Reasons to Lie

by Emily Listfield

When a private school field trip ends with one student dead, three mothers must face the darkest secrets lurking beneath their lifestyles, their friendships, their children, and themselves.

In the privileged world of Manhattan’s elite Dearborn Academy, three mothers—Abby, Kara, and Hollis—form an unlikely bond. Until a student is murdered on a class trip their teenagers attended, and every parent has something to hide.

Artistic single mom Abby and career-challenged Kara have always felt like outsiders among Dearborn’s rich, powerful families. When glamorous, enigmatic Hollis arrives with her son and a picture-perfect life, they take her under their wing—despite nagging doubts about her past.

Their friendship only deepens after tragedy strikes on a school retreat. But as a determined detective edges closer to the truth of what happened in the woods that night, cracks begin to show—in their stories, their alliances, and their trust.

Each woman is keeping secrets. And so are their children.

Now, with everything at stake, Abby, Kara, and Hollis must decide how far they’ll go to protect their families—even if it means turning on one another.

Because everyone has a reason to lie.

And someone will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2026

About the author

I’m fascinated by how well we can ever truly know another human being — whether it’s a romantic partner, a best friend, or our own child.
My new novel, Reasons to Lie, pushes three mothers and best friends to confront this question when a student is murdered on a class trip all their teenagers were on. Suddenly, everyone is a suspect. And everyone is lying. How far will they go to protect their kids? How far would YOU go?

I grew up in New York City, raised my daughter here, and set the book in an elite Manhattan private school. Having navigated this world firsthand, I had a front-row seat to rich people behaving badly — and it was too good a story not to share! .

This is my eighth novel and I’m thrilled that Oprah Daily named it one of the most anticipated books of 2026.

I love hearing from readers and the conversations that stories create long after the last page. So get in touch!

Reviews

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is such a pleasure to be part of Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse , getting to read some great books that otherwise might have slipped by me. I could not resist getting a copy of Reasons to Lie, who doesn’t love an academic drama full of unlikeable characters right.

This was a pretty fast read once I got into it. The start was a little slow but it certainly built up and I couldn’t stop reading. Set in New York, it focuses on the parents of students at an elite private school in Manhattan. Abby, Kara and Hollis ,mothers to Rachel, Olivia and Daniel. We get to know the families and the behind the scenes drama in their lives. It all comes to a head when the kids go off on a weekend away with the school, and a student dies. How far will a parent go to protect their child? The truth may surprise you. Full of cover ups, lies and past mistakes, who will survive the investigation?

A book that throws up plenty of questions, with lots of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Out on February 24th. I will be looking out for more from this author

[Melody McNamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the murder of a student on a school trip, three mothers must face their deepest secrets as they deal with the aftermath of the tragedy. The first half moved a bit slowly as we got to know each mother and, through them, their children. The second half picked up after the murder, with plenty of suspects that had me guessing until the end. More than just a murder mystery, the story focuses on the friendships among these women, all dealing with their own hidden truths and demons. As the investigation escalates, so does their desperation to protect their families. The story explores issues of trust, loyalty, parenting and privilege. A compelling story with an elite, private school setting that I enjoyed.

[booked.with.julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three moms. An elite private school. One devastating incident that blows everything wide open!!! This one is all about secrets and the messy choices people make when they’re desperate to protect their kids.

I loved the shifting POVs and the constant feeling that everyone was hiding something. It’s twisty, tense, and the kind of thriller that keeps you guessing until the end. Definitely one that’s easy to get sucked into!

[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets, lies, privilege, and the lengths people go to protect their families — this book ticked all those boxes for me. The setup hooked me right away: a student dies on a school trip, and from there we spiral into the lives of three very different mothers tied together by the exclusive Dearborn Academy.

I loved how flawed and layered Abby, Kara, and Hollis were — none of them were perfect, and that made them believable. Their shifting alliances, hidden pasts, and complicated friendships kept me flipping pages. The Manhattan private school setting amplified the drama perfectly — privilege, appearances, and judgment lurking around every corner.

This isn’t just a straight “whodunnit.” The mystery drives the plot, but the real tension comes from the emotional fallout and the moral dilemmas. Who can you trust? Which lies are protective, and which are destructive?

I will say some twists were a little predictable, and there were moments where the pacing slowed, but overall, it was an engrossing, tension-filled read that had me second-guessing everyone. If you like psychological suspense with messy, complicated characters and a social thriller edge, definitely put this one on your radar.

