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The Lemon Twist
“My name…is Sam Sailor. Like the others…I am trapped here. And will die here.”
In 1984, Iris Sailor’s brutal fall on the ice unravels everything—her memory, doping secret, and figure skating career. Dumped by her coach/boyfriend and banned from competing, Iris finds herself utterly alone, wishing there was some way she could reconnect with her estranged sister, Sam.
When she returns home after her fall from grace, she finds an old postcard tucked alongside the rest of her mail. Strangely, the card advertising Nova Bay is postmarked September 14, 1981—the same day Sam disappeared. As she’s about to chuck it in the trash, Iris realizes there’s only one word scribbled on the back: HELP.
Tracing clues to a briny Northern California cove, Iris discovers a series of cassette tapes left behind by Sam, who narrates the story of her disappearance three years before. To uncover Sam's fate—and reclaim her own—Iris must piece together fractured memories and let go of the past before her sister and future are lost forever. But will she sink or swim under waves of crippling fear and dark family secrets?
In 1984, Iris Sailor’s brutal fall on the ice unravels everything—her memory, doping secret, and figure skating career. Dumped by her coach/boyfriend and banned from competing, Iris finds herself utterly alone, wishing there was some way she could reconnect with her estranged sister, Sam.
When she returns home after her fall from grace, she finds an old postcard tucked alongside the rest of her mail. Strangely, the card advertising Nova Bay is postmarked September 14, 1981—the same day Sam disappeared. As she’s about to chuck it in the trash, Iris realizes there’s only one word scribbled on the back: HELP.
Tracing clues to a briny Northern California cove, Iris discovers a series of cassette tapes left behind by Sam, who narrates the story of her disappearance three years before. To uncover Sam's fate—and reclaim her own—Iris must piece together fractured memories and let go of the past before her sister and future are lost forever. But will she sink or swim under waves of crippling fear and dark family secrets?
320 pages, Hardcover
Published May 26, 2026
About the author
Élan Les Vies
1 book46 followersÉlan Les Vies is a Californian author of mysteries and thrillers. The recipient of ThrillerFest's 2026 Barbara Peters / Poisoned Pen Scholarship, his writing is shaped by the duality of his upbringing, split between a coastal suburb and a border reservation. He is also known by his stage name, The Coyote, for his cinematic 1960s sound and nostalgic Southwestern brand. Élan currently lives between San Diego and Paris, France with his wife, Clémence, and his Australian Shepherd, Sam.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 2, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
Read this if you want to be immersed into a well-written atmospheric vibe with twists & turns that will make you want to visit the infamous Nova Bay. This was a thriller with a scavenger type element which I really enjoyed.
The intentional ambiguity is a plus; the psychological thrill of second-guessing everything was a roller coaster. Loved it!
I also really liked stumbling upon the words of the title throughout the book; very clever. The plot was engaging, and the twist, though subtle, is very fitting and the character dynamic is raw & real.
Finally, I also appreciated the accurate use of Spanish words throughout the book.
Read this if you want to be immersed into a well-written atmospheric vibe with twists & turns that will make you want to visit the infamous Nova Bay. This was a thriller with a scavenger type element which I really enjoyed.
The intentional ambiguity is a plus; the psychological thrill of second-guessing everything was a roller coaster. Loved it!
I also really liked stumbling upon the words of the title throughout the book; very clever. The plot was engaging, and the twist, though subtle, is very fitting and the character dynamic is raw & real.
Finally, I also appreciated the accurate use of Spanish words throughout the book.
November 29, 2025
*Thank you to Keylight Books/Turner Publishing and Edelweiss for the digital ARC!!*
Lemon Twist is more of a mystery mixed with literary fiction than a thriller in my mind due to lack of violence and suspenseful moments but boy are the twists great! Lemon Twist is about a figure skater named Iris who lost a lot of her memories after a tragic skating accident. Throughout the book, Iris tries to solve the mystery of what happened to her sister and what was taking place as Nova Bay.
It kept me guessing the whole time with twists and reveals throughout and characters that draw you in. It’s incredibly well-written and wraps every loose end up in a tidy bow.
Read if…
- you like a sleuth-y mystery full of twists and puzzles
- You want real character development and story (not a cheap mystery)
- You want a mystery with no violence
Skip if…
- you like your thrillers with blood and gore
- You want high-stakes suspense
Lemon Twist is more of a mystery mixed with literary fiction than a thriller in my mind due to lack of violence and suspenseful moments but boy are the twists great! Lemon Twist is about a figure skater named Iris who lost a lot of her memories after a tragic skating accident. Throughout the book, Iris tries to solve the mystery of what happened to her sister and what was taking place as Nova Bay.
It kept me guessing the whole time with twists and reveals throughout and characters that draw you in. It’s incredibly well-written and wraps every loose end up in a tidy bow.
Read if…
- you like a sleuth-y mystery full of twists and puzzles
- You want real character development and story (not a cheap mystery)
- You want a mystery with no violence
Skip if…
- you like your thrillers with blood and gore
- You want high-stakes suspense
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Lemon Twist is a fun mystery book that will ask you important questions: what would you do for a second chance? And how hard will you seek it?
When an down on her luck amnesiac discovers everything for the second first time, it's hard not to put yourself in her shoes and go through the same emotional turmoil.
Will you push yourself and challenge your pre-conceived ideas, or will you settle for comfortable truth?
Have fun reading it!
When an down on her luck amnesiac discovers everything for the second first time, it's hard not to put yourself in her shoes and go through the same emotional turmoil.
