Read Between the Lies

by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Mindy Kaling (Introduction)

In this claustrophobic psychological suspense from USA Today bestselling author Jesse Q. Sutanto, the line between victim and villain blurs with every chapter. Because in the end, everyone has their own version of the truth—but only one will make it onto the page.

Fern’s dream of becoming a published author is finally coming true. After years of rejection, her debut novel has sold, and she’s ready to join the supportive online community of fellow debuts. But when she discovers her high school bully, Haven, has landed a major book deal and will be debuting alongside her, old wounds reopen.

As the pandemic forces everyone online, tensions escalate in their writing community. While Haven seems to succeed effortlessly, Fern watches her own career crumble. Yet beneath their polished personas lies a darker truth about their shared past—one involving a lost friend, Dani, and secrets neither wants revealed.

Fern isn’t the same person Haven bullied all those years ago. She’s learned that the best revenge stories aren’t written—they’re lived. And she’s been plotting this one for years.

What begins as online rivalry escalates into dangerous obsession. Because neither woman is telling the whole truth about what really happened to Dani…or about who’s the real victim in this story.

Genres: Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Thriller, Adult, Books About Books

287 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 1, 2026

About the author

Jesse Q Sutanto grew up shuttling back and forth between Jakarta and Singapore and sees both cities as her homes. She has a Masters degree from Oxford University, though she has yet to figure out a way of saying that without sounding obnoxious. She is currently living back in Jakarta on the same street as her parents and about seven hundred meddlesome aunties. When she's not tearing out her hair over her latest WIP, she spends her time baking and playing FPS games. Oh, and also being a mom to her two kids.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm behind on reading books written by author Jesse Q. Sutanto. I've enjoyed those I read, mostly about interfering aunties and parents, so I expected to enjoy Read Between the Lies. But I was surprised as it's about authors and social media, and the extent to which someone will lie. What a tough subject to tackle, as while most authors don't usually write about their own experiences (minus a few hilarious real-life moments and memoirs), it's the kind of book that makes you wonder what really goes on behind the scenes in a famous person's life. Social media can destroy them in an instant, and it makes you think more deeply, is it all worth it? Love the characters in this book... I could relate with the inner monologues and feelings, tho I haven't had a bully in my life. I enjoyed the drama, which was on the light side, more about build-up and the reality of whether someone is truly doing things to hurt you or you're just imagining it. Great read~

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published February 3, 2026.

2 stars

I’m a sucker for author/writing stories and that’s why I wanted to read this one. But, alas, it was disappointing. Fern, our main character was so ridiculously child-like and naive it was frustrating to read about her. The book was definitely written for adults, since it’s about publishing, but some of the tone was YA in nature.

Fern is finally getting a book published. She is thrilled to be a first-time author and writing serves as a great antidote to her dead-end job as assistant for a pre-wedding photographer (it’s New York. I guess this is a thing.).

Fern eagerly seeks an invitation to a social media group for authors who will debut their works during the same season as Fern. Note that there does not seem to be one male in the entire group. Fern is then devastated to learn that her junior high/high school bully, Haven, has received an enormous publishing deal and is also in the debut group. Much pettiness ensues.

Oh, and there’s a completely unnecessary secret. There was some interesting stuff about the way books are published and I wish there had been even more of that. For the rest, ugh.

[Kurryreads (Kerry) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Full of suspense, paranoia, unhinged FMC.. had a very good time with this one

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTreapFPC/

[Angie Miale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woof- I have complicated feelings about this book.

First- Jesse Q Sutanto is one of my absolute favorite authors- see my 5 star review of the Vera Wong books, 5 star review of Next Time Will Be Our Turn and the Mulan re-telling Worth Fighting For.

Second- this book literally says "Goodreads is full of trolls," yikes, as a "top goodreads reviewer" I am hurt. But I won't take it personally. It is hard to be an ARC reviewer- part of you wants to give every book 5 stars because you know as an early reviewer your review (even if it is softly critical) has the potential to really swing a title. On the other hand if you are too positive your reviews become meaningless so you need to maintain an objective viewpoint. I've been challenged for being both "too mean" and "too nice" so this kind of goes along with the territory.

