What do you think?
Rate this book
The House of Lies
Four friends. One betrayal. And a revenge that didn't die with him. A chilling domestic thriller from the author of The Missing Ones.
Chris Harcourt is dying. At just fifty-one, cancer is claiming his life—but not before his wife Jess delivers a final, devastating blow. On the day of his death, Jess reveals the secret she's been hiding for she slept with each of his closest friends in cold, calculated revenge for his long-ago affair.
Now, the once-tight foursome is fractured beyond repair . . . and someone is making sure it stays that way.
One by one, the men begin to die. A slashed throat on a golf course. A stabbing in a school car park. A hit-and-run gone horribly wrong. Detectives Will Stewart and Claire Landon race to find the killer, following a trail that leads them to Chris's former carer, Elsa Manvers.
But in a twist no one sees coming, the real killers are still out there, hiding in plain sight. And they've only just begun . . .
br> The House of Lies is a dark, twisty tale of vengeance, secrets, and the terrifying lengths some people will go to protect family.
Chris Harcourt is dying. At just fifty-one, cancer is claiming his life—but not before his wife Jess delivers a final, devastating blow. On the day of his death, Jess reveals the secret she's been hiding for she slept with each of his closest friends in cold, calculated revenge for his long-ago affair.
Now, the once-tight foursome is fractured beyond repair . . . and someone is making sure it stays that way.
One by one, the men begin to die. A slashed throat on a golf course. A stabbing in a school car park. A hit-and-run gone horribly wrong. Detectives Will Stewart and Claire Landon race to find the killer, following a trail that leads them to Chris's former carer, Elsa Manvers.
But in a twist no one sees coming, the real killers are still out there, hiding in plain sight. And they've only just begun . . .
br> The House of Lies is a dark, twisty tale of vengeance, secrets, and the terrifying lengths some people will go to protect family.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2025
113 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Anita Waller
47 books464 followersI live in Sheffield, UK. I am retired and have recently fulfilled my lifelong ambition of becoming a published author with Bloodhound Books.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
I am married (almost 50 years to Dave) with three children and seven grandchildren.
I am a patchwork and quilting tutor as well as a writer.
My first book was Beautiful and my second, a sequel to Beautiful, is called Angel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 14, 2025
Jess's husband Chris is dying, and in his last remaining hours, Jess tells him of the revenge she has plotted for the last 27 years due to his adultery on their wedding day. Hours later, Chris dies, and Jess's journal, which details all her secrets, goes missing. One by one, Chris's close friends are murdered and the police try to establish what links these deaths.
Anita Waller once again delivers a knockout 5* read. I was hooked from the first chapter and didn't want to put it down. The characters were very well written, and I particularly liked the dynamics of Jess and her dad Malcolm. The storyline was very clever and had me constantly changing my mind about who I thought the killer was.
I personally think this is one of Anita's best books, and it's one I highly recommend.
Anita Waller once again delivers a knockout 5* read. I was hooked from the first chapter and didn't want to put it down. The characters were very well written, and I particularly liked the dynamics of Jess and her dad Malcolm. The storyline was very clever and had me constantly changing my mind about who I thought the killer was.
I personally think this is one of Anita's best books, and it's one I highly recommend.
August 19, 2025
A woman's philandering husband dies from cancer.
On his deathbed, his vengeful wife reveals that she was also a philanderer and had affairs with his three best friends.
When the deceased husband's best friends are murdered, fingers start pointing.
Who killed the deceased husband's best friends?
Although the book was pacey, it lacked the "Wow!" factor.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Harrie Dobby.
As always, Harrie Dobby's narration was outstanding and helped me make it to the finish line.
August 14, 2025
The blurb gives most of the plot so I won't add to it. What I will say though is that it's incredibly addictive. Things are going badly wrong for Jess Harcourt at an increasingly fast pace. One tragic event after another. She can't understand why. Is it Karma? But she's done nothing wrong...has she?