Will you push yourself and challenge your pre-conceived ideas, or will you settle for comfortable truth?
Have fun reading it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2026
This is a great book full of mysteries to uncover and a sort of scavenger hunt for the main character Iris. Iris receives a postcard with one word on it, "HELP." She is bound and determined to find out what has happened to her sister Sam and Sam's girlfriend Sierra. The illusive medical facility, and the doctor no one seems to know... It's full of twists! The story is very engaging. and kept me guessing until the very end.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I must admit, I almost passed up this intriguing mystery read due to its cover. While it is appealing, it doesn’t quite align with the genre, so I really hope more readers will take the plunge and give this book a chance, even if the cover doesn’t initially grab their attention!
Iris Sailor confronts the aftermath of a devastating fall that jeopardizes her figure skating career and isolates her from her loved ones, including her estranged sister, Sam. Upon returning home, a postcard leads Iris to a Northern California cove where she finds cassette tapes left by Sam, who disappeared years earlier. Driven to uncover the truth about her sister's fate and reconcile her past, Iris grapples with deep-seated fears and family secrets, raising the stakes of her journey for redemption and understanding.
The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Iris, Sam, and Sierra, utilizing a dual timeline that allows us to piece together this complex mystery. The inclusion of recorded tapes adds an immersive feel, taking us back in time to the era of cassettes and Walkmans—a delightful flashback! From the moment you dive into the story, set in 1984, you will be drawn in and won’t want to let go until you unravel this mystery alongside Iris. She’s a flawed, incredibly relatable character who grapples with various struggles, including the search for her missing sister. In some ways, Iris reminds me of a more carefree Nancy Drew. It’s a wild ride to join her on this journey!
The writing is sharp and suspenseful, with the author skillfully withholding information until the very end. As you search for Sam, tiny hints are sprinkled throughout, though they won't truly come together until the final reveal. I absolutely loved the conclusion and the meaningful message behind the story. I’d classify this book as a blend of mystery and young adult fiction—it's one of those reads that leaves you with a warm feeling at the end. The twist and resolution were unexpected yet incredibly satisfying; there was no way I could have anticipated it.
The secluded setting had a closed-room mystery vibe, and the vivid descriptions made me feel the chill in my bones and the water soaking into my shoes. I felt fully immersed alongside Iris as we uncovered the truths about Sam and Sierra, viewing everything from a fresh perspective. Not reading the blurb beforehand kept me pleasantly surprised, and I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating tale. It was heartwarming, cozy, and filled with suspense, all while carrying a sense of hope.
This story is perfect for anyone who enjoys sleuthing in unexpected places, especially if you have the patience to piece together a mystery surrounded by bizarre occurrences and can appreciate the lengths to which one might go for a new lease on life. I discovered this book when the author reached out to me directly and invited me to take a look. The cover didn’t draw me in, but I always strive to support indie authors on their exciting journeys. I’m so glad I decided to read this one—it turned out to be a fantastic experience. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to jump on my Bookstagram and brag about this book! Ha!
Thank you, Turner Publishing Company and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Iris Sailor confronts the aftermath of a devastating fall that jeopardizes her figure skating career and isolates her from her loved ones, including her estranged sister, Sam. Upon returning home, a postcard leads Iris to a Northern California cove where she finds cassette tapes left by Sam, who disappeared years earlier. Driven to uncover the truth about her sister's fate and reconcile her past, Iris grapples with deep-seated fears and family secrets, raising the stakes of her journey for redemption and understanding.
The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of Iris, Sam, and Sierra, utilizing a dual timeline that allows us to piece together this complex mystery. The inclusion of recorded tapes adds an immersive feel, taking us back in time to the era of cassettes and Walkmans—a delightful flashback! From the moment you dive into the story, set in 1984, you will be drawn in and won’t want to let go until you unravel this mystery alongside Iris. She’s a flawed, incredibly relatable character who grapples with various struggles, including the search for her missing sister. In some ways, Iris reminds me of a more carefree Nancy Drew. It’s a wild ride to join her on this journey!
The writing is sharp and suspenseful, with the author skillfully withholding information until the very end. As you search for Sam, tiny hints are sprinkled throughout, though they won't truly come together until the final reveal. I absolutely loved the conclusion and the meaningful message behind the story. I’d classify this book as a blend of mystery and young adult fiction—it's one of those reads that leaves you with a warm feeling at the end. The twist and resolution were unexpected yet incredibly satisfying; there was no way I could have anticipated it.
The secluded setting had a closed-room mystery vibe, and the vivid descriptions made me feel the chill in my bones and the water soaking into my shoes. I felt fully immersed alongside Iris as we uncovered the truths about Sam and Sierra, viewing everything from a fresh perspective. Not reading the blurb beforehand kept me pleasantly surprised, and I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating tale. It was heartwarming, cozy, and filled with suspense, all while carrying a sense of hope.
This story is perfect for anyone who enjoys sleuthing in unexpected places, especially if you have the patience to piece together a mystery surrounded by bizarre occurrences and can appreciate the lengths to which one might go for a new lease on life. I discovered this book when the author reached out to me directly and invited me to take a look. The cover didn’t draw me in, but I always strive to support indie authors on their exciting journeys. I’m so glad I decided to read this one—it turned out to be a fantastic experience. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to jump on my Bookstagram and brag about this book! Ha!