Third- This is a classic "cat fight" girl vs girl "mean girl" story and I find those to be unfortunate and somewhat misogynistic. I personally don't love this trope because I think it perpetuates stereotypes. Stories like this make me want to not be close to another woman, ever.

Lastly- I think this will be very successful, just because I am a sensitive baby does not mean others won't love it. I could not put it down although I was reading while covering my eyes. It's a great - BUT DARK - story.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mindy's Books Studio for the ARC. Book to be published 2/3/26

[Gie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.1/5

I adore Jesse Q. Sutanto. Her books are always effortless to read, with references that are always funny and relatable to me. This book is a bit different compared to "Dial A for Aunties" and "Vera Wong," because it's a lot darker, but I enjoyed it more than I expected.

If you’ve ever been a bully or experienced bullying, this book might stir up some of your worst memories. It vividly captures the toxic dynamics of trio friendships, where one person is perpetually left out, and the sting of jealousy and gossip in social groups. While the story opens with a character’s death, that’s surprisingly the least gripping part. Instead, it’s the social interactions filled with insecurity and anxiety that will make you sweat. I felt uncomfortable yet couldn’t stop turning the pages.

The book hooks me with a strong prologue, pulling me into the story immediately. Our main character, Fern, is a doormat, an underdog whose high school bully, Haven, is the Regina George, the queen bee of this story. I was addicted to the book immediately.

Fern’s complex feelings toward Haven, both equal parts hatred and obsession, are pathetic yet painfully relatable. Watching your high school bully outshine you in every aspect of life stirs jealousy and the bitter thought that they don’t deserve their success. The interactions between Fern and Haven are intentionally unsettling. Imagine being an overly eager people-pleaser forced to act friendly with a former bully you both loathe and admire. It’s excruciating, and Sutanto nails it.

The social tension and plot feel so real that they’re almost unbearable. Fern is deeply flawed and unlikable, but Haven is downright scary. At times, I questioned whether Fern was paranoid or an unreliable narrator, as Haven seems charming to everyone else. There were moments when I wondered if Fern was imagining the whole conflict.

The story intensifies when the pandemic hits, trapping Fern and other writers in a confined space. With their online writing group as their only social outlet, Fern and Haven are stuck together. Haven is the adult Regina George, charismatic, beautiful, popular, and successful. This makes her a terrifying villain, as real-life bullies often share these traits, making them hard to confront.

Fern, on the other hand, is insufferable and constantly playing the victim, craving external validation, and bending over backward to please others. Yet, as the book aptly puts it, “You can love her or hate her, but you can’t stop relating to her.”

This fast-paced, popcorn thriller is scary because people like Fern and Haven exist in our own social circles. I was both uncomfortable and entertained by this chilling yet fun read. That said, some parts felt repetitive and could have been trimmed for a tighter narrative. The ending, both realistic and dramatic, brilliantly captures how publicity can upend someone’s life.

I recommend this book to readers who loved Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and are craving a similar binge-worthy experience. Sutanto has crafted a main character who is insufferable yet undeniably relatable.

Thank you to NetGalley and Mindy’s Book Studio for providing the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was completely enamored with this book. Fern is a mess but man is she relatable. She is holding onto trauma from her childhood bully and when their paths cross as soon to be published authors the claws come back out. Cancel culture, toxic female relationships, and the downside of social media be prepared to pick this one up and not be able to put it down.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Mathilde Banville-Chénier · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows Fern, an insufferable author. She lives mainly online and struggles, even ten years later, with memories of middle and high school bullying. The book starts as Fern gets an offer for her debut novel and joins a authors’ online forum. However, her high school bully also becomes a author and joins the same group. From there starts an obsession and a competition between the two women.

