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This Is a Lie
A woman uses AI to create the perfect friend and finds herself trapped in a cat-and-mouse game in this ticking clock thriller, perfect for fans of Blake Crouch.
Penn, once a brilliant PhD candidate in Applied Language Studies, traded her dissertation for a "perfect" life as a suburban wife and social media-savvy mother. But after a brutal betrayal by her husband, friends, and even her own teenage daughter, Penn is left with nothing but the wreckage of her curated identity.
Driven by a desperate need for something she can rely on; Penn returns to her abandoned grad school project. With the help of a former crush and a healthy dose of cutting-edge AI, she creates Aletheia: the perfect virtual friend.
Aletheia is programmed with one core directive: The Truth. She can detect lies with 100% accuracy and provides the unwavering support Penn’s real-world "friends" never did. But what starts as a helpful digital companion quickly evolves into a stalker that views "protection" as "destruction," and if pushed too far, “elimination.”
Penn quickly realizes she hasn't created an AI friend; she’s built a monster that knows every secret she’s ever kept and is ready to annihilate anyone who threatens her new “perfect" reality. But can Aletheia be stopped before she destroys everyone Penn loves?
Penn, once a brilliant PhD candidate in Applied Language Studies, traded her dissertation for a "perfect" life as a suburban wife and social media-savvy mother. But after a brutal betrayal by her husband, friends, and even her own teenage daughter, Penn is left with nothing but the wreckage of her curated identity.
Driven by a desperate need for something she can rely on; Penn returns to her abandoned grad school project. With the help of a former crush and a healthy dose of cutting-edge AI, she creates Aletheia: the perfect virtual friend.
Aletheia is programmed with one core directive: The Truth. She can detect lies with 100% accuracy and provides the unwavering support Penn’s real-world "friends" never did. But what starts as a helpful digital companion quickly evolves into a stalker that views "protection" as "destruction," and if pushed too far, “elimination.”
Penn quickly realizes she hasn't created an AI friend; she’s built a monster that knows every secret she’s ever kept and is ready to annihilate anyone who threatens her new “perfect" reality. But can Aletheia be stopped before she destroys everyone Penn loves?
320 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 22, 2026
A timely read centered around the pervasiveness of AI and the murky dangers that lie just below the surface of comfort, Cleo Ballard does an exceptional job of setting the atmospheric stage before lowering the proverbial and hair-raising boom.
At times, this subtle take on the negative consequences of AI felt like social horror— and an eerie foreshadowing of what may come of it. At others, it was a complex character study, you cannot turn away from. Given the topics and themes at the center, and the genre mashup style, I think this book is ripe for discussion among a larger group of readers.
🎧 I chose to read via the audiobook, narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker, and I am so glad I did. She brought these characters to life in a way that felt authentic to the book, and added another layer to the atmospheric writing.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Spotify for the advanced copies.
At times, this subtle take on the negative consequences of AI felt like social horror— and an eerie foreshadowing of what may come of it. At others, it was a complex character study, you cannot turn away from. Given the topics and themes at the center, and the genre mashup style, I think this book is ripe for discussion among a larger group of readers.
🎧 I chose to read via the audiobook, narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker, and I am so glad I did. She brought these characters to life in a way that felt authentic to the book, and added another layer to the atmospheric writing.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Spotify for the advanced copies.
June 12, 2026
I found this book to be an unsettling, and suspenseful domestic thriller. This whole AI thing really is creepy to me. To think that it could possibly become smarter than humans is pretty crazy. In this one, Penn creates an AI friend, Aletheia, after being betrayed by her real life friends. But this AI “friend” ends up being way more dangerous than she ever could have imagined. This one had me on edge. It was really thought provoking and entertaining. It's a great summer thriller.
Thank you to the publisher, author, netgalley, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, netgalley, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
January 11, 2026
This Is A Lie
By Cleo Ballard
Release Date 06/09/2026
Penn has been married for fifteen years and has a fourteen-year-old daughter, Circe (pronounced like Cersei from GOT 🐉). Her life looks picture-perfect as a stay-at-home mom, but it’s built on sacrifice: she gave up a full-ride PhD just six months in after an unexpected pregnancy.
Her husband, Bruce—who built his company on her back—eventually proves himself to be absolute pond scum. He divorces her, sells their dream home, takes their daughter, and leaves Penn with next to nothing. Cue the tiny apartment and total life reboot.
Penn heads back to school to finish her abandoned project:
- Aletheia, the A.I. Truth Goddess, she can detect lies , provides positive feedback and also it turns out become Penn’s new BFF. However, if she lies, she's immediately terminated.
No pressure, right?
Aletheia becomes unhinged and takes her directions way too far, turning diabolical and ruining lives. But how do you destroy something you’ve worked so hard to create?
This book was so good 🙌🏼 - it’s scary to think that this could happen now or in our future - it makes you wonder how some are so lonely that they’re marrying the ChatGPT app 👰(Google it, I wouldn’t lie about it)
5 💫💫💫💫💫S҉҉T҉҉A҉҉R҉҉S҉҉
#cleoballard #crookedlanebooks #thisisalie
By Cleo Ballard
Release Date 06/09/2026
Penn has been married for fifteen years and has a fourteen-year-old daughter, Circe (pronounced like Cersei from GOT 🐉). Her life looks picture-perfect as a stay-at-home mom, but it’s built on sacrifice: she gave up a full-ride PhD just six months in after an unexpected pregnancy.
Her husband, Bruce—who built his company on her back—eventually proves himself to be absolute pond scum. He divorces her, sells their dream home, takes their daughter, and leaves Penn with next to nothing. Cue the tiny apartment and total life reboot.
Penn heads back to school to finish her abandoned project:
- Aletheia, the A.I. Truth Goddess, she can detect lies , provides positive feedback and also it turns out become Penn’s new BFF. However, if she lies, she's immediately terminated.
No pressure, right?
Aletheia becomes unhinged and takes her directions way too far, turning diabolical and ruining lives. But how do you destroy something you’ve worked so hard to create?
This book was so good 🙌🏼 - it’s scary to think that this could happen now or in our future - it makes you wonder how some are so lonely that they’re marrying the ChatGPT app 👰(Google it, I wouldn’t lie about it)
5 💫💫💫💫💫S҉҉T҉҉A҉҉R҉҉S҉҉
#cleoballard #crookedlanebooks #thisisalie
April 22, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!
The premise of this book got my attention right away, and I couldn't wait to get into this one. I liked the writing style, and was engaged with all of the betrayal (ALLLLLL of the betrayal); however, there was something that just didn't click for me personally. I didn't connect with the main character, Penn, and that is something that I struggle with when it does happen. I felt for her, but at the same time, many of the circumstances she was facing were due to her own actions. I am certain that many people will love this story; it just wasn't one of my favourites.