Thank you, Turner Publishing Company and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It is hard to pin down the genre to shelve "The Lemon Twist." It's a wild story that is part mystery, part scavenger hunt, and part complex family story. After a serious ice skating injury, competetive skater, Iris Sailor, leaves competitive skating in disgrace. She's nearing the peak of her career, but post-accident blood tests reveal that she'd taken banned performance enhancing drugs result in her being disqualified from competition for the next few years. Not only that, but her head injury has left her with partial amnesia, her memory like swiss cheese.
Just a few years ago, it appeared that her older sister, Sam (Samantha) passed away from the mysterious and uncurable NOVA virus. She, along with her girlfriend who'd infected her, had been in a special clinic on the Northern California coast for rare viral diseases when she ultimately passed away. When Iris arrives from the hospital after her accident, she finds a mysterious postcard from the location where Sam was hospitalized postmarked three years ago that only said "HELP." With her future on the rocks, Iris heads north from San Francisco to try to figure out what happened. When they were children, Sam would entertain Iris with scavenger hunts that required her to decipher clues. Iris learns that this is another such situation, but why did it take three years to get Sam's plea?
The overarching questions are what was going on at the Center, what happened to its patients, and where is the mysterious doctor who ran it? Sam runs into a journalist who also has questions and they join forces to figure out what happened.
While the story requires a huge amount of suspension of disbelief it is a fun, fast-paced, and twisty story. Would someone just out of the hospital and with retrograde amnesia blindly drive north without provisions or money to buy gas? But if you're willing to ignore these leaps of faith, it is fun to try to figure out the puzzle along with Iris.
The one issue I had with the writing is that there is a bit of "head hopping" without clear transition to the new POV. At times, it proved a bit distracting and I had to re-read a couple of paragraphs to figure out from whose head the thought was coming. Most of the transitions are clear though, e.g. different chapters.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing an advance copy for my review.
Just a few years ago, it appeared that her older sister, Sam (Samantha) passed away from the mysterious and uncurable NOVA virus. She, along with her girlfriend who'd infected her, had been in a special clinic on the Northern California coast for rare viral diseases when she ultimately passed away. When Iris arrives from the hospital after her accident, she finds a mysterious postcard from the location where Sam was hospitalized postmarked three years ago that only said "HELP." With her future on the rocks, Iris heads north from San Francisco to try to figure out what happened. When they were children, Sam would entertain Iris with scavenger hunts that required her to decipher clues. Iris learns that this is another such situation, but why did it take three years to get Sam's plea?
The overarching questions are what was going on at the Center, what happened to its patients, and where is the mysterious doctor who ran it? Sam runs into a journalist who also has questions and they join forces to figure out what happened.
While the story requires a huge amount of suspension of disbelief it is a fun, fast-paced, and twisty story. Would someone just out of the hospital and with retrograde amnesia blindly drive north without provisions or money to buy gas? But if you're willing to ignore these leaps of faith, it is fun to try to figure out the puzzle along with Iris.
The one issue I had with the writing is that there is a bit of "head hopping" without clear transition to the new POV. At times, it proved a bit distracting and I had to re-read a couple of paragraphs to figure out from whose head the thought was coming. Most of the transitions are clear though, e.g. different chapters.
Thank you to Net Galley for providing an advance copy for my review.
May 25, 2026
A book that features figure skating and 80s nostalgia is right up my alley and The Lemon Twist fit the bill. Iris Sailor was a rising figure skating star in Northern California when an injury revealed that she had been using performance enhancing drugs. Dropped by her skating club, her partner, coach and boyfriend (plus being banned from competition until 1990) she has lost everything. When she returns to her apartment in San Francisco a postcard is in her mail, dated three years earlier and the exact day her older sister Sam disappeared. One word is scribbled on the back: Help. Iris's concussion has created retrograde amnesia and she's struggling with certain memories-some are clear and others are black. The postcard features more than that word-it's embedded with clues that lead Iris to a tiny cove and start to unlock the mystery of Sam's disappearance and Iris's memories. Iris finds cassette tapes recording Sam's time in Nova Bay, recorded directly to Iris that detail Sam's last days. The recordings and clues left behind by Sam lead Iris to unravel an even larger mystery. But is it too late and just how much danger is she in?