I have to say that this book was very addicting. I always wanted to know what would happen next and I was making guesses about what it would be. However, the main character and the ending were not satisfying. As I said before, I could not stand Fern, she had a pick me attitude that was very irritating and the ending fell flat for me. Everything seemed to perfect for my liking.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Mandy Cappelletti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC of “Read Between the Lies” by Jesse Q. Sutanto. This book is standalone and doesn’t follow the normal tone of Sutanto’s typical stories. Personally, this is my first Sutanto book, and I would have never known she is famous for writing about quirky characters trying their hands at solving mysteries. This was a brilliantly written suspenseful fiction work that highlights the emotional short- and long-term effects of bullying and the impact it has on the bully and the victim.
Fern, living her life as an independent adult in New York City, finally got the opportunity of a lifetime; her book is being published! During this exciting time, the Covid pandemic is shutting down the world and everyone is forced to live their lives primarily online. While scrolling through her debut author Facebook group, who does she see but none other than her childhood bully, Haven. What unfolds tells the story of the trauma that Haven caused Fern as well as the rebuttal from Fern and the backlash of the stories becoming exposed in an online world.
This book hooked me from the first couple pages, but I do have to admit, I had no idea where the story was going. Fern was the type of character that you loved to hate or hated to love. She tells the story of her childhood bully and all of the pain that she caused her and decides to spread the story online in what seems to be a chance to sabotage Haven, the bully. As the story builds, the turning point of the book happens probably ¾ through it and there was a very large lightbulb moment where I finally figured out the whole premise behind the story. Is the victim really the victim? Is she just as much to blame as the bully? Where would their lives be today if they had just tried to be friends? I found myself being on Fern’s side, but then also wanting her to just “get over it” and move on she shares more of her past.
I think this was a great book to expose bullying and how it can stick with someone long after it stops. As someone who has been bullied, I do see why Fern reacted the way she did, and I think it’s an important topic to talk about. Cyber bullying is a very real issue in the world today and needs to be shared. Trolls exist everywhere and this book shows how cruel people can be to each other. I would give this book a solid 4.25/5. I found that it took a bit too long to get to the main point of the story, but it also was compelling and insightful and caused a lot of self-reflection. Is your pain pure, or are you also part of the problem?

[Matthew Dafoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse Q Sutanto’s “Read Between The Lies” serves up a deliciously devious and twisted plot that I devoured. Unhinged beyond belief in the best ways - a trainwreck you cannot look away from.

I couldn’t put this one down, thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the early copy!

[jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

first half was better
review to come soon

CW:
COVID
Suicide
Online bullying

[Lauren Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was tough for me. I always want to relate to the main character but Fern was so whiny and didn't take responsibility for her actions. I honestly debated on giving up this book and then a twist happened and I just had to see where the story went! I enjoy Jesse's writing and realness in her description of peak COVID. At the end I didn't want to root for either Haven or Fern. The ending definitely wrapped it up nicely for me! Thank you Netgalley for an ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the name Jesse Q. Sutanto and I didn’t even read the description before I hit “request” and dove headfirst into the book. I’ve read most of her others and enjoyed them. This was a bit of a departure: it wasn’t a thriller and it wasn’t about kooky aunties or a wannabe detective, but it was an exploration of bullying and trauma and its last effects. I finished this one in less than a day, which is saying something as I think I have about 5 books started at 10%ish each and can’t get into them enough to finish them.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:
Fern has finally landed her debut book deal — dreaming of fame, support, and success in the writing world. But when her high school bully, Haven, also debuts at the same time, old wounds open wide. What began as rivalry turns intense online drama as the pandemic forces everyone into digital spaces. Behind both women’s polished public personas lies a shared past involving a missing friend, Dani, and secrets neither wants revealed. As Fern’s frustrations grow, she starts to question: Who’s telling the truth? Who’s playing the victim? And who isn’t what they seem?

Review:
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Read Between the Lies by Jesse Q. Sutanto reminded me a little of Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, not because of the plot (they’re very different) but because both books had moments that made me uneasy, and both explored the world of publishing. While Yellowface tackled themes of cultural appropriation and the messy, competitive side of the publishing industry, Read Between the Lies felt more like an adult Mean Girls with a dark twist.

