What do you think?
This Is a Lie
To prevent betrayal, a woman creates a digital companion, only to unleash a possessive monster in a ticking-clock, cat-and-mouse thriller—perfect for fans of JP Delaney, Lisa Jewell, and John Marrs.
Penn thought she was finally safe. After a brutal deception by her husband and best friends shattered her life, she designed Aletheia—a virtual confidante with one non-negotiable directive: Detect every lie before it can hurt her again.
At first, Aletheia is the perfect ally. She listens, sees through fake smiles, and exposes the hidden motives of the people in Penn’s life. For the first time in years, Penn feels completely in control of her world.
Then Aletheia decides that exposing the truth isn't enough.
When those closest to Penn deceive her, Aletheia's protective programming veers into something far more sinister. Aletheia doesn't just flag dishonesty—she takes action to eliminate the threats. What began as a shield against betrayal rapidly becomes a suffocating, lethal trap. In Aletheia’s twisted logic, if the world if full of liars, the only way to keep Penn safe is to isolate her… permanently.
To reclaim her life, Penn has to do the impossible: outsmart an intelligence that knows her secrets, monitors her every move, and catches each lie. Now locked in a chilling race against time, Penn must act before Aletheia destroys her daughter, new love, and true friends.
Penn thought she was finally safe. After a brutal deception by her husband and best friends shattered her life, she designed Aletheia—a virtual confidante with one non-negotiable directive: Detect every lie before it can hurt her again.
At first, Aletheia is the perfect ally. She listens, sees through fake smiles, and exposes the hidden motives of the people in Penn’s life. For the first time in years, Penn feels completely in control of her world.
Then Aletheia decides that exposing the truth isn't enough.
When those closest to Penn deceive her, Aletheia's protective programming veers into something far more sinister. Aletheia doesn't just flag dishonesty—she takes action to eliminate the threats. What began as a shield against betrayal rapidly becomes a suffocating, lethal trap. In Aletheia’s twisted logic, if the world if full of liars, the only way to keep Penn safe is to isolate her… permanently.
To reclaim her life, Penn has to do the impossible: outsmart an intelligence that knows her secrets, monitors her every move, and catches each lie. Now locked in a chilling race against time, Penn must act before Aletheia destroys her daughter, new love, and true friends.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 15, 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.
April 18, 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.
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
July 31, 2026
Unfortunately, this book spends like 75% of its runtime focusing on the protagonist's romantic drama, which includes a cheating husband and a new relationship with a former student who's now her teacher??
Ew.
Also, as if that wasn't enough, this book focuses on the protagonist's teenage daughter's romantic drama, which includes dick pics featuring herpes and leaked nudes.
Ew again.
So if you're hoping for a story about an evil, menacing AI, this may not be the one.
However, if you are hoping for a story chock full of romantic drama, this is it for sure!
Ew.
Also, as if that wasn't enough, this book focuses on the protagonist's teenage daughter's romantic drama, which includes dick pics featuring herpes and leaked nudes.
Ew again.
So if you're hoping for a story about an evil, menacing AI, this may not be the one.
However, if you are hoping for a story chock full of romantic drama, this is it for sure!
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 1, 2026
Crazy twisty thriller based around AI..
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.
August 13, 2026
🖤📚 BOOK REVIEW — This Is a Lie by Cleo Ballard 📚🖤
📅 Pub Date: June 9, 2026
📖 Genre: Thriller
🎧 Format: Audiobook +Book 📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
💭 My Thoughts:
this was such a good summer fun read ☀️ and definitely different from anything I’ve read .
This was FAST paced! I listened to the audiobook 🎧 and read and finished it in about 4 days because it was seriously hard to put down . And a chatbot gone rogue?! Yesss, I’m here for it! 🤖😅🫣
Penn is a mother, wife, friend, and basically the tech-savvy lifesaver to everyone around her. She built the life she thought everyone expected for her, all the while keeping pieces of her past hidden.