Elan Les Vies takes readers on an interesting journey, set in the early 80s. There is definite nostalgia in this novel and given the internet and technology, this story could not be told today in the same manner. What felt a little disjointed at times was the narrator/perspective as it shifted occasionally without clear indicators; and due to Iris's injury there were scenes and chapters that felt like readers were missing certain details and then the missing details would become clearer further into the story. The virus storyline seemed to be leading in one direction that felt obvious given the symptoms described and transmission until the twists were revealed-definitely kept me guessing. The play on the title throughout was fun and the second half of the story really picks up more cohesively. One minor quibble is the mention of the Department of Homeland Security-that wasn't formed until after 9/11 and did not exist in the early 80s. Overall, a very unique premise, story and conclusion. 3.5 stars
Elan Les Vies takes readers on an interesting journey, set in the early 80s. There is definite nostalgia in this novel and given the internet and technology, this story could not be told today in the same manner. What felt a little disjointed at times was the narrator/perspective as it shifted occasionally without clear indicators; and due to Iris's injury there were scenes and chapters that felt like readers were missing certain details and then the missing details would become clearer further into the story. The virus storyline seemed to be leading in one direction that felt obvious given the symptoms described and transmission until the twists were revealed-definitely kept me guessing. The play on the title throughout was fun and the second half of the story really picks up more cohesively. One minor quibble is the mention of the Department of Homeland Security-that wasn't formed until after 9/11 and did not exist in the early 80s. Overall, a very unique premise, story and conclusion. 3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Author
CW: Minor spoilers! As a California native, I’ve always loved the local lore that slithers up and down the spine of the Sunshine Coast. From eerie dessert towns and gold-ridden mountains to frigid bodies of water and densley rich forests of towering redwoods, the state isn’t short on legend or tall tale. This book spun one of my favorite questions into a full fledged mystery adventure: what is at the bottom of those damn lakes? Iris Sailor, failed skating extraordinaire and crossword puzzle genius, answers that question on her own journey to find out what happened to her older sister, Sam. She’s led to Nova Bay, and let me tell you— the vibes of the cooky town Iris finds herself in get weird and unexplainable real fast. Blast from the past recordings. Run-ins with high school crushes. Too convenient coincidences galore. HUMAN REMAINS?! The author made sure Nova Bay has it all. And while such a whirlwind would be far too much for me to handle, it isn’t for Iris. An athlete, fallen from stardom or not, doesn’t back down from a challenge. She is a character worth rooting for, equal parts Nancy Drew and annoying kid sister, who you feel growing in determination with each puzzle piece she puts into place. The story itself will make you laugh, it will piss you off, it will make you say, “Oh shit. Didn’t see that one coming.” But regardless of where you find yourself on the rollercoaster, the prose will be SOLID. Loved the writing style through and through. Les Vies does such a great job of embodying an elevated but restrained voice through the text. And by the end of the novel, he makes sure to leave no stone unturned in his plot either! Highly recommend this little read. Pro tip: read alongside a nice glass of red wine…or perhaps, a lemon twist!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love to pick a book that will keep me guessing and put my brain to work and that's why I picked up this one. This is of course a mystery and you can expect many moving pieces here, Iris' sister, her lacking memory, the facility (🤫) and the unfortunate way she left her career, all of that presses greatly down on her and how she moves forward in the story as she starts to unravel the dark secret behind her sister's disappearance.
Now, like I said, I love puzzles, I love playing games where to move the story along you have to figure them out and I would really have had no problem with the way the puzzles are presented to us here if I had been able to get submerged in the story and that unfortunately didn't happen for me.
In my opinion as a reader of 24yo+, this book will definitely get benefited from a Young Adult genre tag because the writing, the pacing and how the author sets the mood and our own main character, Iris, comes off as extremely young and judging by the timeline presented to us, that Is expected and tagging it as such will help the right readers to find this book.
And I'm sure when they do find it, they will absolutely love to solve the mystery and found out about Sam and Sierra together with Iris because that part was fun and intriguing regardless of how I personally felt about the writing!
Thank you Turner Publishing Company and NetGalley for the ARC. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Now, like I said, I love puzzles, I love playing games where to move the story along you have to figure them out and I would really have had no problem with the way the puzzles are presented to us here if I had been able to get submerged in the story and that unfortunately didn't happen for me.
In my opinion as a reader of 24yo+, this book will definitely get benefited from a Young Adult genre tag because the writing, the pacing and how the author sets the mood and our own main character, Iris, comes off as extremely young and judging by the timeline presented to us, that Is expected and tagging it as such will help the right readers to find this book.
And I'm sure when they do find it, they will absolutely love to solve the mystery and found out about Sam and Sierra together with Iris because that part was fun and intriguing regardless of how I personally felt about the writing!
Thank you Turner Publishing Company and NetGalley for the ARC. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5
This story follows our protagonist, Iris, through a series of puzzles as she tries to unfold the mystery of her sister’s, Sam, disappearance. Iris is struggling through amnesia so we follow along with her as she remembers situations and makes connections with what she finds while hunting down clues. It’s about choosing your blood relatives as found family and embracing second chances. There is a lot of suspending disbelief which made me almost set the book down, but ultimately, it’s a cozy story and worth the suspension. I think it could have benefited from some magical realism to tie in these belief suspensions a bit easier and that is my greatest critique of the book.
I think this book could benefit from a young adult tag, while the story is cohesive and the plot is well flushed out, I find the writing to be simple and the mystery to be less twisty than the blurb makes it out to be—not a book for people who like intense psychological thrillers. While this novel was not what I was expecting nor something I typically reach for, it is still a good story. I know a few people who like mysteries but cannot do thrillers who would love this book. This is a scaredy cat approved mystery.
Thank you to the author, Turner Publishing Company, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This story follows our protagonist, Iris, through a series of puzzles as she tries to unfold the mystery of her sister’s, Sam, disappearance. Iris is struggling through amnesia so we follow along with her as she remembers situations and makes connections with what she finds while hunting down clues. It’s about choosing your blood relatives as found family and embracing second chances. There is a lot of suspending disbelief which made me almost set the book down, but ultimately, it’s a cozy story and worth the suspension. I think it could have benefited from some magical realism to tie in these belief suspensions a bit easier and that is my greatest critique of the book.
I think this book could benefit from a young adult tag, while the story is cohesive and the plot is well flushed out, I find the writing to be simple and the mystery to be less twisty than the blurb makes it out to be—not a book for people who like intense psychological thrillers. While this novel was not what I was expecting nor something I typically reach for, it is still a good story. I know a few people who like mysteries but cannot do thrillers who would love this book. This is a scaredy cat approved mystery.
