clara, she thinks she’s doomed. Everyone knows what happened two years ago so it isn’t looking good. There is no way for Clara to prove she’s innocent. The people in the folder are all meeting unfortunate fates and time is running out.
☆⛤♥⭑clara⭑♥⛤☆
She was such a deep character and I really felt for her, especially her drive to go to a good college. She is really smart, as the reader sees throughout the story. Oh, and “what happened two years ago”? The book takes a chunk of time to get to what really happened then, which made me want to keep reading and it is SO INTERESTING!! The stakes were crazy high for clara, making the book a page turner.
☆⛤♥⭑lily⭑♥⛤☆
She is lowkey a psychopath. This isn’t a spoiler, because Clara figures out Lily planted the evidence early on. I kept being shocked by how far her plan was going and how weel it was working. It was just wild.
☆⛤♥⭑the mystery/thriller aspect⭑♥⛤☆
Have I said this book was a page turner? So good, pretty fast paced and definitely kept me guessing. Even though you know what kind of happened there is still so much to uncover!!
☆⛤♥⭑the romance aspect⭑♥⛤☆
I don’t know, I don't feel like the romance was necessary in this book. It felt really fast and kind of distracted from the main plot
Overall, this book is a great thriller! I don’t think it is my favorite Natalie D. Richards book but it is still pretty high up there!!!
xoxo
emma
Thank you so much Sourcebooks Fire for the ARC!
Read this review on my blog here!
https://emmaisabookworm.blogspot.com/...
😘 - there is a slight side plot with romance but not very descriptive
🤬 - language is pretty clean for YA
13+ because the stakes are pretty high and a bomb threat is part of the main plot
I love Natalie D. Richard’s books and this one did not disappoint! Her thrillers pull you in and make you INVESTED. I started this book the day after I got it (because I didn’t check my mail the day it came - my bad), read a little before bed, woke up and finished it the next morning. It is a page turner and I felt myself getting worried for Clara and how she was going to get out of the mess she is in.
☆⛤♥⭑plot⭑♥⛤☆
Clara is the hard working chemistry kid and best friends with the golden girl of the school, Lily. If not for Lily, Clara would still be an outcast. But Lily doesn’t seem as nice anymore. Now, she’s talking about people she wants revenge on. Clara assumes she’s joking and plays along, until it becomes serious when Clara finds a folder filled with details of the plan. When evidence turns up against Clara, she thinks she’s doomed. Everyone knows what happened two years ago so it isn’t looking good. There is no way for Clara to prove she’s innocent. The people in the folder are all meeting unfortunate fates and time is running out.
☆⛤♥⭑clara⭑♥⛤☆
She was such a deep character and I really felt for her, especially her drive to go to a good college. She is really smart, as the reader sees throughout the story. Oh, and “what happened two years ago”? The book takes a chunk of time to get to what really happened then, which made me want to keep reading and it is SO INTERESTING!! The stakes were crazy high for clara, making the book a page turner.
☆⛤♥⭑lily⭑♥⛤☆
She is lowkey a psychopath. This isn’t a spoiler, because Clara figures out Lily planted the evidence early on. I kept being shocked by how far her plan was going and how weel it was working. It was just wild.
☆⛤♥⭑the mystery/thriller aspect⭑♥⛤☆
Have I said this book was a page turner? So good, pretty fast paced and definitely kept me guessing. Even though you know what kind of happened there is still so much to uncover!!
☆⛤♥⭑the romance aspect⭑♥⛤☆
I don’t know, I don't feel like the romance was necessary in this book. It felt really fast and kind of distracted from the main plot
Overall, this book is a great thriller! I don’t think it is my favorite Natalie D. Richards book but it is still pretty high up there!!!
xoxo
emma
March 23, 2026
This was such a high-tension, mysterious ride! If you’re looking for a "race against the clock" thriller that feels like it’s destined for a movie adaptation, this is it.
The Plot:
The story centers on Clara, and let me tell you, watching her get increasingly framed for murder was incredibly frustrating (in the best way possible). Lily is a total mastermind, and while her actions are beyond "bitchy," the author does a great job of revealing the much darker secrets behind her motivations. Even though Lily isn't exactly "redeemable"—there were definitely other paths she could have taken—you have to bear in mind they are teenagers caught in a whirlwind of chaos.
The Characters:
While the initial introductions felt a bit messy and it took me a second to keep the names straight, the characters really grew on me. I absolutely loved Henry and Sammy! The revelation about Henry's crush was such a cute, heartwarming touch in the middle of all the tension.
The Pacing & Ending:
The book is short, concise, and keeps the stakes high throughout. My only real complaint is the ending. It felt a bit abrupt and sudden for my taste; while everything was wrapped up, I would have loved a bit more room to breathe in those final moments.
Final Verdict:
Overall, a very solid 4-star read. It’s addictive, stressful, and very well-plotted.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The Overview:
• Genre: YA Thriller / Mystery
• Lead Character: Clara (Innocent and fighting for her life)
• The "Mastermind": Lily (Calculated, manipulative, secretive)
• Vibe: Cinematic, against-the-clock, high-stakes.
• Format: Short and concise (Perfect for a weekend binge).
The Plot:
The story centers on Clara, and let me tell you, watching her get increasingly framed for murder was incredibly frustrating (in the best way possible). Lily is a total mastermind, and while her actions are beyond "bitchy," the author does a great job of revealing the much darker secrets behind her motivations. Even though Lily isn't exactly "redeemable"—there were definitely other paths she could have taken—you have to bear in mind they are teenagers caught in a whirlwind of chaos.
The Characters:
While the initial introductions felt a bit messy and it took me a second to keep the names straight, the characters really grew on me. I absolutely loved Henry and Sammy! The revelation about Henry's crush was such a cute, heartwarming touch in the middle of all the tension.
The Pacing & Ending:
The book is short, concise, and keeps the stakes high throughout. My only real complaint is the ending. It felt a bit abrupt and sudden for my taste; while everything was wrapped up, I would have loved a bit more room to breathe in those final moments.
Final Verdict:
Overall, a very solid 4-star read. It’s addictive, stressful, and very well-plotted.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The Overview:
• Genre: YA Thriller / Mystery
• Lead Character: Clara (Innocent and fighting for her life)
• The "Mastermind": Lily (Calculated, manipulative, secretive)
• Vibe: Cinematic, against-the-clock, high-stakes.
• Format: Short and concise (Perfect for a weekend binge).
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