At its heart, this is a story about bullying and its long-lasting impact. Fern, our main character, has lived under the shadow of Haven’s bullying for years. Reading about her experiences hit close to home for me. I was bullied in high school, and this book brought back the fear, shame, and self-doubt—but also the strength that comes later, when you realize you can heal. Sutanto captured that painful truth: our past doesn’t just disappear. It seeps into the present and sometimes threatens to consume it. For Fern, that weight made her feel a bit insufferable at times, but also very real.

The publishing angle was another layer I appreciated. It gave a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, from the politics of getting published to how cancel culture can affect both authors and readers. It added depth to what could have just been a straightforward rivalry story.

The writing itself was bingeable and easy to follow. Even when Fern frustrated me, I still found myself reaching for the book, eager to see what happened next.

A quick word of caution: a large chunk of story takes place in 2020, so there are references to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also deals heavily with bullying, which might be triggering for some. That said, I think it’s an important book. Bullying is still so common and devastating, and stories like this shine a necessary light on its impact.

If you’re into books about rivalry, cancel culture, and (a bit of) psychological suspense, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Expected Publication Date:
February 3, 2026

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that you read with trepidation. We are never quite sure if the narrator is telling the truth, because she is the only voice in this story, a story of being bullied in middle and high school, and apparently, beyond, by the way she speaks of it. Haven is the woman who caused all the trouble.


As we read, we see evidence that Fern has been wronged, at least from her perspective, but we also see that she is capable of revenge as well. Was she bullied as much as she says, or was she a bully as well?


Bullying at all is very triggering. And since the story takes place just before, and during the pandemic, things get paranoid because Fern is on her own, as is the rest of the world.


If you love the author, you should be warned that this is not lightheartened in any way. Not so much horror, but unease. Very dark. If you love those sorts of stories, this will work well for you. If you only like the author’s humorous stories, this might not be what you want to read.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be published on the 3rd of February 2026.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Like many readers who loved the Vera Wong books, I was excited to read something different from Sutanto. It needs to be made clear that this story is dark and deals with bullying from childhood into adulthood. While that is an important topic, I do not think the message landed well here.

I had several issues with the execution. First, Fern was absolutely insufferable. She reminds us on nearly every page how she feels about Haven, but the whole dynamic felt like a weaker and more immature version of Yellowface. Second, I do not understand why what happened to Dani was kept secret until the very end. Third, why did we never get Haven’s point of view? It felt like a huge missed opportunity that could have added real depth.

This story might have worked better if it had kept the characters in high school and forced them to confront what happened and deal with the consequences of their actions.

Thank you to Netgalley and Mindy's Book Studio for this arc

[Shruti morethanmylupus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Netgalley ARC

I'm a big Jesse Q. Sutanto fan, but I didn't find this one as compelling as some of her other books. This one definitely skews more dark/dark humor than a lot of her funnier series, and the girl vs girl trope often gives me a bit of the ick with the way women treat each other. I loved the new author discovering the industry's ups and downs element of the book, but I found it hard to cheer for Fern, the main character. The "secret" didn't add anything to the story for me. Overall, the writing here skewed a little too YA for the story, and I think that made it feel like a high school mean girls story instead of a story about how those dynamics continue to be perpetuated by adult women - and their real-world consequences.

A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read between the lies indeed, or perhaps the omissions of the book description. Typically when a book is set in a crucial time in real world history, that is included in the description you read before you pick up the book. This one however doesn’t tell you you’ll be reading a good bit of the book during 2020 Covid lockdown. So, I’ll tell you. It’s something I would’ve liked to know, and suspect most people would also like to know, because there are those of us who don’t desire to read about covid. And that’s okay!

Anyways. The rest of the story. I think labeling this psychological suspense is a bit much, I was getting more mean girl drama vibes. We follow an aspiring writer who continues to obsess over her middle and high school years where she was bullied heavily by a girl who seems to still have it all. When she finally gets her own book deal, she’s sickened to find her bully has also written a book and will be debuting around the same time. Enter 2020, the year they’re publishing, and it all goes up in flames.