Thank you to the author, Turner Publishing Company, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2026
✨📚 This debut novel follows Iris Sailor, a pro figure skater whose fall on the ice shatters her memory and career. When she receives a mysterious postcard that simply says “HELP”, she’s pulled into a haunting search to uncover her sister's fate 💌🕵️♀️
There were a few moments of info‑dumping and repetition early on, and I occasionally had to re‑orient myself during the tape chapters 🎧 Just assume Iris hears everything during the Tape chapters. I did see part of the ending coming early on, but regardless, the story kept me hooked as Iris pieced together the truth, and the ending tied everything together beautifully. Those last few chapters had me so nervous and on edge for Iris. Man did life give Iris's family LEMONS!
It’s a clever, emotional mystery that makes you think and feel as you uncover the puzzle alongside Iris 🧩💭 This was a fun read and a great break from my sci‑fi binge 🚀 and I loved seeing my baby Halo (red merle Aussie with different eye colors 👀🐾) represented! Plus, there’s lesbian rep for the LGBTQIA+ community 🌈
For a debut, this was impressive; the author should be proud 👏 I’m excited to see what comes next! 💛📖
Trigger Warnings:
Substance Abuse
Addiction
Parental Distance
Parental Lose
Toxic Relationships
Abuse
Borderline Eating Disorder
Borderline Body Dysmorphia
There were a few moments of info‑dumping and repetition early on, and I occasionally had to re‑orient myself during the tape chapters 🎧 Just assume Iris hears everything during the Tape chapters. I did see part of the ending coming early on, but regardless, the story kept me hooked as Iris pieced together the truth, and the ending tied everything together beautifully. Those last few chapters had me so nervous and on edge for Iris. Man did life give Iris's family LEMONS!
It’s a clever, emotional mystery that makes you think and feel as you uncover the puzzle alongside Iris 🧩💭 This was a fun read and a great break from my sci‑fi binge 🚀 and I loved seeing my baby Halo (red merle Aussie with different eye colors 👀🐾) represented! Plus, there’s lesbian rep for the LGBTQIA+ community 🌈
For a debut, this was impressive; the author should be proud 👏 I’m excited to see what comes next! 💛📖
Trigger Warnings:
Substance Abuse
Addiction
Parental Distance
Parental Lose
Toxic Relationships
Abuse
Borderline Eating Disorder
Borderline Body Dysmorphia
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Part mystery, part family drama, part historical fiction… This debut novel checks so many boxes, and I was completely pulled into its cold, atmospheric world of fractured memories, buried secrets, and second chances.
What really worked for me was how immersive the writing felt. The secluded Northern California setting creates this haunting closed-room mystery vibe where you constantly feel like something terrible is lurking just beneath the surface. The author spends so much time building the characters and relationships that by the time the mystery fully unfolds, you feel emotionally invested in every revelation.
I also loved how unpredictable this story was. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story shifted in another direction. The pacing moves quickly, but it never sacrifices the emotional weight of the family drama underneath the mystery. At its core, this is a story asking what someone would risk for redemption and whether a second chance can ever truly erase the past. And that ending? I genuinely did not see it coming.
For a debut novel, this is incredibly confident and well crafted, and I’m already excited to see what Elan Les Vies writes next.
What really worked for me was how immersive the writing felt. The secluded Northern California setting creates this haunting closed-room mystery vibe where you constantly feel like something terrible is lurking just beneath the surface. The author spends so much time building the characters and relationships that by the time the mystery fully unfolds, you feel emotionally invested in every revelation.
I also loved how unpredictable this story was. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story shifted in another direction. The pacing moves quickly, but it never sacrifices the emotional weight of the family drama underneath the mystery. At its core, this is a story asking what someone would risk for redemption and whether a second chance can ever truly erase the past. And that ending? I genuinely did not see it coming.
For a debut novel, this is incredibly confident and well crafted, and I’m already excited to see what Elan Les Vies writes next.
Review of advance copy
I just finished The Lemon Twist and WOW. This book completely pulled me in from the very beginning. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, another twist hit me and somehow it just kept getting better. The emotional tension, the secrets, the unexpected turns — all of it was so well done that I genuinely could not stop reading.
What really made this story stand out to me though was the character development. The characters felt raw, flawed, and real in a way that made their struggles hit so much harder. Watching them navigate pain, growth, relationships, and personal battles made me so emotionally invested in their journey. You don’t just read this book — you feel it.
Elan Les Vies created a story that balances heartbreak, healing, tension, and hope beautifully. The struggles throughout the book never felt forced; they felt authentic and meaningful, which made every breakthrough and revelation so satisfying.
If you love books with layered characters, emotional depth, and twists that leave you staring at the wall afterward trying to process everything… this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
What really made this story stand out to me though was the character development. The characters felt raw, flawed, and real in a way that made their struggles hit so much harder. Watching them navigate pain, growth, relationships, and personal battles made me so emotionally invested in their journey. You don’t just read this book — you feel it.
Elan Les Vies created a story that balances heartbreak, healing, tension, and hope beautifully. The struggles throughout the book never felt forced; they felt authentic and meaningful, which made every breakthrough and revelation so satisfying.
If you love books with layered characters, emotional depth, and twists that leave you staring at the wall afterward trying to process everything… this one absolutely deserves a spot on your shelf.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is such an interesting mystery with plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
After suffering an ice skating accident, that affects her memory and destroys her career, Iris feels lost. When she receives a postcard from her missing sister (Sam), dated the day she remembers seeing her the last time, Iris feels like she found her new purpose. And maybe if she manages to find Sam, she will be able to find a way to turn her life around.
I have obviously been reading too much scifi and fantasy because after reading the synopsis for this story I just assumed the mystery will be supernatural. But no, this was a really well done, realistic mystery with well set up clues that still leave you with no idea where the story is going, for a very long time.