An intense and exciting read with all characters clueless...apart from the murderer. 'Why' is the main thread for the cast but as a reader you know different, just not quite 'who'. One or two characters stand out with Anita's carefully crafted plot leading you into a false sense of certainty, but you never quite know....
A twisty and entertaining pychological thriller that was impossible to put down.
An intense and exciting read with all characters clueless...apart from the murderer. 'Why' is the main thread for the cast but as a reader you know different, just not quite 'who'. One or two characters stand out with Anita's carefully crafted plot leading you into a false sense of certainty, but you never quite know....
A twisty and entertaining pychological thriller that was impossible to put down.
July 6, 2025
Jess’s husband is terminal and is in his last few hours. For over twenty five years Jess has waited for an opportunity to tell Chris what she knows and now is that time. She has a journal of what has gone on including her revenge, but this needs telling in person. Chris was one of four men who met twice a week to play golf and hence were a close knit group. After Chris passes away, one of the other men is murdered. Is this about the group and can Jess keep her secret?
OMG. Another one of Anita’s books that I couldn't put down. Grudges can be held for many years, and revenge is a dish best served cold as we all know. This takes this premise, very cleverly and spins it. It's gritty and brilliantly crafted and I didn't quite know what was likely to come next- just how I like it. A stunning, engrossing read that kept me captivated right until the end, superbly crafted. Brilliant doesn't do this justice.
OMG. Another one of Anita’s books that I couldn't put down. Grudges can be held for many years, and revenge is a dish best served cold as we all know. This takes this premise, very cleverly and spins it. It's gritty and brilliantly crafted and I didn't quite know what was likely to come next- just how I like it. A stunning, engrossing read that kept me captivated right until the end, superbly crafted. Brilliant doesn't do this justice.
July 24, 2025
When you read anything by this author, you just know it's going to be really good. This is a cracking read. Jess' husband Chris is dying and just before he dies, she lets him know that she knows about an affair he had a long time ago and how she got some revenge with his golfing friends. When Chris dies and then the friends start being killed one by one, we are left wondering who is doing this.
The story is told from different perspectives, the main one being Jess where we experience her fears and anguish, and the police detectives assigned to the case. The story is tense and the story seems to veer you over to one character eventually. I found it hard to tear myself away from reading this and couldn't wait to get back to it. What a twist at the end though and what an ending.
The story is told from different perspectives, the main one being Jess where we experience her fears and anguish, and the police detectives assigned to the case. The story is tense and the story seems to veer you over to one character eventually. I found it hard to tear myself away from reading this and couldn't wait to get back to it. What a twist at the end though and what an ending.
August 7, 2025
An interesting thriller with quite a twist, which I have to say I had mixed feelings about.
But the novel was well written and tense until the end.
But the novel was well written and tense until the end.
September 20, 2025
this was just a tough read for me - the dialogue was odd and the story just was not all that shocking
July 19, 2025
This domestic thriller gradually unravels a tale of long-held secrets and the ultimate revenge, but at what price?
When Jess's husband, Chris is about to succumb to cancer, she reveals to him a shocking confession: a meticulous plan for ultimate retribution after 27 years of apparent marital bliss.
As Chris's closest friends are systematically murdered, the police are baffled, struggling to find a motive. The narrative builds with a slow-burn intensity, gradually laying out clues that eventually piece together a disturbing puzzle.
The dynamic of the investigation team was my favourite part of the book.
The end is tied up as neatly as a ribbon round a journal with a final twist.
Highly recommended for fans of domestic suspense.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC. This is my honest review.
When Jess's husband, Chris is about to succumb to cancer, she reveals to him a shocking confession: a meticulous plan for ultimate retribution after 27 years of apparent marital bliss.
As Chris's closest friends are systematically murdered, the police are baffled, struggling to find a motive. The narrative builds with a slow-burn intensity, gradually laying out clues that eventually piece together a disturbing puzzle.
The dynamic of the investigation team was my favourite part of the book.
The end is tied up as neatly as a ribbon round a journal with a final twist.