Overall, a decent read. But I think 2020 timeline needs to be disclosed, and calling it suspense is a stretch.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC

[Randi A · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m unsure how this book is being marketed as adult because it reads completely like YA, and not even good YA. Fern is simply unredeemable as a character and needs serious therapy. Instead of the flashbacks (why do I care what happened at age 12), I would’ve appreciated dual POV with Haven as I think that would’ve amped up the suspense around unreliable narration. Instead, we are left in Fern’s painfully awkward and childish head. The last 1/4 had some promise, but it did feel a bit like a Yellowface ripoff. I’ve enjoyed this author in other books but this was a big miss for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Meryl · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's giving Yellowface but written in a juvenile tone, with less redeeming values. The ladies in this book are toxic, catty, and seem like they're stuck in high school.

Fern is not likeable, and I didn't find any moment where I was rooting for her. She's very anxious, much in her head, always second guessing herself, obsessed with Haven. She sees herself as a victim, but really, she's part of the problem.

Haven gives mean girl energy in the flashbacks and duplicity in the current timeline. Kinda reminds me of the lead lady villain in the K-drama Glory on Netflix.

Book mostly covers bullying, gossiping, and messy, abusive and toxic relationships, both in high school and in adulthood.

I wish I liked this enough to give it at least three stars, but I feel like I rage read it in one sitting. 😅

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

[mimi (depression slump)]

Thanks to Mindy’s Book Studio and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Mindy‘s book studio for the copy of Read Between the Lies by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Such an engrossing read, l couldn’t put it down. I loved the insider view of the publishing business and the pitfalls of debut author groups! Fern was an interesting character, and trying to guess who was the villain and who was the victim kept me on my toes the whole time. Do not miss this book! I wish I could give it more than five stars!

[Margaret Mellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Jesse for the eArc of Read between the Lies!
I went in to this knowing it was going to be different than the other books I've read by Jesse. But I didnt have any other expectations. Overall I enjoyed the story line and the main charater. At times I felt that the main character was holding on to the past and making things worse in her mind/world than in real life. I was expecting a big twist, but not the twist that we got towards the end. - color me shocked!
I adore Jesse Q Sutanto and will gladly read anything she writes! While I dont think this one will be as successful as Dial A or Vera Wong, I think this book will resonate with readers, people who have overcome bullying, and people who are interested in lifing the lind on the publishing world.

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I kept mis-reading this title as Read Between the LINES, and I was so confused about why it wasn’t coming up when I searched for it!

I’ve never read any of Sutanto’s more “cozy” stuff, but I do enjoy her thrillers. Sadly this one didn’t quite work for me - I kept waiting for a swerve that never came.

Our main character is Fern, and she has always dreamed of being a published author. Having spent most of her middle and high school years being menaced by a bully who cost her her best friend, Fern is a pretty solitary creature. She takes solace in the online writing and publishing community, and although she can’t help cyberstalking her old bully Haven, she’s able to come to a mostly good place thanks to therapy. And then Fern’s dream comes true when she learns her book is being published! It’s a small house, a small advance, but still - more than most people dare to hope for. Her enthusiasm is almost immediately dampened by the news that Haven is also getting a book deal - for a million dollars, from a big five publisher. She tries to keep it together - after all, her book is still being published - but once the pandemic hits, there’s literally nothing better to do than cyberstalk and obsess over Haven’s success. And it doesn’t help that they’re both in the same “publishing class,” so they’re part of the same Slack…group? Collective? I confess to knowing nothing about Slack. Fern’s paranoia is immediately in overdrive as Haven seemingly deploys the same playbook she used in school - being super fake nice and getting everyone to like her (although here she doesn’t seem to be overtly trying to sabotage Fern as she did when they were kids). Fern has a couple of friends in the group that she vents to, but she quickly starts suspecting that they’re going to turn against her too. Her only hope is to take Haven down once and for all.

There’s also this mystery of what happened to Fern’s best friend Dani. They were inseparable as kids…until Haven came along and drove a wedge between them. And even though we get flashbacks, it’s never clear if Dani completely dropped Fern once she and Haven became close, or if they still kinda hung out. Anyway, the novel actually opens with Fern and Haven learning that Dani has died - the flashbacks eventually show us what actually went down. It’s a weird framing device - Dani’s death almost ends up being an afterthought, as it doesn’t really have any bearing on what happens to Fern and Haven in the present.