I'm usually pretty good at guessing twists and turns of mysteries but this book caught me out multiple times. Iris and Sam are both such great characters and the story that seems to be set up with such a dark conclusion ends up being a really good time
Thank you to Turner Publishing Company and Elan Les Vies for providing me with this ARC.
After suffering an ice skating accident, that affects her memory and destroys her career, Iris feels lost. When she receives a postcard from her missing sister (Sam), dated the day she remembers seeing her the last time, Iris feels like she found her new purpose. And maybe if she manages to find Sam, she will be able to find a way to turn her life around.
I have obviously been reading too much scifi and fantasy because after reading the synopsis for this story I just assumed the mystery will be supernatural. But no, this was a really well done, realistic mystery with well set up clues that still leave you with no idea where the story is going, for a very long time.
I'm usually pretty good at guessing twists and turns of mysteries but this book caught me out multiple times. Iris and Sam are both such great characters and the story that seems to be set up with such a dark conclusion ends up being a really good time
Thank you to Turner Publishing Company and Elan Les Vies for providing me with this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This novel delivers a compelling and intricately crafted mystery that will captivate you from beginning to end. At its core, the story unfolds like a carefully designed scavenger hunt, drawing you into a layered journey of discovery alongside the protagonist, Iris, as she searches for her missing sister.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to weave together a multitude of clues, each revealing new dimensions of the narrative while deepening the intrigue. The pacing is deliberate yet engaging, allowing tension to build steadily as each revelation raises further questions. Readers are not merely observers but active participants, piecing together the puzzle as the story progresses.
Overall, this book stands out as a richly layered mystery that rewards attentive reading. Its combination of a scavenger hunt structure, emotional stakes, and relentless twists makes it a memorable and satisfying experience for fans of the genre.
Thank you to the author, Turner Publishing Company, and NetGalley for the earc in exchange for my honest review.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to weave together a multitude of clues, each revealing new dimensions of the narrative while deepening the intrigue. The pacing is deliberate yet engaging, allowing tension to build steadily as each revelation raises further questions. Readers are not merely observers but active participants, piecing together the puzzle as the story progresses.
Overall, this book stands out as a richly layered mystery that rewards attentive reading. Its combination of a scavenger hunt structure, emotional stakes, and relentless twists makes it a memorable and satisfying experience for fans of the genre.
Thank you to the author, Turner Publishing Company, and NetGalley for the earc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lemon Twist is a great book for people who like to unfold some mysteries about their own families and ties. We follow the MC across this compelling story. searching for her missing parts. The way she unfolds it is very well written and driven. As well as the way the other characters were presented to us.
Although all said, I really think this book would benefit from Young Adult tagging. This story is well-made for a young adult trying to navigate through life and emotions. I really understand the proposal here, but at the same time, I believe the narrative really draws on the Young Adult aesthetic, and sometimes it really sticks to getting to know your true self and other selves.
We would really enjoy the side characters if we had a little more development for them. I feel that some characters were just there to build something, so when the MC needs it, there's the solution.
I really liked this reading, and I thank The author, The Turner Publisher, and NetGally for this book in exchange of my honest review.
Although all said, I really think this book would benefit from Young Adult tagging. This story is well-made for a young adult trying to navigate through life and emotions. I really understand the proposal here, but at the same time, I believe the narrative really draws on the Young Adult aesthetic, and sometimes it really sticks to getting to know your true self and other selves.
We would really enjoy the side characters if we had a little more development for them. I feel that some characters were just there to build something, so when the MC needs it, there's the solution.
I really liked this reading, and I thank The author, The Turner Publisher, and NetGally for this book in exchange of my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
✦•┈๑⋅⋯ The Lemon Twist by Élan Les Vies ⋯⋅๑┈•✦
➝ • 3.5/5 ☆ •
☆꧁✬◦°˚°◦..◦°˚°◦✬꧂☆
This story felt clever in a way that kept me curious, even when it drifted into slightly silly territory. Some moments stretched reality a bit, especially toward the end, but I still enjoyed the ride. There was a soft sadness in watching Iris try to pull her memories together, and it added a weight I didn’t expect. Sam and Sierra’s backstories brought a quiet ache that made the mystery feel more personal.
The whole thing gave me that little detective feeling, like I was piecing things together right beside Iris. The atmosphere, the tapes, the fractured memories, all of it worked together in a way that felt strange and interesting, even when it wasn’t perfect.
☆꧁✬◦°˚°◦..◦°˚°◦✬꧂☆
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
If you like:
✔️ memory fractured mysteries
✔️ sister centered tension
✔️ 80s coastal atmosphere
✔️ stories told through tapes
✔️ emotional mysteries
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
📅 Pub Day: May 26, 2026 📚
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from Turner Publishing Company. All opinions are my own.
➝ • 3.5/5 ☆ •
☆꧁✬◦°˚°◦..◦°˚°◦✬꧂☆
This story felt clever in a way that kept me curious, even when it drifted into slightly silly territory. Some moments stretched reality a bit, especially toward the end, but I still enjoyed the ride. There was a soft sadness in watching Iris try to pull her memories together, and it added a weight I didn’t expect. Sam and Sierra’s backstories brought a quiet ache that made the mystery feel more personal.
The whole thing gave me that little detective feeling, like I was piecing things together right beside Iris. The atmosphere, the tapes, the fractured memories, all of it worked together in a way that felt strange and interesting, even when it wasn’t perfect.