Highly recommended for fans of domestic suspense.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for the ARC. This is my honest review.
August 1, 2025
An easy read with a few red herrings rings slipped in for good measure. The characters weren't very likeable and it was difficult to care about any of them. Thank you to ARC Books for the opportunity to read.
July 26, 2025
What a great read.
Really enjoyed this one, a great storyline, a good pace and characters you could relate to and believe in.
When Chris dying from cancer, his wife Jess reveals a secret she has been hiding for the whole of their marriage - she knows he cheated, and she has taken her revenge by sleeping with his best friends.
Following his death, several of his friends also die
...but who is behind the murders?
Thanks to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
Really enjoyed this one, a great storyline, a good pace and characters you could relate to and believe in.
When Chris dying from cancer, his wife Jess reveals a secret she has been hiding for the whole of their marriage - she knows he cheated, and she has taken her revenge by sleeping with his best friends.
Following his death, several of his friends also die
...but who is behind the murders?
Thanks to Bloodhound books for sending me an advanced copy to read and review.
August 11, 2025
The storyline of this book was very easy to follow and the plot unfolded at a decent pace.
The characters were easy to distinguish and I particularly liked the two main investigating officers - in fact, I'd like to read more about them in future books!
With a relatively small cast of characters, the reader has a chance to put their own investigative skills to the test. A bit of escapism to enjoy!
The characters were easy to distinguish and I particularly liked the two main investigating officers - in fact, I'd like to read more about them in future books!
With a relatively small cast of characters, the reader has a chance to put their own investigative skills to the test. A bit of escapism to enjoy!
December 16, 2025
skip this one
I got to 3% before I bailed. The writing is just not good, and I knew reading this entire clunky book would drive me nuts. The whole "gosh, I know your mother would have loved to have been here with you if only she hadn't died of cancer when you were seven and left you heartbroken" thing is my least favorite way to fill in backstory. No one talks like this! And the whole first chapter was absolutely teeming with it. Deal breaker, sorry.
I got to 3% before I bailed. The writing is just not good, and I knew reading this entire clunky book would drive me nuts. The whole "gosh, I know your mother would have loved to have been here with you if only she hadn't died of cancer when you were seven and left you heartbroken" thing is my least favorite way to fill in backstory. No one talks like this! And the whole first chapter was absolutely teeming with it. Deal breaker, sorry.
August 3, 2025
When Jess husband Chris is diagnosed with terminal cancer in his final day of life she delivers the ultimate retribution for his affair with her best friend Katie - her affairs with 3 of his best friends. Following Chris’s death his friends are murdered, someone knows Jess’s secret. What follows is a story full of secrets and lies. A fantastic read.
October 3, 2025
Infidelity, friendship, family, and murder - a great emotional mix. More a murder mystery than a psychological thriller, but an enjoyable read. Jessica’s husband is dying of cancer; luckily she has a great private nurse to help out. Mysteriously her husband’s friends are dying too. Two detectives are on the case(s).
December 12, 2025
I gave this book 3 1/2 stars on my bookmory account. It was a solid story but not a wow story for me. I read a lot of thrillers and expect the really wow factor to get those four-five stars. I need stories with lots of unexpected twists and turns. I will however be interested in reading more of the author works.
August 27, 2025
Daaaaaaaang. 1st in a long i was shook at the ending
I had in mind who after awhile but didn't
realize how and why and... I said I was shook but only because of the last line.
I dintnhave twenty words without giving something away but I'd read Anita Waller again
I had in mind who after awhile but didn't
realize how and why and... I said I was shook but only because of the last line.
I dintnhave twenty words without giving something away but I'd read Anita Waller again
September 2, 2025
Yet another good read from Anita Waller. Chris Harcourt is dying, on his death bed his wife confesses her secrets to him. What follows is a plot that has several suspects. Yet again with this author I was wrong in thinking I had guessed who the murderer was.
July 15, 2025
When Jess reveals her secret to her husband on his deathbed she doesn’t realise what the consequences will be. A great murder mystery with a twist.