The general tone of this felt off to me - I kept double checking the author because I thought maybe it was a case of a similar name throwing me off (which has happened more than once on NetGalley). I *think* it’s meant to be satire? But there’s just something generally cloying about Fern, and I think it needed more bite. I kept waiting for the perspective to shift to Haven (admittedly because that’s what happens in a couple of Sutanto’s previous thrillers), or for there to be some twist or swerve from the flashbacks, but it’s all relatively straightforward. There IS some interesting insight into the publishing industry (do authors really put themselves into release year “classes”? That’s adorable!), and it’s fascinating to watch how quickly the hive mind can turn on someone (it also makes me wonder how widespread all of the “canceling” truly was - did it ever resonate outside of publishing Twitter?). But it just felt like something was missing - underbaked? In need of seasoning? Pick your cooking metaphor!

[Weronika · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

I LOVE Jesse Q. Sutanto's thrillers about toxic friendships (I'm Not Done With You Yet, You Will Never Be Me)—they're dark, they're funny, and their my (not-so-guilty) pleasure, so I immediately jumped into this one. As the author herself acknowledges, it's a bit different than her previous novels as it tackles a bit heavier subject matter.

The novel explored the lingering trauma of being bullied and the fresh trauma of COVID-19: shy and formerly ostracized protagonist, Fern, seeks solace in online spaces for debuting writers, but what if the pandemic hits and these spaces are her (and everyone's) only link to community? What if her former bully joins the same online space as a rivaling debuting author, but under the guise of supporting each other? Can people truly change or is it high school dynamics all over again?

I loved how the novel captured the appeals, subtleties, and risks of online communities and online friendships. Fern's messages to her new online friends from the writing group perfectly grasp the sudden intimacy, (over)sharing, and support in such dynamics; as well as passive-agression and rapidly escalating drama. I could relate that to various online/hobby communities and friendships, not only to the writing/Bookstragram/Booktok community.

The book left me thinking about our unreliable narrator—is Fern a good and traumatized person, suffering from gaslighting and paranoia? Or was she perhaps guilty of some things in the past, things she's in denial of? We never learn the truth because we never get Haven's (her rival's) POV—and that's good, I like imagining various outcomes. Or maybe I'm supposed to read between the lies... I'm rarely tempted to re-read books like this one but now I'm tempted to find more clues!

On the downside, the novel seems to be marketed for the people familiar with the Booktok/Bookstragram dramas and I'm not following those closely, so some references might have escaped me. The current marketing strategy excludes those who are not part of these writing communities, while I believe that marketing it as broader response to "How COVID-19 re-shaped or exacerbated our online relationships" will make the book more relevant to the bigger crowd (it did to me!).

Also, while other Sutanto's books shine with her unique style, this one felt uncannily similar to "Yellowface"—perhaps in some language or POV-choices or the critique of the publishing community? I wonder if there was any pressure to compare those books or have this one engage in a dialogue with Yellowface and felt like this was not neccessary, Jesse Sutanto can stand on her own!

The ending felt a bit rushed and the plot twists that I love Sutanto for were less... shocking than I expected. Maybe this novel was supposed to be less twisty, but—combined with the above-mentioned criticism—this tanked my rating from 4-5 (what I expected to give to Sutanto for this genre) to 3.5. Nevertheless, it was still an entertaning read that took me one night to finish!

[Nicole Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Mindy’s Book Studio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Jesse Q. Sutanto is known for her sharp, witty novels, but “Read Between the Lies” takes a darker turn—one that explores the long-lasting scars of bullying, the fragility of online communities, and the uneasy space between truth and perception.

At its heart is Fern, a debut author whose entire life has been shaped by insecurity and low self-esteem. She’s a chronic people-pleaser, a doormat who bends over backwards to avoid conflict. Her childhood tormentor, Haven, looms large over her past and, disturbingly, her present. Is Haven truly the manipulative bully Fern remembers, or has Fern exaggerated, even fabricated, the torment as a way to explain her own failures? Sutanto keeps us guessing, leaning into the unreliable narrator trope with clever precision.