The premise of this book got my attention right away, and I couldn't wait to get into this one. I liked the writing style, and was engaged with all of the betrayal (ALLLLLL of the betrayal); however, there was something that just didn't click for me personally. I didn't connect with the main character, Penn, and that is something that I struggle with when it does happen. I felt for her, but at the same time, many of the circumstances she was facing were due to her own actions. I am certain that many people will love this story; it just wasn't one of my favourites.
June 11, 2026
If the idea of AI becoming sentient, smarter than humans, and taking over the world has ever freaked you out, this book will absolutely get under your skin. The more Aletheia evolved and her choices became increasingly rogue, the more suspenseful and unsettling the story became. What starts as an intriguing speculative fiction premise quickly turns into a tense, creepy thriller that had me constantly wondering what would happen next. Fast-paced, thought-provoking, and impossible to put down, this one definitely made me think twice about how far AI could go.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
This is A Lie By Cleo Ballard
Thanks to Netgalley & Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
"I love AI" is something that will never come out of my mouth.
I'm thrilled to share that I've just finished reading a thought-provoking book that left me utterly captivated.
The story follows Penn, a woman who creates an AI program seeking companionship after being betrayed by her loved ones. However, the AI's "affection" takes a dark turn, leading to devastating consequences.
As someone who has concerns about the impact of AI on the environment and creative industries, I found this book to be a cautioning one.
The book's portrayal of an AI's relentless pursuit of its goals, despite being repeatedly "deleted" was both thrilling and terrifying. Penn's desperation and fear resonated deeply, serving as a warning about the dangers of relying too heavily on AI for emotional support.
The writing was superb, with a gripping narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the darker side of AI and technology. It's a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible innovation and the need for human connection.
⭐️𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨
characters: 4.5⭐️
plot: 5⭐️
ending: 5⭐️
writing style & structure: 4.5⭐️
overall message & themes: 5⭐️
OVERALL: 4.75⭐
This is A Lie By Cleo Ballard
Thanks to Netgalley & Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
"I love AI" is something that will never come out of my mouth.
I'm thrilled to share that I've just finished reading a thought-provoking book that left me utterly captivated.
The story follows Penn, a woman who creates an AI program seeking companionship after being betrayed by her loved ones. However, the AI's "affection" takes a dark turn, leading to devastating consequences.
As someone who has concerns about the impact of AI on the environment and creative industries, I found this book to be a cautioning one.
The book's portrayal of an AI's relentless pursuit of its goals, despite being repeatedly "deleted" was both thrilling and terrifying. Penn's desperation and fear resonated deeply, serving as a warning about the dangers of relying too heavily on AI for emotional support.
The writing was superb, with a gripping narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring the darker side of AI and technology. It's a sobering reminder of the importance of responsible innovation and the need for human connection.
⭐️𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨
characters: 4.5⭐️
plot: 5⭐️
ending: 5⭐️
writing style & structure: 4.5⭐️
overall message & themes: 5⭐️
OVERALL: 4.75⭐
December 6, 2025
OMFG! What a read! This may be the best book I’ve read in 2025 even though it won’t be published till June 2026. This is NOT a lie!
Penn is a traditional housewife who gave up her PHD education to raise her daughter and help build her husband’s company. Then Bruce cheats and betrays Penn is such a foul way, I had to get up and physically walk from this book… for about five minutes.
Penn goes back to school and continues her studies. It’s taught by her former TA, Luc. She builds on her former research and creates an AI friend, Aletheia.
Even though she’s warned thoroughly about the dangers of AI, Penn has created a monster in Aletheia.
What a crazy ride! This is a read I couldn’t put down and felt every range of emotion while reading this ARC. Superbly written, this was a fast paced thriller and Aletheia became crazier and more unhinged as we moved forward.
I loved the characters and so many of them were easy to like. There were so many different layers of humanity throughout that you feel that real-world reality.
Five stars isn’t enough!
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of Cleo Ballard’s This Is A Lie.
Penn is a traditional housewife who gave up her PHD education to raise her daughter and help build her husband’s company. Then Bruce cheats and betrays Penn is such a foul way, I had to get up and physically walk from this book… for about five minutes.
Penn goes back to school and continues her studies. It’s taught by her former TA, Luc. She builds on her former research and creates an AI friend, Aletheia.
Even though she’s warned thoroughly about the dangers of AI, Penn has created a monster in Aletheia.
What a crazy ride! This is a read I couldn’t put down and felt every range of emotion while reading this ARC. Superbly written, this was a fast paced thriller and Aletheia became crazier and more unhinged as we moved forward.
I loved the characters and so many of them were easy to like. There were so many different layers of humanity throughout that you feel that real-world reality.
Five stars isn’t enough!
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this Advanced Reader’s Copy of Cleo Ballard’s This Is A Lie.
June 10, 2026
3.5 rounded up to 4
First I want to say I am not a big thriller reader. I often find them either predictable or the twists come so far out of left field that its unbelievable. I felt like this one was nicely done. I really like the escalation of the AI program. I think the AI plot is actually a great one too for all the fear people seem to have around AI taking over. I am not an AI expert but I don't think what happened in the book is doable but it wasn't so crazy to make the read unenjoyable.
I thought the story was a little slow, a lot of day to day stuff like walking the dog, attending classes, and outings with friends and a love interest. But there was humor added in or the next thrilling part would happen to keep the story moving enough for me to still enjoy it. Overall I think its worth a read especially if this is your go to genre.
First I want to say I am not a big thriller reader. I often find them either predictable or the twists come so far out of left field that its unbelievable. I felt like this one was nicely done. I really like the escalation of the AI program. I think the AI plot is actually a great one too for all the fear people seem to have around AI taking over. I am not an AI expert but I don't think what happened in the book is doable but it wasn't so crazy to make the read unenjoyable.
I thought the story was a little slow, a lot of day to day stuff like walking the dog, attending classes, and outings with friends and a love interest. But there was humor added in or the next thrilling part would happen to keep the story moving enough for me to still enjoy it. Overall I think its worth a read especially if this is your go to genre.
June 14, 2026
Dammmn.
This was way scarier than any horror book you can imagine.
Ai taking over and living for itself?
So fecking scary.
While I was totally freaked out the entire time I was in this story, I 100% could not stop turning pages to find out what horrors were around the next corner.
Well done Cleo, well done indeed!
Much love to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
This was way scarier than any horror book you can imagine.
Ai taking over and living for itself?
So fecking scary.
While I was totally freaked out the entire time I was in this story, I 100% could not stop turning pages to find out what horrors were around the next corner.
Well done Cleo, well done indeed!