☆꧁✬◦°˚°◦..◦°˚°◦✬꧂☆
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
If you like:
✔️ memory fractured mysteries
✔️ sister centered tension
✔️ 80s coastal atmosphere
✔️ stories told through tapes
✔️ emotional mysteries
── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──
📅 Pub Day: May 26, 2026 📚
💌 ARC gifted via NetGalley from Turner Publishing Company. All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2026
4.25/5✨
This was a great thriller unlike anything I’ve read before. The Lemon Twist follows Iris, a figure skater who is down on her luck and recovering from a brain injury. She receives a mysterious postcard that leads her to believe her sister is in danger. She goes on a journey to help her, and in doing so, finds herself in a seemingly abandoned part of California. This place holds the clues she needs to find out what happened to her sister, and we get a front row seat to her solving this puzzle.
This is well-written with steady pacing. The characters have depth that doesn’t feel forced into the story. Also, I love any queer romance, but it hits my heart especially hard when it is tied to the HIV epidemic.
My main critique is that the ending felt over-explained at times and too neatly tied-up for my taste. That’s probably just the cynic in me!
Thank you to the author, Turner Publishing Company, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a great thriller unlike anything I’ve read before. The Lemon Twist follows Iris, a figure skater who is down on her luck and recovering from a brain injury. She receives a mysterious postcard that leads her to believe her sister is in danger. She goes on a journey to help her, and in doing so, finds herself in a seemingly abandoned part of California. This place holds the clues she needs to find out what happened to her sister, and we get a front row seat to her solving this puzzle.
This is well-written with steady pacing. The characters have depth that doesn’t feel forced into the story. Also, I love any queer romance, but it hits my heart especially hard when it is tied to the HIV epidemic.
My main critique is that the ending felt over-explained at times and too neatly tied-up for my taste. That’s probably just the cynic in me!
Thank you to the author, Turner Publishing Company, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
WOW WHAT A READ!
I was on the edge of my seat for this one. We follow Iris, a disgraced figure skater and recent amnesiac, as she looks for her sister who disappeared and uncovers the mystery of what happened to her.
I really appreciate that we are all in the dark on what has happened as we flick between our main character and her sisters tapes left for her to find. The author was very very good at leaving slight clues for me to theorise over which we love for a mystery!
The author also is so visceral with their imagery and wording especially when describing the condition of the patients in the centre.
My only complaint of sorts:
I loved when the curtain fell and I learned everything - it felt a little too perfect though like every single thread was tied and rushed. I like when things don't always go to plan so I would've liked things to go awry just a little more or at least we see more of them struggling to solve the issues at the end of the book.
I was on the edge of my seat for this one. We follow Iris, a disgraced figure skater and recent amnesiac, as she looks for her sister who disappeared and uncovers the mystery of what happened to her.
I really appreciate that we are all in the dark on what has happened as we flick between our main character and her sisters tapes left for her to find. The author was very very good at leaving slight clues for me to theorise over which we love for a mystery!
The author also is so visceral with their imagery and wording especially when describing the condition of the patients in the centre.
My only complaint of sorts:
I loved when the curtain fell and I learned everything - it felt a little too perfect though like every single thread was tied and rushed. I like when things don't always go to plan so I would've liked things to go awry just a little more or at least we see more of them struggling to solve the issues at the end of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Read this if you enjoy mysteries with a scavenger hunt that are full of twists. I relate the deciphering of clues similiar to the kind found in the DaVinci Code, not just simple puzzles but complex pieces that create a bigger picture. This book gave me more young adult mystery vibes as opposed to high stakes thriller. The writing and pacing of the book makes it easy to continue turning pages and trying to find out what happened to Sam as well as what is happening in Nova Bay.
"Sierra was worth every risk I ever took.”
“She was worth all of this.”
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I'm glad I happened upon. After reading the blurb I was very interested in finding out how the title and cover image relate to the written words. And find out I did. Very clever. I enjoyed this.
Thank you to @netgalley and @elanlesvies for the early copy of your book.
#TheLemonTwist #mystery #suspense #YoungAdult #NewRelease2026
"Sierra was worth every risk I ever took.”
“She was worth all of this.”
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I'm glad I happened upon. After reading the blurb I was very interested in finding out how the title and cover image relate to the written words. And find out I did. Very clever. I enjoyed this.
Thank you to @netgalley and @elanlesvies for the early copy of your book.
#TheLemonTwist #mystery #suspense #YoungAdult #NewRelease2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The description sounded intriguing enough, and I liked the cover too, but this book ended up being a rather underwhelming read for me.
Mind you, it's a fully subjective experience, especially in this instance, where it was most certainly a simple absence of chemistry between the reader and the story.
The writing was perfectly decent, and the author took every stride to be original. Which is why I'm elevating my rating to three stars.
But I didn't care about the characters - mostly, because they were much too young, and I found the plot to be much too convoluted and credulity-straining, especially considering the young age of its protagonists.
User mileage will definitely vary on this one.
Thanks Netgalley.
Mind you, it's a fully subjective experience, especially in this instance, where it was most certainly a simple absence of chemistry between the reader and the story.
The writing was perfectly decent, and the author took every stride to be original. Which is why I'm elevating my rating to three stars.
But I didn't care about the characters - mostly, because they were much too young, and I found the plot to be much too convoluted and credulity-straining, especially considering the young age of its protagonists.
User mileage will definitely vary on this one.
Thanks Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story had a strong start and a lot of potential, but the writing style pulled me out of the experience at times. Some of the descriptions felt confusing or physically unrealistic: for example, during a panic attack at the beginning of the story, the line “tears roll up her spine and roll down her cheeks” didn’t quite make sense. Moments like this made me stop and reread passages just to understand what was happening, which disrupted the flow of the mystery.