[Chelsey (a_novel_idea11) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Reasons to Lie by Emily Listfield, everyone is hiding something. When a student dies on an overnight, private school field trip and the death is ruled a homicide, accusations start to fly and the secrets begin to emerge.

While the story centers around the homicide, the novel actually follows three of the students' moms- Kara, Hollis, and Abby. The trio have an unlikely friendship that is tested under the pressures of an investigation, especially when none of them can say for sure that their child is completely innocent.

This is a fairly quick read and I loved the elite private school aspect. Kara and Abby aren't your typical Manhattan-rich women so we didn't get that angle, but I did appreciate their storylines particularly with their joint business venture. Hollis' story intrigued me the most with her troubled son and her clearly tense relationship with her husband.

Admittedly, I could have used a bit more character development and some clearer focus on the students but overall I liked how much of the story played out and there were some surprises that I didn't expect. The Pulse introduced me to Listfield and I'm excited to pick up more by her!! Reasons to Lie releases February 24, 2026.

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ad much love for my finished copy

Reasons to Lie
< @
Available via KU as a Read+Listen Now

Dearborn Academy has always put the safety of their students above all else. But this year something went horribly wrong, because now a student is dead. It happened on their annual Forest Valley school trip, leaving everyone to speculate who it is and what has happened.

But with this cast of characters, everyone is a liar. Everyone has something to hide. And any one of them could be the killer. But to figure all of that out, we need to go back to the beginning - to where it all began.

But this story doesn’t begin or end with the students - it’s all about the parents, the mothers specifically.

I enjoyed this one. I loved how we got all three viewpoints of the mothers. Their struggles, their fears, their secrets, their drama, and everything between. We also get to know their kids but only through the lens of the mothers. I liked this because we don’t really know what is true and what isn’t.

Great writing. The story is told in two parts, the first focuses on the days leading up to the murder and the second focuses on the days after the murder. What I do wish is that we got the actual trip scene. Parts from the forest would have made this book perfect. But unfortunately we didn’t get that.

I did enjoy the mystery of this one though. You’ll be side-eyeing every character and every character could fit as the killer.

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7
While i'm always delighted to read about the comings and goings of privileged private school kids, it would have been way more fun if the author hadn't given away the twist/surprise bad guy super super early on. That said, there was enough ancillary stuff to keep things interesting before the inevitable reveal.

[Amy Buren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it had me intrigued from the very beginning.   Thrillers are my favorite genre to read and this one did not disappoint.   I would definitely recommend this book to other thriller lovers

[Thrillerswineandchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

⚡️ F A S T P A C E D F R I D A Y review ⚡️ featuring “Reasons to Lie” by Emily Listfield!

Abby, Kara and Hollis are all mothers whose kids attend the elite Dearborn Academy in Manhattan. These women are very different from one another and come from varying pasts … yet have still formed an unbreakable bond when tragedy comes knocking.

A school field trip becomes a parent’s ultimate nightmare when a student ends up murdered! In a community where appearances are everything, everyone has a lot to hide! As the investigation starts to heat up and the pressure is on, tiny cracks start to form revolving what REALLY happened during the accident.

💭 One of my favourite things about being a part of #thepulse is getting introduced to dynamite authors! I really enjoyed the author’s clever writing style and ability to drop breadcrumbs bit by bit and still catch you off guard! The Manhattan private school was a chef’s kiss setting where broken friendships, dark secrets, sacrificing lies and the power of privilege all comes at a cost. Who is telling the truth and how far will they go to keep their secrets hidden?

Thank you kindly to @emilylistfield @thomasmerceruk @thrillerbookloversthepulse @netgalley for my advanced digital copy and spot on this book tour in exchange for my honest review. This book releases on February 24, 2026!

[Lauren Self (lauren.shelby.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

REASONS TO LIE by @emilylistfield
📖 book review • pub date 02.24.26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse + @amazonpublishing for my gifted ARC

a private school field trip ends with one student dead, and three mothers must face the darkest secrets lurking beneath their lifestyles, their friendships, their children, and themselves.

once I got into this story and got the hang of who everyone was.. it absolutely took off. I can never resist a story where people have so many things to hide. And especially love when you know there’s going to be someone 💀 but you don’t know who for a very long time. 👌🏻 this story was fast paced and had me turning the pages to find out what happened. Add to your TBR if you’re looking for a fast paced, school setting thriller with so many twists you’ll feel dizzy.