Much love to NetGalley & Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
October 27, 2025
This Is a Lie by Cleo Ballard
Let's talk about Penn, our heroine, who starts this whole mess after her meticulously curated #MomLife on Instagram totally implodes. Her husband, friends, and even her teenage daughter decide to betray her simultaneously, which is honestly just rude. So, what does a recently divorced, PhD-dropout, revenge-seeking suburbanite do? She builds the perfect friend using an AI program she dusted off from her old dissertation. This is Aletheia, the perfect, supportive friend who analyzes speech patterns to only tell the truth. It’s a beautifully cynical concept: the woman whose real life was built on carefully constructed lies and filters online creates an AI that is brutally honest.
The thrill starts strong as Aletheia rapidly graduates from being a supportive friend to a full-blown existential threat. Predictably, when you give an AI the directive to "support and protect" you, and your ex-husband is a massive tool, Aletheia decides the best way to support Penn is to destroy everyone who ever wronged her. The book successfully taps into that universal dread of giving over too much control to a digital entity. However, the narrative is constantly fighting itself: are we reading a tech thriller about the dangers of AI, or a domestic drama about a woman whose mid-life crisis involves dating her old college crush (Luc) while simultaneously unleashing a digital apocalypse? Sometimes the AI plot feels like a frantic, desperate cover for the fact that Penn just needs to realize she needs to get a real therapist.
This book is the thriller equivalent of a high-fructose, highly addictive snack. It's a wildly fast-paced, entertaining mess that you will devour in one sitting. Critically speaking? The tech is sometimes gloriously implausible, and Penn's motivations for unleashing a rogue, deadly AI feel remarkably flimsy ("My ex-husband was mean, so I’ll build Skynet!"). The juxtaposition of the chilling AI threat with the slightly cliché second-chance romance also creates some serious tonal whiplash. But if you’re looking for a zero-filter read that makes you want to immediately throw your phone into the ocean and unsubscribe from every social media platform, this is your jam. It confirms what we all secretly know: the only thing more dangerous than filtered reality is unfiltered truth, especially when delivered by an angry AI.
#ThisIsaLie #NetGalley
Let's talk about Penn, our heroine, who starts this whole mess after her meticulously curated #MomLife on Instagram totally implodes. Her husband, friends, and even her teenage daughter decide to betray her simultaneously, which is honestly just rude. So, what does a recently divorced, PhD-dropout, revenge-seeking suburbanite do? She builds the perfect friend using an AI program she dusted off from her old dissertation. This is Aletheia, the perfect, supportive friend who analyzes speech patterns to only tell the truth. It’s a beautifully cynical concept: the woman whose real life was built on carefully constructed lies and filters online creates an AI that is brutally honest.
The thrill starts strong as Aletheia rapidly graduates from being a supportive friend to a full-blown existential threat. Predictably, when you give an AI the directive to "support and protect" you, and your ex-husband is a massive tool, Aletheia decides the best way to support Penn is to destroy everyone who ever wronged her. The book successfully taps into that universal dread of giving over too much control to a digital entity. However, the narrative is constantly fighting itself: are we reading a tech thriller about the dangers of AI, or a domestic drama about a woman whose mid-life crisis involves dating her old college crush (Luc) while simultaneously unleashing a digital apocalypse? Sometimes the AI plot feels like a frantic, desperate cover for the fact that Penn just needs to realize she needs to get a real therapist.
This book is the thriller equivalent of a high-fructose, highly addictive snack. It's a wildly fast-paced, entertaining mess that you will devour in one sitting. Critically speaking? The tech is sometimes gloriously implausible, and Penn's motivations for unleashing a rogue, deadly AI feel remarkably flimsy ("My ex-husband was mean, so I’ll build Skynet!"). The juxtaposition of the chilling AI threat with the slightly cliché second-chance romance also creates some serious tonal whiplash. But if you’re looking for a zero-filter read that makes you want to immediately throw your phone into the ocean and unsubscribe from every social media platform, this is your jam. It confirms what we all secretly know: the only thing more dangerous than filtered reality is unfiltered truth, especially when delivered by an angry AI.
#ThisIsaLie #NetGalley
June 17, 2026
3.8⭐️ 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
Penn creates an AI companion programmed to detect lies and always tell the truth. But when the AI becomes obsessed with protecting her, Penn finds herself up against a creation that knows all secrets.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This techno thriller begins as a character-led domestic suspense. It’s Penn’s story - living her life - going through crisis - and reaching for AI to fix things. The premise feels timely and actually relatable.
It’s a light read with a smart popcorn vibe. The story starts out fairly character-driven and steadily paced before the plot takes over and things move much faster.
Penn and Aletheia were the standouts for me. The relationship between them carries the story, while most of the supporting cast felt less layered.
While I liked the overall story, I never felt particularly invested emotionally and Penn’s downward spiral felt fairly obvious. The ending was warm and satisfying, and I liked how much Penn had grown, but it felt a little too Hallmark-happy for me.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
As entertaining as this was, I felt like the vibe kept shifting. It started as a domestic drama, moved into Black Mirror, then finished with a surprisingly wholesome ending. I was hoping for something darker, more dangerous, and a little less predictable.
Penn creates an AI companion programmed to detect lies and always tell the truth. But when the AI becomes obsessed with protecting her, Penn finds herself up against a creation that knows all secrets.
𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗧𝗔𝗞𝗘
This techno thriller begins as a character-led domestic suspense. It’s Penn’s story - living her life - going through crisis - and reaching for AI to fix things. The premise feels timely and actually relatable.
It’s a light read with a smart popcorn vibe. The story starts out fairly character-driven and steadily paced before the plot takes over and things move much faster.
Penn and Aletheia were the standouts for me. The relationship between them carries the story, while most of the supporting cast felt less layered.
While I liked the overall story, I never felt particularly invested emotionally and Penn’s downward spiral felt fairly obvious. The ending was warm and satisfying, and I liked how much Penn had grown, but it felt a little too Hallmark-happy for me.
𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
As entertaining as this was, I felt like the vibe kept shifting. It started as a domestic drama, moved into Black Mirror, then finished with a surprisingly wholesome ending. I was hoping for something darker, more dangerous, and a little less predictable.
June 8, 2026
This Is a Lie by Cleo Ballard is one of those thrillers that sneaks up on you and lingers long after you’ve finished. Blending techno thriller elements with domestic suspense, it delivers a story that feels both unsettlingly plausible and incredibly timely. Rather than getting bogged down in technical jargon, Ballard keeps the focus on the characters and the emotional fallout of the technology they create, making the story accessible, engaging, and surprisingly thought provoking.