August 27, 2025
This book plodded along. The police and the reader both thought they knew the killer until the very last page. That was a twist!
September 7, 2025
Didn’t see that coming at the end.
September 12, 2025
Clunky dialogue in this unremarkable thriller.
September 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐ An enjoyable story with good plot and fast pace, a great book!
September 30, 2025
wooden writing, predictable plot and unrelatable and flat characters
October 22, 2025
Anita Waller is back! I would want to read any of her books, no matter what the blurb said! I have read most of her work, and I can say she is a superb author.
The House of Lies is yet another excellent psychological thriller. From the moment I picked up this book, I was unable to tear myself away!
The storytelling is skilful, and the characters are, as always, perfectly fleshed out. I loved the twists and turns of the story. I was determined I wasn't moving until I knew everything. Such a superb read!!
The House of Lies is yet another excellent psychological thriller. From the moment I picked up this book, I was unable to tear myself away!
The storytelling is skilful, and the characters are, as always, perfectly fleshed out. I loved the twists and turns of the story. I was determined I wasn't moving until I knew everything. Such a superb read!!
October 27, 2025
Fun twist
Unlike many thrillers this has a truly surprise ending! Definitely an easy book to get lost in. highly recommend for a rainy day.
Unlike many thrillers this has a truly surprise ending! Definitely an easy book to get lost in. highly recommend for a rainy day.
November 3, 2025
predictable ending
I knew from very early on what the outcome would be. Very dissatisfying to spend all that time reading. Done bother reading.
I knew from very early on what the outcome would be. Very dissatisfying to spend all that time reading. Done bother reading.
November 4, 2025
a page turner
A great storyline, it was hard to put down. I thought i had fugured it out at the first, but got it all wrong. Ready to read her next book.
A great storyline, it was hard to put down. I thought i had fugured it out at the first, but got it all wrong. Ready to read her next book.
November 20, 2025
Unbelievable Crazy book I’ve got no words right now The level of lies and deception is off the charts
August 8, 2025
I loved this book! After a month of being in a reading slump following 3 books, I didn't really rate, The house of lies dragged me right out of it & I read it within a day.
From the outside, Jess & Chris seemed like a happily married couple. When at 51 Chris is diagnosed with terminal cancer Jess cares for him like the dutiful wife, with the help of a live in carer Elsa, and support of Chris's Golfing buddies Paul, Oliver and Daniel. What no body but Jess knows is that she has had extra marital affairs with all 3 of her husbands golf pals which is all part of her 27 year plan for revenge because Chris had a pre-marital affair with Jess's best friend and made of honor Katie.
The characters are all likeable in their own way, and each brings something different to the story.
With twists, turns, and who done it, it's a page turner for sure.
From the outside, Jess & Chris seemed like a happily married couple. When at 51 Chris is diagnosed with terminal cancer Jess cares for him like the dutiful wife, with the help of a live in carer Elsa, and support of Chris's Golfing buddies Paul, Oliver and Daniel. What no body but Jess knows is that she has had extra marital affairs with all 3 of her husbands golf pals which is all part of her 27 year plan for revenge because Chris had a pre-marital affair with Jess's best friend and made of honor Katie.
The characters are all likeable in their own way, and each brings something different to the story.
With twists, turns, and who done it, it's a page turner for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
What would you see when you die and still linger in your house? Well, it all depends on how good, or bad, a person you were while alive, and the choices you made, how did you treat your family, or families, and the people surrounding you.
This is the premise and the base of the book, and those choices that our protagonist made while alive, unfold throughout the book for us to learn and judge him, as all the members of the family deal with his dead.
A very different kind of topic from what I usually read but one that grabbed my attention from beginning to end.
This is the premise and the base of the book, and those choices that our protagonist made while alive, unfold throughout the book for us to learn and judge him, as all the members of the family deal with his dead.
A very different kind of topic from what I usually read but one that grabbed my attention from beginning to end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews