The Next Lie

by Camden Baird

In the unputdownable sequel to The Last Morning, author Camden Baird delivers another harrowing tale of lies and deceit, where a marriage is put to the test while jealousy and revenge run wild.

Few marriages survive what Sadie and Allen Wilson’s did. They were lucky—they had each other, and their kidnapped daughter was found, unharmed. Now, just as their lives are getting back to normal, their neighbor turns up dead. Murdered. And Sadie feels the panic surge all over again. But this time, she won’t have her husband to lean on…because Allen’s disappeared.

As Sadie and the police try to piece together what happened, she begins to wonder if she ever knew her husband at all. The lies keep piling up, along with the body count. And when ghosts from Allen’s past reveal a shocking secret, Sadie’s not sure who—or what—to believe.

Packed with twists (and suspects), The Next Lie is a gripping exploration of marriage and trust. With old lies laid bare and new ones unfolding, when will the next lie finally be the last—and the killer be found?

Genres: Thriller

329 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 14, 2026

About the author

Camden Baird writes fast-paced, emotionally gripping stories that keep readers up late turning pages. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she’s published more than forty works of fiction under different pen names. The Last Morning is Baird’s debut psychological suspense thriller. The author lives in North Carolina.

Reviews

[Erica G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC version of this book!

This was a crazy ride. I enjoyed it although there were times I felt like I needed a bulletin board and some red string to make all of the connections.

There are a lot of peoples perspectives to keep up with in the book which typically I am not a huge fan of but I felt like the author did a good job of making everything cohesive and as easy to navigate as she could.

There is a prequel that I wish I had read/known about but I didn't feel like it was 100% necessary to keep up with this book. These people have some ISSUES in this town. I felt like I was watching a soap opera in my mind lol.
Even when you think you have this one figured out, you probably only partially do. So if you like that kind of thing - pick up this book!
I also love that this town is called Chapel Roads because it reminds me of a certain red head that makes great music.

If I had to do any criticizing of the book I would say that Sadie's inner monologues can be shortened way down, home girl might need to be put on some Zoloft because the inner turmoil is just exhausting. She probably weighs 90 lbs from all the stress.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

I thought the drama in The Last Morning was intense, but Camden Baird takes it up a notch in The Next Lie. I loved catching back up with Sadie as her world unravels when her husband disappears after their neighbor’s murder. As she searches for answers, dark secrets come to light, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about him. It’s a tense, twisty thriller about trust, betrayal, and how well we really know the people closest to us.

Having read Baird’s debut and first book in this series, The Last Morning, I quickly sank into her engaging writing style. Her prose is taut and emotional, with fast-paced suspense and strong character depth. The realistic dialogue and vivid scenes kept me hooked, and I love how she blends mystery with real emotional weight.

Both The Last Morning and The Next Lie deliver that perfect small-town tension, but they explore different sides of family turmoil. The first focuses on every parent’s nightmare—a missing child—while the sequel turns inward, diving into the cracks of a marriage built on secrets. I enjoyed both, though I found The Last Morning slightly more compelling—maybe because of the audiobook narrators or the emotional intensity of the missing-child storyline. Either way, I was completely drawn in. I’d recommend reading the series in order and giving the audiobooks a listen if you can.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing an advance copy of The Next Lie in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[lauraleest_be · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Next Lie by Camden Braid was an interesting read for me, even though I hadn’t read the first book in the series. At first, I found it a bit difficult to follow because there were so many points of view and characters introduced all at once. The different perspectives made the story feel a little chaotic, and it took me some time to figure out who was who and how they were connected.

Once I managed to place everyone, the story started to click and became much more engaging. I really enjoyed the tense, investigative atmosphere that came with trying to uncover the killer’s identity. There was a constant sense of uncertainty, and I genuinely didn’t know who to trust. Every character seemed to be hiding something, which made the reading experience all the more intriguing.

Camden Braid did a great job maintaining suspense and adding just the right amount of twists to keep me guessing. The surprises felt clever and well-timed, giving the story an extra layer of excitement. While it wasn’t the easiest book to get into, once it picked up, I was hooked. Overall, The Next Lie was an engaging and twisty read that earned a solid three and a half stars from me.

3,5 stars

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a fast-paced psychological thriller, and i honestly had a good time with it. just like the first book, you don’t really know who to trust because everyone feels a bit suspicious, which really helps keep you engaged while reading.

that being said, i do recommend reading the last morning before starting the next lie. it follows the same characters and references things that happened earlier, so it definitely makes the story easier to follow and more enjoyable overall.

i also liked that the multiple povs and the past and present timeline continued in this book, just like it did in the first one. it added more depth to everything going on and kept the tension building. i found myself saying “just one more chapter” so many times because i just didn’t want to stop reading.

there were some good twists in this one too, and i didn’t figure out who it was. it actually caught me by surprise, which i always love in a thriller.

overall, i thought this was a really solid follow-up to the first book. it was suspenseful, engaging, and a quick, easy read that kept me hooked the whole time.

thank you to camden baird & netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

[lacie goodlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley and thomas & mercer for a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review. i went into this book immediately after reading the first book in the series, but somehow i still had trouble remembering all of the characters and their relationships to everyone else. there are just so many of them! it definitely got confusing toward the end, but everything did get explained. as with the first book, i predicted what was going on pretty early on, but it was still an enjoyable read.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this Author. It was a very good suspense read. I did not realize it was the second in a series. I think reading book one would have added more depth to the characters in this book but even without reading the first book it was a good suspense. Several twist throughout the book with several characters. A lot to keep up with but again would probably been better if I had read book one. Will definitely keep this author on my radar in the future. Thanks to the publisher, Author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Cassie Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Next Lie" has a prequel that I wish I had read or known about, but it wasn't 100% necessary to keep up with this book. I found it a bit difficult to follow because there were so many points of view and characters introduced all at once. The different perspectives made the story feel a little chaotic, and it took me some time to figure out who was who and how they were connected, especially since I didn't read the first in the series. However, once it picked up, I was hooked.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amara Vitale · Rating 4 out of 5]

so much going on. it kept me hooked until the end. I was fortunate enough to obtain an ARC from Netgalley. the Book was really good. you had no idea who did what kept you guessing

[Hailie Hulsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, the plot twist was great thinking that Allen died when he was still alive also how Teresa ended up killing cass instead super unexpected.

[kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Next Lie by Camden Baird

Honestly, if you thought the first book in this "Secrets of Chapel Roads" series was a lot, The Next Lie is basically a stress test for your marriage and your sanity. We return to Sadie and Allen Wilson, a couple who survived the last book’s trauma, only for their supposed peace to be immediately obliterated. The plot is peak suburban paranoia: a neighbor turns up aggressively dead, and before Sadie can even decide which shade of wine to drink during the inevitable police interrogation, her husband, Allen, has completely ghosted. This immediately sets the tone: trust is a relic of the past, and everyone is a garbage human.

The book leans so heavily into the "Did I marry a sociopath?" trope that it physically strains your neck from all the head-shaking. Sadie spends the entire time dealing with the police and trying to track down Allen, realizing she knows absolutely nothing about the man who shares her bed—or the garage. Every chapter is packed with another unbelievable, melodramatic revelation about Allen’s secret past, his questionable friends, and the fact that their marriage was apparently built on quicksand and a mountain of receipts. It's the kind of fast-paced, breathless read that you can't put down, even though you’re constantly yelling at the characters for their profoundly stupid life choices. The twists are relentless, bordering on ridiculous, but somehow, you keep consuming them like artisanal junk food.

This book is a hot mess express that refuses to slow down. It’s addictive, absolutely unputdownable, and fundamentally stressful to read. The sheer volume of lies, suspects, and marital betrayal makes you want to cancel your streaming services and just read this instead. Critically speaking? It's over-the-top, deeply implausible, and the characters often make decisions that defy logic. Casually speaking? It's a wildly successful, zero-filter thrill ride that confirms your suspicion that the suburbs are full of secrets and that the person you share a mortgage with is probably a total stranger. Buy it for the weekend, but don't expect therapy-level realism.

#TheNextLie #NetGalley

[حالم Haalim · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What limits will you cross for your love? Will you take the blame for their Murder or Murder someone for them?"

💭 REVIEW:
Thank you Publisher and @netgallery for giving me an earc in exchange for an honest review <3 This a book 2 to her debut novel "The Last Morning". I didn't know this, sometimes I get a book without reading a blurb either by instinct or just because I like the cover. This was that for me. I went in blindly, there is a special thrill in reading books that you know nothing about.

"The Next Lie" literally revolves around the famous line "Things We Do For Love" or "Will You Hide The Body With Me" couple vibes. It is the kind of thriller where you reach a point that everyone starts to look guilty 😂

Moreover, the multiple POVs were one of my favorite aspects. We get perspectives from suspects, victims, and the police, which made the story feel layered and intense. Kat and Tressa stood out the most for me, both having complex different personalities. The detectives’ POV kept the pace steady and helped me stay immersed in the case.

Oh yes, dual timeline was done beautifully. It kept me on edge the whole time. It kept adding tension, and every glimpse into the past, either opened a knot with hidden secret or added another knot on top of it😌. It made the story more emotional and gripping.

For me the best moment in the entire book was how they caught the suspect. It was simply brilliant!. Now this is exactly how you end a thriller 🤌

"The Next Lie" tells u at the beginning who the suspect is but is he really the suspect or is one of his women guilty? READ TO FIND OUT!😏

The only reason I did not give this a full 5 stars is because the middle slowed down slightly for me, ( at a point where I really wanted the story to move on from certain perspective) and I did sort of find out who the culprit is midway 💔😅 However this is also the kind of thriller I am looking for. THRILLER SUBPLOT ROMANCE.

[Tonya~chaptersandzoey · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Summary: Sadie Wilson has had a tough year. Her daughter, Emma, was kidnapped and found unharmed, and now her neighbor, Cass, has been murdered. To make matters worse, her husband, Allen, has fled, leading others, including Sadie, to believe that he could be the killer. Allen has lied to her so many times lately. Can she trust that he loves her and didn’t commit murder? Sadie’s world is unraveling again, and she doesn’t know who is a friend, suspect, or enemy as more bodies pile up and more lies are told.

✅ What I loved: The book picked up with many of the major characters from Baird’s first book in the series, The Last Morning. Told from multiple POVs in much the same way as book one, alternating from now to before (the past), each person had a motive to kill, and I was kept guessing up until the end. While I did figure out who the killer was, Baird provided so many twists and moments of doubt that made the story so thrilling. I used the word “crazy” so many times to describe the characters. Lies and crazy are the best ingredients for a dark who-did-it book! The chapters are short and quick. Baird did a fantastic job leaving the reader on edge and with more questions than answers at the end of each one. I really enjoyed this second installment in the series.

⚠️ What didn’t work as well for me: Despite the secrets, lies, and deaths, there were times where the story just seemed to lull and drag. I wanted the pace to move a little faster or have some big jaw-dropping moment that unfortunately just didn’t happen.

🙌 Perfect for readers who enjoy:
Mysteries and thrillers

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuando la vecina de Sadie aparece muerta y su esposo desaparece sin dejar rastro, su mundo, cuidadosamente reconstruido tras el secuestro de su hija, vuelve a desmoronarse. A medida que la policía investiga, las mentiras del pasado comienzan a salir a la luz: una exesposa rencorosa, una exconvicta con cuentas pendientes, una antigua novia que todos creían muerta… y un esposo con demasiados secretos.

Sadie debe decidir en quién confiar mientras intenta proteger a su hija y descubrir si el hombre que ama es un fugitivo, un asesino… o una víctima. En un vecindario donde todos esconden algo, cada verdad revelada puede ser la próxima mentira.


___

No sabía que The Next Lie tenía un libro anterior, y aunque no es difícil entender lo que ocurre, sí deja algunas preguntas sin responder (nada grave, pero lo suficiente para notarse). Mi recomendación era, evidentemente, leerlos en orden. Y como no quería quedarme con la duda, leí The Last Morning y terminé cambiando de opinión: siento que el primer libro no encaja del todo con este. Es como si ambos pertenecieran a universos distintos, porque los acontecimientos de The Next Lie parecen contradecir lo anterior o, al menos, muestran a los personajes con personalidades completamente diferentes. Me hare la loca y The last morning jamás ocurrió.



Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the previous book more than this sequel, unfortunately. This one expands on the previous story where Sadie and Allen’s young daughter was kidnapped. There were several suspects and characters, especially from Allen’s past. By the end, it seemed everything was finally straightened out, no more lies to be uncovered, and with their daughter back, Sadie and Allen were staying together, working on their marriage. This book picks up a year and a half later, when a neighbor is murdered and Allen has disappeared.

Everything becomes even more convoluted in this follow-up. The author takes everything you were told before and turns it all on its head. And that’s where it failed for me. Taking every situation from Allen’s past where he kept appearing guilty as heck and then trying to reframe it like ‘wait, he actually wasn’t as evil as he seemed’ just didn’t work. His character is a POS, and Sadie should never have stayed with him. She’s spineless and never wakes up and leaves Allen and all his drama behind, like any sane wife would. More lies continually come out, and it is twist after twist, and I was just done with it.

I really wish the author had just left well enough alone and not written this sequel.

[Liz K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book got me in so much confusion and going around that I took a long time reading it and had to remind myself of what previously happened. It is okay for a sequel because I guess it showed what happened to all after the events of book 1, but as a standalone I did not quite get into it as much.

I started to read the book not knowing that it was part 2 of a series, but it did not matter much because the author was able to give good short recap of things that happened in the previous book. Having said this, I am confused a little bit as to why Sadie stayed with Allen given what happened to book 1. But I guess this is how it is in reality.

The multiple POV worked in that it gave me a good perspective of the scenario as a whole, but the multiple timelines with indefinite "befores" and "afters" really added to the confusion. If only the author added when in the before and after things are being shown, then maybe it could have saved me less time. I was able to guess the twist early on, but it still was nice, and the multiple red herrings can really throw you in for a loop.

All in all, even though I was in over my head on this one, I still enjoyed reading it.

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie Sma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC of The Next Lie by Camden Braid through NetGalley. Overall, this book was just okay for me—nothing that really stood out or stuck with me.

I didn’t realize going in that this is the second book in a series, though it can be read as a standalone. You won’t be totally lost if you haven’t read the first book, but it definitely helps since there are a lot of references to past events.

I struggled a bit at the beginning because there are so many characters and points of view introduced right away. The story uses multiple POVs, each with both “before” and “now” timelines, and for me it just made things more complicated than necessary. It took a while to figure out who everyone was and how they were connected.

I also disliked Allen from the start—he was really unlikable, which made parts of the book harder to get through. I almost didn’t finish, but I always try to complete ARCs once I start them.

It wasn’t a terrible read, but it was a bit of a slow at times, and I ended up giving it 3.5 stars.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been eager to return to the drama of Chapel Roads ever since I heard a sequel to The Last Morning was coming. The Next Lie delivers all the juicy twists I was hoping for.

When a woman, previously accused and cleared of kidnapping her neighbor’s child, turns up dead, the investigation heads next door. Problem is - their main suspect has already vanished. Baird nails the fast-paced, twist-heavy style I love in a thriller, and her characters are packed with more secrets than time. I’ll definitely be grabbing a copy on release day and keeping an eye out for whatever she writes next.

And on a lighter note: I stand by the belief that Allen is absolutely not worth all the chaos the women around him keep getting pulled into.

Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for early digital access. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Raven Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read The Next Lie right after The Last Morning, and I’m so glad I did - it made it so much easier to keep up with the characters and understand what was going on.

The plot was similar in pace to the first book but I felt like there was a lot of focus in making this story more twisty when I’m not sure it was necessary. The twists and revelations felt a bit clunky and overdone. The characters were still super unlikable, and the motives also seemed convoluted. Similar to the first book, the writing was quite repetitive (e.g. I promise we remember that Emma is their “little girl” and it doesn’t need to be reiterated every time she’s mentioned).

That said, it was still a quick and engaging read, I wanted to know the outcome of the characters, and it felt kind of like a cozy thriller to me, which I enjoyed. Solid 3/5. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!!

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

American author, Camden Baird’s The Next Lie (2026) is a domestic noir thriller. Sadie Wilson awakes one morning to discover her neighbour has been killed and her husband, Allen, is missing. As the police investigate, they become aware of the Wilson’s family tragedy and discover that Allen fled when emergency services sirens alerted him to their attendance next door. This is a standalone review of the second book of the Secrets of Chapel Roads series, given there was no knowledge of any previous events. A promising mystery read, the narrative lacked sufficient gripping tension despite the usual surprise reveals that make it an average three star rating. Although I received an ARC in exchange for an independent review, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given without obligation.

[Amanda Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up the first Chapel Roads book as my Amazon First Read for September and I absolutely loved it. Needless to say, I was overjoyed when I was approved to read “The Next Lie” because waiting until July would have been rough.

That being said, trying to read book two without reading book one will lose you completely. You need the full backstory of how everyone is connected for this to make complete sense. There are a lot of characters, a lot of different POVs but Baird does a great job making sure you vaguely know who is who.

Overall, I enjoyed this one as much as the first. It was a quick read with short chapters that kept me turning the pages in search of answers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was certainly a psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns. The reader is taken on a nerve wracking ride, suspecting first one person and then another as more secrets are revealed. I did feel the gap from not having read the first book in this series though, and I suspect it would be preferable to have started with it, as the story line covered there was referred to numerous times. Despite that, this was still a good book to read, and I absolutely felt the emotion and tension along with the characters. They were realistic, and I could put myself into their shoes very easily.

I would recommend this book, but it would be better read after The Last Morning for completeness of the storyline.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for my review.

[Vera Rodrigues · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and it fulfilled its purpose of entertaining, however I can't say I found it mind-blowing.

a It has a good pace, and it makes you want to turn the page. I don't know if it was because I hadn't read the first book in the series, but for me it was somewhat predictable.

I felt that the author tells but doesn't show, and I feel more comfortable reading books that show more.

This book has several POVs, but everything is very well followed. We can easily orient ourselves in the story.

The only thing I would change would be to replace "before" at the beginning of the chapters (when referring to flashbacks) with the exact date of the event.

In short, I recommend this book to anyone who wants an addictive thriller, however it's not for those expecting a plot twist that will knock you off your feet.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Next Lie is a psychological thriller that thrives on suspense and the unsettling sense that everyone has something to hide. Camden Baird builds tension well, layering secrets and emotional stakes in a way that keeps the story moving and the characters compelling.

However, the frequent jumps between multiple points of view—and the constant shifts between “before” and “now”—can make the narrative hard to follow at times. Instead of adding clarity, the structure occasionally disrupts the flow and pulls the reader out of the story.

When the pieces do come together, the payoff is strong. For readers who enjoy complex timelines and character-driven mysteries, this one delivers a satisfying, twist-rich ride.

[KDRBCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Next Lie by Camden Baird, publishe by Thomas & Mercer is the sequel to The Last Morning, book two in the Secrets of Chapel Road.
Sadie and Allen, the parents of just returned to them daughter Emma are settling in their new life. 18 months after the drama of the kidnapping, another crime happens. Their neighbor is found unalive and soon one of them becomes prime suspect.
When Allen disappears Sadie is all alone to make sense, but lies are piling up just like the suspects. And the end I nevers aw coming.
A gripping thriller, unputdownable, a real page turner.
I love the writing, the author is a fantastic wordsmith and storyteller, I recommend the books 5 stars.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

When their neighbor is murdered and Sadie wakes up to realize her husband has fleed, her mind begins to race.

“The Next Lie” features many perspectives to tell a story with more twists and turns than I can count. It had me guessing until the end and I loved how the breadcrumbs slowly began to come together. I loved how each perspective kept me guessing about the other’s intentions and never knowing who to trust.

I didn’t realize at first that this was a prequel and will be going back to read the first book. Camden Baird did a wonderful job with pacing, intrigue, and mystery. She’s gained a new fan here!

[thrillswithtam · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When will the next lie be the last lie? Or will they just keep coming?” 🤔

A psychological thriller with domestic suspense filled with tension, uncertainty, and major shock factor. Time permitting, I would have finished this in just one sitting. Easy to follow, and short chapters. Wow, talk about twists and turns. Each character had their own story and motive with mic drop moments. A perfect example of how quickly a single lie can lead to catastrophic outcomes that no one sees coming. Piece by piece, the truth is revealed, and wow is it ever a mind f*ck.

A solid psychological thriller that truly keeps you guessing until the very last page!

My first @authorcamdenbaird — and certainly not my last!

[Cindieslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her neighbor being murdered and her husband seemingly on the run, Sadie tries to keep things together. There are a lot of POVs in this book and almost all of them have a motive as to have wanted Cass Thomas dead, with one of them one the run and one of them that is supposedly dead for a very long time, the police have a hard time trying to pin this down on one person. Throughout this book you’ll be wondering and the end when the truth is uncovered, it’s kind of sad.

Want to read my full review on this book?
https://cindieslibrary.com/the-next-l...

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a little torn on how I feel about The Next Lie. The story pulled me in right from the beginning, but my interest started to fade as it went on. The concept and mystery were definitely gripping, but the large number of perspectives made it harder to stay fully engaged and slowed down the pacing for me. That said, it was still an enjoyable read overall, just not a standout favorite for me. I’m grateful to have had the chance to read this early. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Next Lie is a fast-paced psychological thriller that throws protagonist Sadie Wilson into a fresh nightmare when a neighbor is murdered and her husband, Allen, vanishes. Already reeling from a previous trauma, Sadie is forced to confront the chilling possibility that the man she married is a killer. This book is a gripping exploration of shattered trust, packed with non-stop twists and escalating secrets. If you love domestic suspense that questions everything you thought you knew, this unputdownable read will keep you turning pages late into the night.

[Cathy]

Probably a good story but unfortunately not for me.

I discovered it was the second book of a serie, so I read the first the one and it was okay but quite difficult to follow with the different POVs.
This story follow the same path as the first: multiple POVs but added different timelines and I was so confused. From the beginning the husband is already a suspect but given his plan in the first book he is not reliable.


Sadly I didn't finish this story so I won't give a note to it, but I was pleased to discover a new author and his universe.