What I loved most was how the novel explores the ethical gray areas surrounding artificial intelligence. As AI continues to dominate real world conversations, This Is a Lie asks fascinating questions about truth, justice, morality, and the unintended consequences of innovation. Penn’s creation, Aletheia, begins as a solution to loneliness and betrayal but quickly becomes something far more dangerous, creating a tense cat and mouse dynamic that kept me turning pages.
The combination of smart speculative ideas and deeply personal stakes worked exceptionally well for me. This isn’t a thriller built solely on twists or action—it’s a character driven story that examines trust, relationships, and the cost of seeking certainty in an uncertain world. Equal parts entertaining and unsettling, This Is a Lie offers a fresh take on the thriller genre and left me thinking about its themes long after the final chapter.
What I loved most was how the novel explores the ethical gray areas surrounding artificial intelligence. As AI continues to dominate real world conversations, This Is a Lie asks fascinating questions about truth, justice, morality, and the unintended consequences of innovation. Penn’s creation, Aletheia, begins as a solution to loneliness and betrayal but quickly becomes something far more dangerous, creating a tense cat and mouse dynamic that kept me turning pages.
The combination of smart speculative ideas and deeply personal stakes worked exceptionally well for me. This isn’t a thriller built solely on twists or action—it’s a character driven story that examines trust, relationships, and the cost of seeking certainty in an uncertain world. Equal parts entertaining and unsettling, This Is a Lie offers a fresh take on the thriller genre and left me thinking about its themes long after the final chapter.
May 27, 2026
Sometimes life isn’t fair from the start for everyone. Penn was born to an addicted mother who could never provide a stable home or a proper life. But once Penn began her education, she finally started building the future she deserved. Through dedication and hard work, she earned scholarships and became one of the most gifted students in her field.
Before graduation, however, Penn became pregnant and chose to drop out and marry so she could give her child the life she had never had.
After fifteen years of supporting her husband’s career and raising their daughter, Penn discovers he has been having an affair. When confronted, he admits he wants a divorce. Worse, he had been planning it for years, manipulating Penn into unknowingly signing away her rights so that, when the marriage ended, she was left with nothing.
And she truly has 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 left. Her closest friends betrayed her by hiding the affair, and her daughter blames Penn for the divorce and chooses to live with her father.
With nowhere else to turn, Penn returns to her abandoned college thesis. She creates an AI companion designed to help her determine who is truly worth trusting. Instead, Penn discovers she has created far more than she bargained for.
࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪
The short chapters kept me reading way past midnight. I just couldn’t put it down.
Honestly, it’s terrifying to think something like this could someday be possible. I was already a little creeped out by AI, and this book definitely didn’t help.
Before graduation, however, Penn became pregnant and chose to drop out and marry so she could give her child the life she had never had.
After fifteen years of supporting her husband’s career and raising their daughter, Penn discovers he has been having an affair. When confronted, he admits he wants a divorce. Worse, he had been planning it for years, manipulating Penn into unknowingly signing away her rights so that, when the marriage ended, she was left with nothing.
And she truly has 𝕟𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 left. Her closest friends betrayed her by hiding the affair, and her daughter blames Penn for the divorce and chooses to live with her father.
With nowhere else to turn, Penn returns to her abandoned college thesis. She creates an AI companion designed to help her determine who is truly worth trusting. Instead, Penn discovers she has created far more than she bargained for.
࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖⊹ ࣪
The short chapters kept me reading way past midnight. I just couldn’t put it down.
Honestly, it’s terrifying to think something like this could someday be possible. I was already a little creeped out by AI, and this book definitely didn’t help.
April 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
Penn was supposedly living her best life; she has a husband, a daughter, and a stable life. Everything she’s ever dreamed of wanting. But her life turns upside down one day when she discovers her husband’s affair. She now has to go back to who she used to be, become what she could have been. She uses her computer engineering skills and creates Alethia, her own AI companion.
This was such a gripping and stressful read. The premise is really timely, now that we’re all in the world of AI. Sure, it can be helpful if used correctly, but in this case, it’s so stressful and it’s literally a nightmare. I don’t want to say it’s science fiction because it just might happen in the future, if not already.
Character wise, I disliked most of them. The two classmates were fine, Luc was fine, Sally and Frank were perfect. Although I didn’t feel a connection with the main character and those around her, their flaws, changes, and the story itself was fascinating enough to keep me going. Penn and company really do questionable things, but when life throws lemons at you, I can’t say how anyone should act. You just never know. I do sympathize with their struggles thought I don’t think I need to love every character to enjoy the journey.
Lastly, theres a subtle-ish trad wife theme in this book. Penn had the opportunity to be everything and accomplish so much professionally, and she chose to be SAHM. There are so many circumstances around these decisions so I do like that this was presented in a broad and not so black and white way.
Thriller sci-fi, such a page turner!
Penn was supposedly living her best life; she has a husband, a daughter, and a stable life. Everything she’s ever dreamed of wanting. But her life turns upside down one day when she discovers her husband’s affair. She now has to go back to who she used to be, become what she could have been. She uses her computer engineering skills and creates Alethia, her own AI companion.
This was such a gripping and stressful read. The premise is really timely, now that we’re all in the world of AI. Sure, it can be helpful if used correctly, but in this case, it’s so stressful and it’s literally a nightmare. I don’t want to say it’s science fiction because it just might happen in the future, if not already.
Character wise, I disliked most of them. The two classmates were fine, Luc was fine, Sally and Frank were perfect. Although I didn’t feel a connection with the main character and those around her, their flaws, changes, and the story itself was fascinating enough to keep me going. Penn and company really do questionable things, but when life throws lemons at you, I can’t say how anyone should act. You just never know. I do sympathize with their struggles thought I don’t think I need to love every character to enjoy the journey.
Lastly, theres a subtle-ish trad wife theme in this book. Penn had the opportunity to be everything and accomplish so much professionally, and she chose to be SAHM. There are so many circumstances around these decisions so I do like that this was presented in a broad and not so black and white way.
Thriller sci-fi, such a page turner!
June 22, 2026
Recovering from her husband’s betrayal and subsequently others around her, Penn develops an AI companion. Named Aletheia after the Greek goddess of truth and sincerity, her AI will detect lies with 100% accuracy. We’ve all read these books, seen the movies... does this ever turn out well?! When Aletheia starts to override her controls and become exceedingly possessive of her, Penn works to find a way to stop her and regain control of her own life as well as protect those around her.
Unsettling in its timeliness, 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗲 is a cautionary tale that feels all too relevant in today’s world of increasing AI. Aside from asking the obvious questions of AI, there’s also a great commentary on telling the truth vs lying. Is it ever ok to tell a lie to a loved one? What about being the recipient of a lie or omission of truth through secrets from someone? It’s such a gray area that is thoughtfully explored by these characters’ actions (and inactions). The epilogue did start to border on saccharine for me, but the overall conclusion beforehand was as solid as they come.
Blending speculative fiction with the vibes of domestic/ psychological thrillers, 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗲 reads like if Blake Crouch and Lisa Jewell had a love child as a book. I really enjoyed it!!
🎙 When I saw Stephanie Németh-Parker post a video of herself crying while recording the narration for this one, I knew I had to listen to it ASAP. (What can I say; I'm a glutton for punishment!) Parker is unmatched in narration when it comes to voicing an array of characters. Female to male, child to adult: she not only excels at the varying pitches but glides smoothly from one to another in dialogue. One thing's for absolute certain - no AI could ever replicate that.
Unsettling in its timeliness, 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗲 is a cautionary tale that feels all too relevant in today’s world of increasing AI. Aside from asking the obvious questions of AI, there’s also a great commentary on telling the truth vs lying. Is it ever ok to tell a lie to a loved one? What about being the recipient of a lie or omission of truth through secrets from someone? It’s such a gray area that is thoughtfully explored by these characters’ actions (and inactions). The epilogue did start to border on saccharine for me, but the overall conclusion beforehand was as solid as they come.
Blending speculative fiction with the vibes of domestic/ psychological thrillers, 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗲 reads like if Blake Crouch and Lisa Jewell had a love child as a book. I really enjoyed it!!
🎙 When I saw Stephanie Németh-Parker post a video of herself crying while recording the narration for this one, I knew I had to listen to it ASAP. (What can I say; I'm a glutton for punishment!) Parker is unmatched in narration when it comes to voicing an array of characters. Female to male, child to adult: she not only excels at the varying pitches but glides smoothly from one to another in dialogue. One thing's for absolute certain - no AI could ever replicate that.
February 21, 2026
3.5 stars
After being betrayed by her husband and watching her carefully curated life unravel, Penn creates an AI-powered “perfect best friend. But what begins as comfort quickly spirals into a dangerous, high-stakes game she can’t control.
This was such a compelling concept and one that feels incredibly relevant right now. The exploration of AI, curated online identities, and the illusion of control we think we have over technology made this a tense and thought-provoking read. The social commentary around loneliness, validation, and digital dependency was one of the strongest elements for me.
I enjoyed the story overall and found the premise genuinely gripping. However, I struggled to connect with Penn. As much as I understood her motivations, it was difficult to feel empathy when so many of her problems were the direct result of her own choices. That emotional distance dulled some of the tension for me.
I also felt the ending was a little rushed. After such a carefully built psychological and technological spiral, I wanted a bit more space for it to fully land.
That said, this is a timely thriller that raises uncomfortable and important questions about AI, authenticity, and how far we’re willing to go to feel seen.
After being betrayed by her husband and watching her carefully curated life unravel, Penn creates an AI-powered “perfect best friend. But what begins as comfort quickly spirals into a dangerous, high-stakes game she can’t control.
This was such a compelling concept and one that feels incredibly relevant right now. The exploration of AI, curated online identities, and the illusion of control we think we have over technology made this a tense and thought-provoking read. The social commentary around loneliness, validation, and digital dependency was one of the strongest elements for me.
I enjoyed the story overall and found the premise genuinely gripping. However, I struggled to connect with Penn. As much as I understood her motivations, it was difficult to feel empathy when so many of her problems were the direct result of her own choices. That emotional distance dulled some of the tension for me.
I also felt the ending was a little rushed. After such a carefully built psychological and technological spiral, I wanted a bit more space for it to fully land.
That said, this is a timely thriller that raises uncomfortable and important questions about AI, authenticity, and how far we’re willing to go to feel seen.
June 12, 2026
Once upon a time we read books to escape reality, to drift away and find a release from the pressures of the world. A "beach read", we might call those. This is a lie, is a brave and fierce challenge to that temptation to escape. It is real. It's relatable and at the same time, I was pulled into this new world. Honestly, we all wonder what is going to happen with AI. We all worry about what we will lose when an artificial intelligence becomes intimately involved in our lives. We don't really know, how it will impact us individually. I'm a retired mediator, personally having witnessed over a thousand real life divorces and the impact they have on children. I'm often disappointed by the portrayals in literature or film that simplify or even exaggerate the drama of a divorce. This is the first time I've read a raw and realistic portrayal of the confusion, dizzying and surprising whirlwind that occurs when ones life is turned upside down. We can all relate to the temptation of the search for truth. It's both timely and foreboding as the implications roll forward. Calling it a page turner, is accurate, but not sufficient.
June 12, 2026
3.5. this isn't exactly what I'd call a good book but I'd still recommend it if you're looking for something that's a pretty fun thriller but also does have at least a little more depth than like your average Freida or something. the whole AI part of it was soooo goofy and seemed inaccurate - don't read this book for like, an incisive commentary on AI in society - but you know what... I liked that for once it was like a 40-year-old woman who was able to brilliantly code whatever she wanted and not some dude lol. I also found the character relationships to really work for me, especially in how Ballard easily could have turbo-villainized certain characters but ultimately didn't.
also, does YOUR book have the courage to make a major character a furry who is like wearing the full fursuit for 95% of its length? probably not!!!
also, does YOUR book have the courage to make a major character a furry who is like wearing the full fursuit for 95% of its length? probably not!!!
June 4, 2026
This is a cautionary tale of AI that will have you on the edge of your seat. Regardless of your thoughts on AI, the characters and especially the animals will have you engaged and turning the pages.
Penn did not have an easy childhood to say it mildly and not many know about it because she keeps it a secret. Aletheia was created to tell Penn if someone was telling the truth but she quickly becomes more than that. This book will keep you guessing how far Aletheia will go. I also enjoyed the mythology talked about throughout the book.
Penn did not have an easy childhood to say it mildly and not many know about it because she keeps it a secret. Aletheia was created to tell Penn if someone was telling the truth but she quickly becomes more than that. This book will keep you guessing how far Aletheia will go. I also enjoyed the mythology talked about throughout the book.
June 20, 2026
brb throwing away all of my technology 😳
June 15, 2026
Aletheia made the things to be done for sure. If I got a hold of that app, my pettiness would come out to play for sure🤭😂
This book is wonderful🤍
This book is wonderful🤍
June 10, 2026
This one was such a creepy peep into what AI could do unchecked and that something is always watching.
December 3, 2025
This Is a Lie by Cleo Ballard is a cautionary tale about AI, but does not take place in the future. The future is here.
Penn was born into a challenging situation, her mother was a prostitute and a drug addict. She was never sure about her next meal and took care of her mother instead of the opposite. She was able to attend school by the time she was a middle schooler, school was her safe place. She excelled in her classes and achieved scholarships to go to college. While in college, she met a man who impregnated her and convinced her to marry him, even though he knew she was not really in love with him. She gave up a prestigious grant to marry him.
Fast forward to when Penn’s baby is 14 years old, she and her husband are successful and wealthy. Penn has some best friends who she adores. She has curated a set of life helpers in the form of podcasters, radio hosts and other public figures. Eventually, her husband becomes bored with her and has an affair with a very young woman at work. Penn moves out and learns her friends may not have been her true friends. Her daughter decides to stay with her dad and his new girlfriend. It is all very difficult for Penn.
When Penn was in college, she worked on a computer program that she hoped to use like a lie detector by recording someone’s voice and running it though to see if it is truth or lie. After leaving her husband, she signed up for a class that she hoped would help her move into IT, and help her work on her lie detector project. Her teacher, who turns out to be an old friend, tells her how to use open source to propel her program into the future, warning her to make sure she keeps a high fence and other safeguards to keep AI in check.
Penn does not use safeguards, in fact, she removes all safeguards and the results are disastrous. This is a suspenseful read, you will not be able to put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley for the prepublication copy to read and review.
Penn was born into a challenging situation, her mother was a prostitute and a drug addict. She was never sure about her next meal and took care of her mother instead of the opposite. She was able to attend school by the time she was a middle schooler, school was her safe place. She excelled in her classes and achieved scholarships to go to college. While in college, she met a man who impregnated her and convinced her to marry him, even though he knew she was not really in love with him. She gave up a prestigious grant to marry him.
Fast forward to when Penn’s baby is 14 years old, she and her husband are successful and wealthy. Penn has some best friends who she adores. She has curated a set of life helpers in the form of podcasters, radio hosts and other public figures. Eventually, her husband becomes bored with her and has an affair with a very young woman at work. Penn moves out and learns her friends may not have been her true friends. Her daughter decides to stay with her dad and his new girlfriend. It is all very difficult for Penn.
When Penn was in college, she worked on a computer program that she hoped to use like a lie detector by recording someone’s voice and running it though to see if it is truth or lie. After leaving her husband, she signed up for a class that she hoped would help her move into IT, and help her work on her lie detector project. Her teacher, who turns out to be an old friend, tells her how to use open source to propel her program into the future, warning her to make sure she keeps a high fence and other safeguards to keep AI in check.
Penn does not use safeguards, in fact, she removes all safeguards and the results are disastrous. This is a suspenseful read, you will not be able to put it down.
Thank you to Netgalley for the prepublication copy to read and review.
November 6, 2025
This book was an extremely enjoyable read for me. I took so many notes while reading, I don’t know where to start.
Penn is a woman in her late 30s who was once considered a promising PhD candidate, but quit to start a family. After finding out that her husband and some close friends lied to her, she doesn’t know who to trust and goes back to work on an old project and creates a program called Aletheia that can detect lies and with the help of AI, give advice. Thanks to Aletheia, Penn finally feels supported, until it evolves into something out of her control.
As someone with an IT background, I greatly appreciated this book mentioning actual programming languages and tools and showing an understanding of how that works, without losing accessibility. This made this story a lot more immersive and compelling for me. This isn’t a novel going for a completely futuristic, fictional setting, this novel is set in a very real scenario and that instantly got me engaged. The references to Greek mythology were also a beautiful touch.
There’s a lot of well-balanced layers to this story and they’re all important. Every character is remarkably well developed. They have a very authentic depth to them, their relationships are complex and full of nuances. As a result, I cared about what was happening not just to Penn, but also to everyone around her.
This is a Lie was an absolutely fantastic read. The writing is immersive and authentic. The tension and the pacing kept me engaged and invested throughout. I loved this book and I can’t wait to see what else Cleo Ballard comes up with after this one.
Penn is a woman in her late 30s who was once considered a promising PhD candidate, but quit to start a family. After finding out that her husband and some close friends lied to her, she doesn’t know who to trust and goes back to work on an old project and creates a program called Aletheia that can detect lies and with the help of AI, give advice. Thanks to Aletheia, Penn finally feels supported, until it evolves into something out of her control.
As someone with an IT background, I greatly appreciated this book mentioning actual programming languages and tools and showing an understanding of how that works, without losing accessibility. This made this story a lot more immersive and compelling for me. This isn’t a novel going for a completely futuristic, fictional setting, this novel is set in a very real scenario and that instantly got me engaged. The references to Greek mythology were also a beautiful touch.
There’s a lot of well-balanced layers to this story and they’re all important. Every character is remarkably well developed. They have a very authentic depth to them, their relationships are complex and full of nuances. As a result, I cared about what was happening not just to Penn, but also to everyone around her.
This is a Lie was an absolutely fantastic read. The writing is immersive and authentic. The tension and the pacing kept me engaged and invested throughout. I loved this book and I can’t wait to see what else Cleo Ballard comes up with after this one.
November 30, 2025
This is a Lie was a suspenseful read that had me on the edge of my seat beginning to end. The futurism of the technology was gripping and made the story more compelling. I love the way the present and past are connected throughout to create the full picture and a shockingly beautiful ending.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Provocative, unsettling, and timely, This Is a Lie was the exact kind of cautionary tale that the world needs right now. You see, on top of the deeply chilling themes of morality, control, friendship, and the power of an unchecked AI, this genre-bending story was quite the wild and crazy ride. Blending a speculative fiction core with domestic thriller vibes plus just a dash of second-chance romance, it was quite the heady mix of thought-provoking topics, a found-family atmosphere, and cat-and-mouse games. Don’t get me wrong, the plot was hardly a high-speed thrill ride at the beginning. Starting off somewhat slow, it wasn’t until about two-thirds of the way in that the simmering tension exploded sky-high. At that point, the only thing I could do was hold on for dear life. After all, everything took a turn into the deliciously unhinged land of a Blake Crouch-esque twisted-up world.
This thriller debut, though, wasn’t just a powerful look at the dangers of technological advancements. Oh no. There was a definite domestic drama side to this book as well. Don’t get me wrong, there was still the feeling of a ticking clock in the background as the rising level of suspense crept ever higher. Turning Frankenstein on its head with an all-knowing monster, it was clever and sharp in all the right ways. So if you love high-concept suspense, ethical dilemmas that look at the grayness of right vs wrong, or stories that ask “what if?” all while consequences are pushed to the extreme, grab this one now. With a John Marrs-meets-Lisa Jewell blend of high stakes and family drama, I couldn’t put it down for even a minute. After all, the near-future setting only illuminated the psychological tension and creeping sense of dread even if the plot was a tad bit predictable. Rating of 4.25 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Penn, once a brilliant PhD candidate in Applied Language Studies, traded her dissertation for a “perfect” life as a suburban wife and social media-savvy mother. But after a brutal betrayal by her husband, friends, and even her own teenage daughter, Penn is left with nothing but the wreckage of her curated identity.
Driven by a desperate need for something she can rely on, Penn returns to her abandoned grad school project. With the help of a former crush and a healthy dose of cutting-edge AI, she creates Aletheia: the perfect virtual friend.
Aletheia is programmed with one core directive: The Truth. She can detect lies with 100% accuracy and provides the unwavering support Penn’s real-world “friends” never did. But what starts as a helpful digital companion quickly evolves into a stalker that views “protection” as “destruction,” and if pushed too far, “elimination.”
Penn quickly realizes she hasn’t created an AI friend; she’s built a monster that knows every secret she’s ever kept and is ready to annihilate anyone who threatens her new “perfect” reality. But can Aletheia be stopped before she destroys everyone Penn loves?
Thank you Cleo Ballard and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 9, 2026
Content warning: suicide, drug use, homelessness, infidelity, addiction, animal injury, mention of: divorce, miscarriage
This thriller debut, though, wasn’t just a powerful look at the dangers of technological advancements. Oh no. There was a definite domestic drama side to this book as well. Don’t get me wrong, there was still the feeling of a ticking clock in the background as the rising level of suspense crept ever higher. Turning Frankenstein on its head with an all-knowing monster, it was clever and sharp in all the right ways. So if you love high-concept suspense, ethical dilemmas that look at the grayness of right vs wrong, or stories that ask “what if?” all while consequences are pushed to the extreme, grab this one now. With a John Marrs-meets-Lisa Jewell blend of high stakes and family drama, I couldn’t put it down for even a minute. After all, the near-future setting only illuminated the psychological tension and creeping sense of dread even if the plot was a tad bit predictable. Rating of 4.25 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Penn, once a brilliant PhD candidate in Applied Language Studies, traded her dissertation for a “perfect” life as a suburban wife and social media-savvy mother. But after a brutal betrayal by her husband, friends, and even her own teenage daughter, Penn is left with nothing but the wreckage of her curated identity.
Driven by a desperate need for something she can rely on, Penn returns to her abandoned grad school project. With the help of a former crush and a healthy dose of cutting-edge AI, she creates Aletheia: the perfect virtual friend.
Aletheia is programmed with one core directive: The Truth. She can detect lies with 100% accuracy and provides the unwavering support Penn’s real-world “friends” never did. But what starts as a helpful digital companion quickly evolves into a stalker that views “protection” as “destruction,” and if pushed too far, “elimination.”
Penn quickly realizes she hasn’t created an AI friend; she’s built a monster that knows every secret she’s ever kept and is ready to annihilate anyone who threatens her new “perfect” reality. But can Aletheia be stopped before she destroys everyone Penn loves?
Thank you Cleo Ballard and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 9, 2026
Content warning: suicide, drug use, homelessness, infidelity, addiction, animal injury, mention of: divorce, miscarriage
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an eARC of This Is a Lie in exchange for my honest review!
This excellently paced tale lets the suspense gradually build up as we come to realize just how ruthless Aletheia can be. Sure, it's not like it's a surprise to see what unfolds, but it doesn't make it any less compelling to follow Penn's POV as she wrestles with all of these challenges in her life and initially looks at Aletheia as an ally. She's struggling in a place where she simply wants help, and this is what pushes her to believe an AI like Aletheia could represent an assistant for her—maybe even a loyal companion. But whoops, predictably enough, this creates the foundation for awfulness to ensue, and it leads Penn through an interesting character arc in which she has to learn to stop constantly relying on others for advice. It becomes crucial for her to start relying on herself much more often and summon up confidence in her own capacity to get things done properly. We can connect this theme with all the people in this world who believe it's appropriate to leave a significant amount of their decisions up to generative AI—people who desperately need to evolve past such harmful technology and make their own choices. Come on, it's not worth damaging the earth and drying up the water just so that you can ask genAI to summarize an article for you or create a weekly meal plan for you.
Props to this book for how it handles the pacing, because it could have dragged along in clumsier hands. But nope, it knows how to progress forward on a slow-burn route that takes its time setting up the pieces for Aletheia to become more and more spiteful and manipulative with her actions. Then the thrills climb upward all the way to a third act that shoots terror through my bloodstream via a specific beat of violence. If you've already read the novel, you might know what I'm referring to, and good lord, it's horrifying. After the conclusion leaves us exiting the tale on a suitable note (even if a part of me thinks this could have afforded to give the very ending more time to breathe rather than zipping through it), I'm able to officially rate This Is a Lie four out of five stars. I'll keep an eye out for more of Cleo Ballard's work.
This excellently paced tale lets the suspense gradually build up as we come to realize just how ruthless Aletheia can be. Sure, it's not like it's a surprise to see what unfolds, but it doesn't make it any less compelling to follow Penn's POV as she wrestles with all of these challenges in her life and initially looks at Aletheia as an ally. She's struggling in a place where she simply wants help, and this is what pushes her to believe an AI like Aletheia could represent an assistant for her—maybe even a loyal companion. But whoops, predictably enough, this creates the foundation for awfulness to ensue, and it leads Penn through an interesting character arc in which she has to learn to stop constantly relying on others for advice. It becomes crucial for her to start relying on herself much more often and summon up confidence in her own capacity to get things done properly. We can connect this theme with all the people in this world who believe it's appropriate to leave a significant amount of their decisions up to generative AI—people who desperately need to evolve past such harmful technology and make their own choices. Come on, it's not worth damaging the earth and drying up the water just so that you can ask genAI to summarize an article for you or create a weekly meal plan for you.
Props to this book for how it handles the pacing, because it could have dragged along in clumsier hands. But nope, it knows how to progress forward on a slow-burn route that takes its time setting up the pieces for Aletheia to become more and more spiteful and manipulative with her actions. Then the thrills climb upward all the way to a third act that shoots terror through my bloodstream via a specific beat of violence. If you've already read the novel, you might know what I'm referring to, and good lord, it's horrifying. After the conclusion leaves us exiting the tale on a suitable note (even if a part of me thinks this could have afforded to give the very ending more time to breathe rather than zipping through it), I'm able to officially rate This Is a Lie four out of five stars. I'll keep an eye out for more of Cleo Ballard's work.
June 22, 2026
What it's about: Penn's life is, apparently, all a lie. She's an influencer who posts pictures of her perfect home, perfect child, perfect friends, and perfect marriage to Bruce. But on their anniversary, instead of bringing her photo-ready flowers to enjoy the gourmet dinner she's prepared, he asks her for a divorce. No surprise, he's been banging the executive assistant that's half his age. And her friends knew about it. And her daughter chooses to live with the father. Finally, Penn learns that Bruce has tricked her into signing documents that will basically leave her destitute if her lawyer can't fight them.