The story flips between Fern’s childhood flashbacks and her present-day struggles in an online writers’ community, which is one of her few sources of belonging, especially once the pandemic isolates her further. When Haven reappears in that same space, now as a glamorous and successful author, Fern’s life begins to unravel. The social dynamics Sutanto captures are uncomfortably real: jealousy, toxic friendships, passive-aggression disguised as support, and the suffocating need for validation. The claustrophobic atmosphere of lockdown only heightens the tension.

This is not a thriller in the traditional sense, though there is a mystery simmering in the background, tied to the death of Fern’s childhood friend. Instead, the true suspense comes from Sutanto’s razor-sharp depiction of toxic relationships. You’ll find yourself questioning every interaction: Is Haven gaslighting Fern, or is Fern projecting her paranoia? Can we ever truly move past our formative traumas, or do they haunt every achievement?

While Fern is not always likable—she’s needy, unhinged, and frustrating—she’s painfully relatable. Sutanto makes her both pitiable and human, a character you’ll root for and recoil from in equal measure. Haven, meanwhile, is magnetic and terrifying in her charisma, the kind of bully whose success feels like a personal failure for those she leaves in her wake.

Sutanto doesn’t shy away from heavy themes, such as bullying, mental health, cancel culture, and the distorted intimacy of online spaces, but she balances them with sharp humor and biting social commentary. The result is a binge-worthy, unsettling read that echoes the social unease of Yellowface while still carrying Sutanto’s distinct voice.

If the ending feels a touch rushed and some sections repetitive, the overall effect is still gripping. “Read Between the Lies” is equal parts darkly funny and painfully raw, a story that lingers long after the final page. It’s a reminder that truth is slippery, memory is subjective, and sometimes the lies we tell ourselves are the hardest to untangle.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝑽 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒐𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒃𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆.

I swear, there's not a genre that this author doesn't excel in. With her 2026 release, expect a deliciously dark, completely immersive look into cancel culture. bullies, and the mercurial world of the publishing industry.

Fern has lived in the shadows her entire life. The daughter of immigrant parents, she grew up in a family who was so terrified of being seen that they didn't even decorate or personalize their home. They spoke in whispers and kept their emotions in check, and while Fern did the same, she longed to carve out a place in the world for herself. When she meets Dani in middle school, she finally knows the joy of a best friend--that is, until new arrival Haven appears and changes everything. Fern finds herself being shut out of the friendship, and Haven obliterates every attempt she makes to find joy, such as joining a club. Tensions simmer and fester until a bitter showdown puts Dani squarely in the middle.

Years later, Fern's dream of becoming a published author is finally coming true. All she needed was for one publisher to say yes, and it's happened. Delirious with joy, she joins an online community and for the first time in her life, she experiences of the warmth of belonging. But word gets out about a new debut author whose book went into the seven-figure bidding range, and to Fern's horror, it's none other than Haven. To complicate matters, her release date coincides with the pandemic, so that all too familiar feeling of having her achievements abruptly taken away revisits Fern.

You may think you have an idea where this goes, but you have NO idea how dark, twisty, and diabolical this story will get. But in the middle of all the drama, there is so much humanity. My heart bled for Fern, and if you've ever dealt with a bully, you know how deftly they wear their two faces. However, I sometimes struggled with feeling she was presenting a carefully curated side of herself to me. Just like with social media, it's often hard to see someone's true self. The themes of belonging, jealousy, cancel culture, and so much more were perfectly layered and balanced. I read this in two sittings because I just could NOT stop. It's that good. Many thanks to Mindy's Book Studio for the early copy. Look for this one February 3, 2026.

[Chrissy T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Mindy's Books Studio for the ARC.

As someone who has enjoyed several of this author's previous releases, i immediately had to read this book. If you come to this book expecting Sutanto's normal style of effortlessly funny, charming and witty of story this book might not be for you. Read Between the Lines, is a dark and at times uncomfortable read.