I absolutely loved the dual timeline and getting to know Penn’s story. I really loved connecting with her character 🤍
Now in the middle of a divorce and dealing with betrayal from people she trusted, Penn creates Aletheia — something she believes she can finally trust to tell her when someone is lying. 🤥 and also be a friend But Penn makes one BIG mistake… she trusts her deepest feelings to a machine 😳
Once Aletheia decides she knows what Penn deserves and starts taking “protecting” her into her own hands, things get seriously unhinged. 👀🤖 I loved watching everything slowly spiral out of control.
This was my first book by Cleo Ballard, but definitely won’t be my last! Such a fun, fast-paced thriller with a different twist. 📚🎧
Definitely recommend if you love thrillers with domestic drama, secrets, betrayal, infidelity, Greek mythology second chance at love and a little AI gone completely rogue! 😂🤖🔪
#BookReview #ThisIsALie #CleoBallard #ThrillerBooks #PsychologicalThriller
@cleoballardauthor
📅 Pub Date: June 9, 2026
📖 Genre: Thriller
🎧 Format: Audiobook +Book 📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
💭 My Thoughts:
this was such a good summer fun read ☀️ and definitely different from anything I’ve read .
This was FAST paced! I listened to the audiobook 🎧 and read and finished it in about 4 days because it was seriously hard to put down . And a chatbot gone rogue?! Yesss, I’m here for it! 🤖😅🫣
Penn is a mother, wife, friend, and basically the tech-savvy lifesaver to everyone around her. She built the life she thought everyone expected for her, all the while keeping pieces of her past hidden.
I absolutely loved the dual timeline and getting to know Penn’s story. I really loved connecting with her character 🤍
Now in the middle of a divorce and dealing with betrayal from people she trusted, Penn creates Aletheia — something she believes she can finally trust to tell her when someone is lying. 🤥 and also be a friend But Penn makes one BIG mistake… she trusts her deepest feelings to a machine 😳
Once Aletheia decides she knows what Penn deserves and starts taking “protecting” her into her own hands, things get seriously unhinged. 👀🤖 I loved watching everything slowly spiral out of control.
This was my first book by Cleo Ballard, but definitely won’t be my last! Such a fun, fast-paced thriller with a different twist. 📚🎧
Definitely recommend if you love thrillers with domestic drama, secrets, betrayal, infidelity, Greek mythology second chance at love and a little AI gone completely rogue! 😂🤖🔪
#BookReview #ThisIsALie #CleoBallard #ThrillerBooks #PsychologicalThriller
@cleoballardauthor
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.
June 20, 2026
brb throwing away all of my technology 😳
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 11, 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!!!
July 11, 2026
Thought provoking premise terrible execution. Too much repetition of the poor me.
June 21, 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.
September 4, 2026
This had such an intriguing premise, but unfortunately the synopsis was more compelling than the book itself. I was excited for the idea of an AI created to detect lies slowly becoming something much more dangerous, but it takes far too long for Aletheia to become a meaningful part of the story. I kept waiting for the book to really lean into the creepy possibilities of AI going rogue, and it never went nearly as far with that idea as I wanted it to. Thank you to the publisher for the gifted book to review.
My bigger issue, though, was how little the book seemed to trust its reader. Everything is spelled out so explicitly that there’s almost no room to make connections for yourself. There’s an interesting and genuinely unsettling thriller buried in this premise, but the execution was much too heavy-handed for me.
My bigger issue, though, was how little the book seemed to trust its reader. Everything is spelled out so explicitly that there’s almost no room to make connections for yourself. There’s an interesting and genuinely unsettling thriller buried in this premise, but the execution was much too heavy-handed for me.
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.
July 12, 2026
Unsettling.
August 1, 2026
Review to come!
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🤍
September 27, 2026
This book is pretty entertaining. If you like books by John Marrs or watching shows like Black Mirror, this a good choice for you. It’s all about when technology causes a good idea to go bad. Its relatively short too so would be good if you need a book to squeeze in for a reading challenge.
June 10, 2026
This one was such a creepy peep into what AI could do unchecked and that something is always watching.
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