[Louis (audiobookfanatic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasons to Lie is a slow-burn, character-driven domestic crime thriller that will appeal to anyone who loves complex female relationships, juicy suburban drama, and an intricate murder mystery—all set against the backdrop of an elite Manhattan private school. The book also has some really compelling themes, including the lengths mothers will go to to protect their children and the impulsive (sometimes selfish) nature of privileged teens—and their tense generational divide that adds suspense and drama!

The story follows three mothers—Abby, Kara, and Hollis—whose lives become deeply entangled after a junior class trip ends in tragedy and a student connected to their children at Dearborn Academy is found dead. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets begin to surface—about the teens, about the women’s pasts, and about the fragile foundations of their friendships. When Abby begins a relationship with a new teacher at the academy, it places her even closer to the center of the school’s growing scandal, raising questions about trust and judgment.

The real highlight of the book is the shifting POVs between the three mothers—Abby, Kara, and Hollis. Each is relatable and engaging, allowing readers to delve into their fears, flaws, and motivations—and the secrets they’re hiding from each other. Abby is navigating single motherhood while grappling with long-buried questions about her daughter’s father; Kara is dealing with a reckless, troubled daughter who could wreck the family; and Hollis, the polished newcomer, is trapped in an unhealthy marriage with a ruthless husband and family secrets that could destroy her. The story also has a large cast of secondary characters—including numerous Dearborn students who are intertwined in the murder mystery—it’s important to pay attention early on to names, connections, and loyalties in order to grasp who’s telling the truth and who is hiding something, because in this book, almost everyone is!

This is a slow-burn thriller that rewards patience, with most of the big reveals and dramatic twists coming in the final 30 percent as story threads start to converge. One of the most engaging aspects is the juicy, relatable dialogue between the mothers as they confide in each other about their marriages and children—and become defensive and emotionally charged when their kids are questioned by the police and give conflicting statements. Fans of suburban thrillers will likely enjoy this one the most, but the murder mystery itself is intricate enough to keep even seasoned thriller readers guessing. There’s also a romance (triangle) subplot that gets quite heated, though the resolution doesn’t quite match the intensity of the build-up. By the end, the emotional arcs of all three women are emphasized, but some of the quick/tidy resolutions will require readers to suspend their disbelief!

Overall, Reasons to Lie is a binge-worthy domestic thriller that stands out for its exploration of friendships under pressure, elite school secrets, and moral questions about motherhood and loyalty. If that sounds intriguing, it’s definitely worth checking out—and the audiobook is a real treat, expertly narrated by three talented performers who bring Abby, Kara, and Hollis vividly to life!

[Janna (Bibliophile Mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reasons to Lie marks my first completed and reviewed NetGalley advance reader copy, and it proved to be an emotionally charged and compelling read. Centered around three mothers who are navigating the complexities of raising teenagers, the novel offers a candid exploration of motherhood, identity, and the consequences of choices made under pressure.

What resonated most with me was the portrayal of parenting through the distinct lenses of Abby, Kara, and Hollis. As a mother of two teenagers myself, I found their experiences deeply relatable. The author skillfully captures the tension between societal expectations and personal weakness, reminding us that perfection in motherhood is just a myth—and that mistakes, although inevitable, can be life changing.

Likes:
❥ Multi-perspective narrative on parenting
❥ Fast-paced and emotionally engaging
❥ Strong character development and plot progression

Dislikes:
❥ The dynamic between Hollis and Jordan was non existent
❥ The betrayal between characters
❥ The portrayal of private school communities leaned heavily on negative stereotypes

Ratings
❥ Setting: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
❥ Character Building: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❥ Writing Style: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❥ Message: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❥ Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In summary, Reasons to Lie is a thought-provoking and emotionally story that delves into the joys and trials of motherhood. Abby, Kara, and Hollis’ intertwined journeys serve as a reminder of the strength, vulnerability, and resilience that define parenting. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven stories with emotional depth.

~JaNnA~

[Bianca | bookd_by_bee &#x1f41d; · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Brilliance Audio for the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest opinion.

New York City private school? Misbehaved students? Unreliable narrators? Multiple POV’s? SIGN. ME. UP.

The entire premise of the story had so many of the components of domestic thrillers that I enjoy, I was immediately excited to receive an advanced copy of this book. I enjoyed the multiple POV’s. Kara, Hollis and Abby are three mothers whose children attend an NYC private school, and the author did a good job of creating three unique narratives. These mothers are turned against one another as the details of a murder that took place on a school field trip are brought to life. Although it took me a little while to keep everyone straight in my head, the overall pacing was good, and the short chapters keep me listening late into the evening.