The premise itself is very interesting, and there’s a lot to like in the setup, but in my opinion, the book could have benefited from more editing to clarify and refine some of the phrasing.
I do feel like this story has a lot of potential and would make a very interesting movie.
The premise itself is very interesting, and there’s a lot to like in the setup, but in my opinion, the book could have benefited from more editing to clarify and refine some of the phrasing.
I do feel like this story has a lot of potential and would make a very interesting movie.
May 18, 2026
I received a complimentary early release version of this book, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Part mystery, part literary fiction, this book was a good mix. I spent the first half of this book very intrigued and confused. I couldn't tell what was real, what was actually happening, or what might have been imagined. I think that feeling was fully intentional since the FMC has some memory loss.
Things slowly start to clear up after the halfway point, but the twists keep coming.
The setting for this book was brought to life so well that it made me want to visit this place in real life.
More mystery than thriller, no violence or killing, but full of tension and anxiety.
If you like puzzles, great characters, and atmospheric reads, then this is one for you.
Part mystery, part literary fiction, this book was a good mix. I spent the first half of this book very intrigued and confused. I couldn't tell what was real, what was actually happening, or what might have been imagined. I think that feeling was fully intentional since the FMC has some memory loss.
Things slowly start to clear up after the halfway point, but the twists keep coming.
The setting for this book was brought to life so well that it made me want to visit this place in real life.
More mystery than thriller, no violence or killing, but full of tension and anxiety.
If you like puzzles, great characters, and atmospheric reads, then this is one for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It is so hard to write a review without gushing/spoiling all the juicy details that made me love this book!! The Lemon Twist is a thrilling story that captures your curiosity from the very first page and it beautifully carries you through the most unexpected journey. I enjoyed piecing the story together with the fragments of Iris’ mind to find out what happened to her sister, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the ending. From the crazy plot twists to the beautiful use of imagery that makes you feel as if you’re actually living Iris’ journey, The Lemon Twist is the perfect read for mystery lovers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was total insanity. The twists and turns were crazy and intriguing; I was guessing and guessing wrong the whole time haha. Pacing was quick and stayed that way the entire time. The story was engrossing.
However, it felt very unbelievable to me. Like the story wraps up well and the pieces fall into place so that the story does make sense. But what and how everything was accomplished seemed far-fetched. And without ruining the ending, I highly disagree with the logic behind the decisions made. Grey areas do exist in life, but this was way too much grey imo.
Huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Turner Publishing for the advance copy!!
However, it felt very unbelievable to me. Like the story wraps up well and the pieces fall into place so that the story does make sense. But what and how everything was accomplished seemed far-fetched. And without ruining the ending, I highly disagree with the logic behind the decisions made. Grey areas do exist in life, but this was way too much grey imo.
Huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Turner Publishing for the advance copy!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book held me from the first chapter and wouldn't let go. I loved the subtle way that the story unfolded, weaving in lush descriptions of setting and story that wrapped my imagination into a world that was so creative yet twisty.
The characters were revealed with skill and expertise. I enjoyed their multiple layers and many-faceted personalities. Their stories were so heart-wrenching!
THE LEMON TWIST was not my usual kind of read, which added to its overrriding appeal for me. An unputdownable story.
The characters were revealed with skill and expertise. I enjoyed their multiple layers and many-faceted personalities. Their stories were so heart-wrenching!
THE LEMON TWIST was not my usual kind of read, which added to its overrriding appeal for me. An unputdownable story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an extremely entertaining read. Iris Sailor, disgraced and embarrassed for failing drug testing for competitive figure skating, finds herself being rescued after falling under a frozen portion of cove in Northern California. Iris sets out to discover more clues and pieces to the puzzle, set in the early 1980’s, I really enjoyed all the nostalgic moments and mentions sprinkled throughout. A dual timeline with dual point of views, we learn the story of sisters Iris and Sam. Filled with tension, secrets and very atmospheric, this one will make you think until the very end.
May 13, 2026
3.5
I really wanted to love this, and there were definitely a lot of things to like! The story started off strong, and the vibes at the bay were incredible. However, it did feel like the story had two unreliable narrators, which, admittedly, is not my favorite. When the big reveal happened, it felt just a little too predictable; a little too neat and tidy. Overall, I had a good time with this story, and would definitely read something by this author again!
I really wanted to love this, and there were definitely a lot of things to like! The story started off strong, and the vibes at the bay were incredible. However, it did feel like the story had two unreliable narrators, which, admittedly, is not my favorite. When the big reveal happened, it felt just a little too predictable; a little too neat and tidy. Overall, I had a good time with this story, and would definitely read something by this author again!
December 6, 2025
A nice mystery with lovely prose. It kept me guessing until the reveal and left me wanting to take a trip up the coast to find my own Nova Bay.
I recommend this book if you’re looking for an escape, WARNING!! possible spoiler follows - it transports you to a place full of hope for recovering lost things, and leaves you asking “what would I do with a second chance”?
I recommend this book if you’re looking for an escape, WARNING!! possible spoiler follows - it transports you to a place full of hope for recovering lost things, and leaves you asking “what would I do with a second chance”?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
OBSESSED. I really felt connected to main character Iris, her ambition, her mistakes, curiosity, and love for her sister. The mystery aspect is pretty wild and kept me turning pages quickly. Also the setting was painted so beautifully and now I want to go to a quaint bay somewhere and explore. I’ve been looking for more books like this please make a sequel!!
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