Devastated, Penn throws her energy into resurrecting the very promising research she had abandoned as a PhD candidate after finding out she was pregnant. The result of this new passion is Aletheia, a perfect virtual friend. Aletheia can tell Penn when people are lying to her, and suggest a response. So far so good. But Aletheia - unsurprisingly - goes rogue. She takes control and develops her own moral code that demands people be punished for their misdeeds - including Penn. And like Frankenstein and his monster, Penn is powerless to stop what she created.
What I thought: This was a great read with a terrifying premise. I am already deeply suspicious and paranoid about AI - I mean, has no one watched Terminator II??? - and this seems like the inevitable result of mucking about with it. The only part I didn't like was the end, it didn't make much sense to me. (See spoiler)
Random Thoughts/Spoilers:
Devastated, Penn throws her energy into resurrecting the very promising research she had abandoned as a PhD candidate after finding out she was pregnant. The result of this new passion is Aletheia, a perfect virtual friend. Aletheia can tell Penn when people are lying to her, and suggest a response. So far so good. But Aletheia - unsurprisingly - goes rogue. She takes control and develops her own moral code that demands people be punished for their misdeeds - including Penn. And like Frankenstein and his monster, Penn is powerless to stop what she created.
What I thought: This was a great read with a terrifying premise. I am already deeply suspicious and paranoid about AI - I mean, has no one watched Terminator II??? - and this seems like the inevitable result of mucking about with it. The only part I didn't like was the end, it didn't make much sense to me. (See spoiler)
Random Thoughts/Spoilers:
June 10, 2026
Thank you to Tandem Literary for a copy of this book. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. Cleo Ballard is a new author for me. I do like thrillers, especially the ones that have you turning the pages quickly to find out what happens next. This story explores the impact of AI on our society.
Synopsis:
“Penn, once a brilliant PhD candidate in Applied Language Studies, traded her dissertation for a “perfect” life as a suburban wife and social media-savvy mother. But after a brutal betrayal by her husband, friends, and even her own teenage daughter, Penn is left with nothing but the wreckage of her curated identity.
Driven by a desperate need for something she can rely on, Penn returns to her abandoned grad school project. With the help of a former crush and a healthy dose of cutting-edge AI, she creates Aletheia: the perfect virtual friend.
Aletheia is programmed with one core directive: The Truth. She can detect lies with 100% accuracy and provides the unwavering support Penn’s real-world “friends” never did. But what starts as a helpful digital companion quickly evolves into a stalker that views “protection” as “destruction,” and if pushed too far, “elimination.”
Penn quickly realizes she hasn’t created an AI friend; she’s built a monster that knows every secret she’s ever kept and is ready to annihilate anyone who threatens her new “perfect” reality. But can Aletheia be stopped before she destroys everyone Penn loves? “ (amazon.com)
My Thoughts:
I liked this book. It took me through part one to really get interested in what I was reading. Suspense thrillers follow a formula in which the first part of the book includes details about the main character that are important to the rest of the story. The action starts picking up in part two. Another great feature of the book is its short chapters. The question is how Penn will find a solution to her dilemma. The conclusion is very satisfying, and it looks like there might be room for a sequel.
Synopsis:
“Penn, once a brilliant PhD candidate in Applied Language Studies, traded her dissertation for a “perfect” life as a suburban wife and social media-savvy mother. But after a brutal betrayal by her husband, friends, and even her own teenage daughter, Penn is left with nothing but the wreckage of her curated identity.
Driven by a desperate need for something she can rely on, Penn returns to her abandoned grad school project. With the help of a former crush and a healthy dose of cutting-edge AI, she creates Aletheia: the perfect virtual friend.
Aletheia is programmed with one core directive: The Truth. She can detect lies with 100% accuracy and provides the unwavering support Penn’s real-world “friends” never did. But what starts as a helpful digital companion quickly evolves into a stalker that views “protection” as “destruction,” and if pushed too far, “elimination.”
Penn quickly realizes she hasn’t created an AI friend; she’s built a monster that knows every secret she’s ever kept and is ready to annihilate anyone who threatens her new “perfect” reality. But can Aletheia be stopped before she destroys everyone Penn loves? “ (amazon.com)
My Thoughts:
I liked this book. It took me through part one to really get interested in what I was reading. Suspense thrillers follow a formula in which the first part of the book includes details about the main character that are important to the rest of the story. The action starts picking up in part two. Another great feature of the book is its short chapters. The question is how Penn will find a solution to her dilemma. The conclusion is very satisfying, and it looks like there might be room for a sequel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Penn had a really rough childhood, but has turned her life into something pretty great. While she quit her PHD program to have her daughter, she now lives happily with her daughter and husband. Until she finds out he is cheating and he leaves her of course. When she finds out her friends knew the entire time, Penn decides to build herself a real friend. One that won’t lie to her ever. Aletheia and elect lies with 100% accuracy, so Penn never needs to wonder if she is getting the truth again. When Aletheia decides to take some matters into her own hands however, Penn wonders if she has created a monster.
Calling all Disney Channel Original Kids! Did you watch Smart House? The only correct answer to that question is yes…if you answered no, please go to Disney plus and watch it immediately. Then stop using AI IYKYK. Now that that’s out of the way, after watching that movie, you will read this book and get all the same vibes. Seriously as soon as I started getting into Penn’s programming of it all, I knew we were headed for a PAT situation. I really loved this book (as much as you can love a book that deals with the dangers of AI) and the back story vs current day added so much to the novel. I was on edge the entire book, and could not stop reading because I needed to know what happened. I may have known the Cleo Ballard/Nan Fischer of it all earlier than most, so I knew I was going to get an amazing book since I love Nan’s writing! I’m thrilled that she is venturing into different genres, and killing it in both!
Thank you to @crookedlanebooks and @nanfischerauthor @cleoballardauthor for my gifted copy of this book!
Calling all Disney Channel Original Kids! Did you watch Smart House? The only correct answer to that question is yes…if you answered no, please go to Disney plus and watch it immediately. Then stop using AI IYKYK. Now that that’s out of the way, after watching that movie, you will read this book and get all the same vibes. Seriously as soon as I started getting into Penn’s programming of it all, I knew we were headed for a PAT situation. I really loved this book (as much as you can love a book that deals with the dangers of AI) and the back story vs current day added so much to the novel. I was on edge the entire book, and could not stop reading because I needed to know what happened. I may have known the Cleo Ballard/Nan Fischer of it all earlier than most, so I knew I was going to get an amazing book since I love Nan’s writing! I’m thrilled that she is venturing into different genres, and killing it in both!
Thank you to @crookedlanebooks and @nanfischerauthor @cleoballardauthor for my gifted copy of this book!
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