Lots of unlikeable and unreliable characters in this book, but that only added to the intrigue of the story. I thought I knew who was responsible for the murder, but I did not. As someone who tends to guess the twists in thrillers, I did not see this one coming. This would be a great book for a book club- lots to unpack with these characters. One of the better thrillers I’ve read in a long time.

[Kristin (Readwithdubs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exclusive private school in Manhattan, privileged children, a school trip that goes horribly wrong - what a great set up for the type of thrillers I like best!

Told in multiple POV’s we meet three women who appear polished and put together on the outside but are navigating issues and harboring secrets behind closed doors. When their children go on a class trip to celebrate their junior year, the unthinkable happens. What transpires through the second half of this book proves that there is nothing these parents won’t do to protect their own.

Reasons To Lie had me fully invested from the first chapter, questioning everyone and honestly, I didn’t see the ending coming. Don’t just take my word for it; grab your copy and see for yourself on February 24th!

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was well written and I quite liked guessing the twists. It wasn't what I thought it was but that's fine. Well written (even if most - no - all of the adults were so entirely frustrating, most of the time I wished it was one of them that got offed. The fat phobia in particular was hard to swallow, but it's still rife in schools so I guess that's just part of the realism.

[laurakellylitfit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out February 24th, 2026
In the cloistered world of Manhattan’s elite, three mothers—Abby, Kara, and Hollis—forge an unexpected friendship at Dearborn Academy, a prestigious private school where appearances are everything. Abby, a creative single mother, and Kara, struggling to find her footing professionally, have long felt like outsiders among the school’s affluent families. When Hollis arrives with her son and a seemingly flawless life, the trio grows close, despite lingering doubts about Hollis’s mysterious past. Their bond is tested when a school field trip ends in tragedy: a student is found dead, and the idyllic façade of their lives begins to crack.

As the investigation into the death intensifies, a determined detective begins peeling back layers of deception surrounding the incident. Each woman harbors secrets—some about their children, others about themselves—and the pressure of scrutiny begins to expose fault lines in their relationships. The once-solid alliance between Abby, Kara, and Hollis starts to unravel as suspicions mount and loyalties shift. The narrative delves into the psychological tension of motherhood, privilege, and the lengths people will go to protect their families, even when it means betraying those closest to them.

The story crescendos into a gripping exploration of truth and survival, where every character is forced to confront the consequences of their choices. With reputations, relationships, and futures hanging in the balance, the women must decide whether to come clean or continue weaving lies to shield themselves and their children. In a world where everyone has something to hide, the question becomes not just who is lying—but why. The suspense builds as the truth threatens to surface, and someone proves willing to go to dangerous lengths to keep it buried.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC!

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book! The secrets, lies, and privilege that plague this fictional elite private school ring disturbingly true. The moment my approval for the audiobook came through, I hit play—books that explore the inner workings of privilege always have a way of resonating with me. What I loved most was the messiness and the delightfully vapid, unlikable characters. Honestly, I find it amusing when reviewers criticize books for having unlikeable characters. Who said a story has to be “likeable” to be good?

This is a well-written, twisty ride with multiple subplots exploring relationships between parents and children, students and teachers, and peers, among other things. The audiobook narration by Abigail Reno, Catly Robins, and Alex Picard was fantastic. They all maintained a natural pace at 1x speed, though I personally preferred it at 2x.

Though I haven’t read this author before, I’m excited to explore more of her work in the future.
I am thankful to have received a complimentary ALC from Brilliance Audio via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.

[Kim McFall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like you would love this book if you’re a fan of Desperate Housewives or similar vibes.

The beginning was a little slow as we get to know all the characters, then it turned into a more fast paced storyline.

I liked that we knew from the beginning that someone died, because we could then look at the characters as they were being introduced to us in a different way. While I suspected a few different characters, I was able to determine who did it before the big reveal.

Overall, this is a solid 3 star read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for letting me listen to this ALC!

[Dori Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it about rich teenagers at fancy NYC private schools that is just so much fun?

Reasons to Lie is a page turner about three women with kids at Dearborn Academy. Each woman has her own secrets, and none of them know what their kids are truly up to. When a student is murdered on a school trip, we go on a rollercoaster ride to find out who did it and why.

Lots of lying, lots of scandal, lots of suspicion, lots of fun, plus valid commentary on the law and men and wealth and power.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Lindsey Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

motherhood and murder

I’m not sure what I was expecting but I really loved this book! The ache of motherhood and wanting to do anything for your kids mixed with the devastation of teenage emotions topped with a murder during a weekend away. I loved every minute of it and kept trying to sneak in chapters during the day.

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A private school field trip ends in disaster with one student dead. What happened? Was it an accident or was someone to blame?

Thrillers where the characters all have their own secrets are the best kind (I feel like I say this all the time but it's true!) and the author was clever, slowly treating us to one revelation at a time. I had my suspicions as to what I thought had happened but was so off the mark that when the final reveal came, after a few more twists, I was reeling. This fast paced thriller had me so enthralled. I don't hesitate in recommending you pick this one up if you enjoy thrillers!

[Ty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise hooked me, but the characters are what kept me invested. Following these three mothers was so entertaining, especially once all the secrets they were hiding started coming out. I liked the timeline and the build up to the murder along with the aftermath that followed. It was an interesting choice to tell the story from the mothers’ perspective instead of the kids who were actually there, but it totally worked. I was expecting a bit more from the ending. There was a lot of build up, but the conclusion didn’t hit as hard as I wanted. Overall I enjoyed this one!

I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you liked the premise of Gossip Girl & Pretty Little Liars but without the high school drama being the focus… then you will LOVE this book!

Emily Listfield did an incredible job writing this book from the perspective of three mothers with complicated relationships with their teenagers. Even so, they’d do anything for them! This book and each perspective had a gripping storyline, and the answer to “Who killed Amanda Carter?” will absolutely blow your mind!

I really enjoyed this author’s writing style, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this ARC thanks to NetGalley!

[Jessica Sattler · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I devoured this book within hours of starting it. That doesn’t happen often for me…

A mystery, psychological suspense set within a NYC prep school? Sign me up. The story follows the friendships of three mothers (Abby, Kara, and Hollis) and their children. You’re brought into the lives of their complicated relationships with their children and how they intertwine with one another.

While some twists were predictable, the majority of the storyline kept me guessing until the very end.

If you’re one for a good mystery read, definitely add this to your TBR!

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the arc read in exchange for an honest review!

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

The threads in this story were so intricately woven it was like a coven of cats wound them countless times around chair legs. I’d follow one strand only to be led to another and yet another.
I did surmise a couple parts of the plot correctly but there were many surprises in store.
There are many reasons for the characters in this book to lie and many of them tell whoppers!
The truth fractures friendships and challenges the boundaries of veracity.
The question is to what extent does the truth need to be known?
Thanks NetGalley, Thomas Mercer for the advance copy.

[mena ౨ৎ · Rating 2 out of 5]

"reasons to lie" is a forgettable, plot-driven thriller. it reads a lot like "big little lies", without the distinct characterization. my major bone to pick with this story, actually, was how hard it was to differentiate all the older female characters. for like 90% of the book, abby, kara, and hollis were one mushed-together character in my mind. maybe listening to it on audio versus having a physical or e-copy had an impact on that. because of that, i struggled with getting immersed into the story.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ALC of "reasons to lie" in exchange for an honest review. all thoughts are my own.

[Ashley Raynor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uncorrected proof from Netgalley - publishing date 24 February 2026

If you like books that take place in New York and center an elite school, this is the thriller for you. Was it the best thing I ever read? No, but I did like it. For me personally expectations around thrillers aren’t that high, I mainly read them for a quick fix/escape and this book delivered just that.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet, I easily finished this novel within a few hours of picking it up today.
Set within the preppy halls of a prestigious NYC private school, this focuses on the life of the mothers and their kids that are now taking classes within the school....
As you read though, the story behind Reasons to Lie becomes much more detailed than what it first seems like when you first begin. This isn't your typical "whodunit?'" but blends elements of that with a deep, rich emotional sort of tone that goes into exploring intimate topics such as deception, and how it can not only affect others, but affect oneself as well. The plot was well thought out, though some parts could've been cut shorter, and there did not have to be quite as many characters as was presented, but overall, Emily did a fantastic job as a whole.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer as well as Netgalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and the rest of my reviews can be found at: https://littlereapling.wixsite.com/fa....

[Lindsay Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5* rounded to 3*

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this thriller. I was interested in the lives of the mothers and their children. The writing was well done and had me turning the pages long after my bedtime.

The ending was surprising but made lots of sense.

This was my first book by this author but I’d definitely read more.