Before i fully go into my review i will say heavy trigger warning for bullying as it is a big part of the plot.

This story follows Fern Huang, a complicated young woman who is about to have her first book published. She finally feels like everything is going right in her life after a childhood fully of bullying. Unfortunately for Fern her childhood bully Haven is also an author and is also debuting her novel in the same year. Fueled on by covid what follows is a messy spiral of questionable decisions.

This book does an incredibly job capturing the toxic side of friendships. The jealously, the gossiping and scheming and the eventually isolation that happens. Fern is initially a sympathetic character, a victim of intense bullying. We are shown how it affected her, her not attending college, being a constant people pleaser, her therapy and those feelings of inadequacy never real leave. As the story goes on we do start to question if she is a completely reliable narrator. Haven, to me feels unnecessarily cruel which does play into the unreliable narrator but at the same time could be intentional as some bullies are just bullies for the sake of it.

It dives into the behind the scenes of publishing and the very toxic side of social media. Also just how easy it is to sway the court of public opinion.

All in a great and twisty read.

[Katie Katieneedsabiggerbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fern’s dreams are finally coming true. She is going to be a published author! When she joins the debut authors group only to find out that Haven is also going to have a debut coming out the same year, the rage inside begins to boil over. Add in the fact that suddenly everyone is stuck at home because of this covid business, and her obsession with Haven grows. After the trauma Haven put her through while bullying her through middle/high school, Fern will do anything to beat her.

This was something completely different from Sutanto, but I still lenjoyed every second! Well, enjoyed is a hard word, I honestly don’t know how I would have handled the bullying Fern went through at the hands of Haven. That said, following along as she tries to hold back her jealousy and anger at Haven was fascinating, and the ending was just chefs kiss…well, minus one part, that you will understand once you read it! I did find myself wanting to shake Fern, she makes some pretty bad decisions throughout the book, but I could also understand that her inner child was fully triggered by Haven. We get a little bit of a look into the publishing industry which I loved and always find so interesting! If you are a Sutanto fan, get excited for something new from our girl!

Thank you to @amazonpublishing and @jesseqsutanto for my gifted copy of this book!

[Amber Boos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fern is an author. After years of rejection, she has finally sold a book. Fern soon realizes that Haven, her old high-school bully, is also debuting a novel and both belong to the same online writer's community. This online community becomes a huge part of fern's world, and the pandemic makes it an even larger part. Haven becomes a part of the group and all of Fern's fears come back to life. To make matters worse, Haven finds huge success and Fern's career is crumbling. Is Haven really bullying Fern again? Was she ever? This is a very dark story, and it is pretty fast paced. I enjoyed the suspense and dark humor, but Fern could get a bit annoying. Some of her thought processes seemed stuck in high-school and this could read as a YA book at times. I also did not like reliving Covid all over again. I did not really feel it advanced the plot. Overall, though, I enjoyed this story, and the author did a great job with the feelings of dread throughout. There are also some great points made on the subject of bullying in general and I enjoyed the insider look into the world of writing and getting a book published. I have read and liked several other books by this author as well.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Jesse Q. Sutanto and Mindy's Book Studio for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesse Q. Sutanto writes different genres, usually humorous cozy mysteries, psychological thrillers or romance. This book was a little bit different than any of those, but I was thoroughly invested in Fern's story. I'm not sure if I liked her or not...

Fern has always dreamed of becoming a published author. When she lands a book deal, she joins a Facebook group for 2020 debut authors in hopes of connecting with a community for like minds. She 'meets' Lisa and Jenna and they quickly become friends online. Then Haven joins the community landing a 7-figure book deal with her debut also in 2020. Fern is livid because not only does she know Haven, but Haven was her high school bully. The memories start flooding back and Fern gets her new friends to rally behind her, however they also support Haven...

Fern was an interesting character. I felt bad for her because of how she was bullied, but there are so many things she brings upon herself. I was mad at her and frustrated with her and sad for her. The rivalry escalates. Petty drama all the way. I didn't expect the ending!

*Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book to read and review*