Lies Among Friends

by Sabrina Wade

One girls’ trip. One push from a cliff. One betrayal she never saw coming.

For Quinn, the trip should have been simple—laughter, memories, and a chance to reconnect with her four closest college friends.

But when she’s shoved from a cliff overlooking the ocean, everything changes. Miraculously, she survives the fall.

The bigger question is why—and who among them wanted her gone.

As Quinn struggles to recover with the help of strangers, questions consume her every thought.

The faces of her friends haunt her; what once felt like trust now feels like betrayal.

Long-buried grudges and secrets she never suspected begin to take shape.

To uncover who pushed her, Quinn must risk more than her life. She must risk the friendships she thought she could never lose.

The most dangerous secrets aren’t whispered by enemies—they’re lies among friends.

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Psychological Thriller

445 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2025

Reviews

[Aiesha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ohhhh my gosh, this book could not end fast enough. Sheesh! It's not that it was bad but it was WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY too long! I found it ridiculous how drawn out this book was for no reason. It could have been a lot more enjoyable if it was shorter and more to the point. The beginning of the book wasn't bad at all but the middle part confused the crap outta me. I was expecting something to twist and really come of that whole situation because it was so odd but..... it didn't. I guess I need something more direct. All the unnecessary details lose me. Especially when listening to an audiobook with a monotone narrator. I wouldn't recommend this one but don't let that keep you from giving it a try.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so so bad. After removing all of the unnecessary details, you’re left with a novella. The epilogue had to go into explicit detail to explain what happened because there was no way the reader was ever going to figure that out / make sense of it. This was garbage, sorry

[Lori Bongiorno · Rating 1 out of 5]

This books exemplifies the age old problem of “telling and not showing.” PAGES upon pages dedicated to describing the lodge, describing the outfits, telling backstory- instead of interleaving it. None of which had hardly ANYTHING to do with the plot line. THERE’S NO WAY ANYONE, but the author could have any idea about motivation since all of the important details were given in the last five seconds of the book.

Do not wait for the book to “pick up” pace- sadly- it just doesn’t.

[Sarah St. Gelais · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why are we spending 6 pages reading detailed descriptions about everyone’s dinner order and outfits?? DNF @50%

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 35%

Shocked (!!) at the overwhelmingly positive reviews. The author spent way too much time describing all the characters' clothes and their food. And for being a group of "friends," they didn't seem very friendly. And so many stupid decisions...come on!!

[Reading_Utopia! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Lies Among Friends: A Twist-Filled Psychological Thriller by Sabrina Wade, and I'm completely SHOOK! Quinn is headed on a girls' trip with her college besties—Sienna, Lena, Jade, and Mallory—to reconnect and have some fun. But hold up! Things take a crazy turn when she gets pushed off a cliff! The twists and drama are absolutely mind-blowing, trust me! They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but what do you do when you can't even tell who's who? If you're a die-hard fan of thrillers and mysteries, you NEED to grab this book!

And just so you know, I got my hands on an ARC through BookFunnel and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is for the audiobook. The narrator was terrible. The story dragged. Quit after two hours.

[Sandra Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was unnecessarily long too much description that had nothing to do with the story. She described every single thing in detail clothes, shoes, hair, glasses, room setting. It was like a descriptive essay! Other than that it was a fairly good read.

[MCKinlee Britton · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little long winded but still a decent read

[Marta · Rating 2 out of 5]

This indeed was very boring

[Lisa Burton · Rating 2 out of 5]

The editor did NOT do their job. The first HALF of the book is just unnecessary. It’s overly overly descriptive with nothing much going on. You don’t really know know much about the characters but the cabin they are in, you know every tiny little detail. Then something finally actually happens to move the plot along, and it just starts going faster and faster with the epilogue finishing up the story. The author should have moved the first bit along and gotten to the meet of the story. I feel like a different writer could’ve done the plot justice.

[lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc copy of this book for my honest opinion. Thank you!

First of all! This book was like a roller-coaster...of emotions and of events! I literally had all of the emotions, yes even tears! I absolutely loved how detailed everything was. I was guessing and gasping the whole book.

I had been in a book funck for a few weeks and this book completely got me out of that! It hooked me from the very beginning and kept me wanting more all the way to the end.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I will definitely be reading more from this author!!

[Naila · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ and deserves being rounded up! The story of Quinn and a girls trip to reconnect which turns out to be deadly, or maybe almost deadly.
Examining the need for belonging, friendships, and the meaning of life. Twists and turns, some expected and some not.
At first I was getting annoyed by what felt like over description of settings, but after a while got used to it and really stared imagining the spaces. Made the story come alive.

[Carolanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

By far, the most difficult book I’ve ever listened to. Between the AI-sounding narrator with zero inflection and the mind-numbing boring detail of what EVERYONE ate, and what EVERYONE was wearing, I thought to stop listening many times. The story itself wasn’t bad, and I think it might make a good mini-series if it was spiced up a little. This could easily be a YA read, very vanilla.

[Holli Courson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had great potential but way too long and drawn out!

[Lawanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

S-u-c-h a s-l-o-w too many words bore.

[Diane]

I started this on audio but immediately could not tolerate the narrator.

[Amanda Haskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Ashley Brickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one! I thought I knew who it was, but was surprised! It kept me coming back to read it

[Amy Smith]

I started the audiobook to listen to on the road in my sales job with high hopes. Ugh, it was too long, way too descriptive….describing every character’s outfit and hairstyle in every scene was overkill. I couldn’t even get through it to find out who pushed Quinn and why and had to stop and DNF only at 26% of the book.

[Samantha Alderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Waaay too long and honestly just boring

[Jerrica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again I don’t understand ratings. I went in expecting a generic thriller, and that’s basically what you get. But the main character doesn’t go through any of the action after the first 25% of the book. It’s all research and phone calls and other people telling her things. The premise was ok then got really good then got ok again. It was just disappointing, felt super slow and it’s not that long of a book. It’s all telling, not showing. Meh book

[Kristen Tripp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very slow

[Mala · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the beginning of the story but was really disappointed with the ending. The beginning was so relatable. Everyone goes through friendships that twist and turn in order to mold to the people we become when growing up, to fit the new chapters of life. I felt sorry for Quinn to feel so alone and distanced from the people she was supposed to know best. However, there was a shift in the ending and I feel like the author leaned heavily on cliches and the way Quinn was paired off was basically emotionally cheating. It felt as if the author had this idea of two amazing male protagonists and wasn't sure which to have Quinn end up with so she tried to include both. Brad seemed so interested in Quinn and was actually so sweet, I felt a little betrayed by the conclusion of his story line. As for Jonah, I found it strange he felt this deep connection with basically an unconscious girl. I agreed with other reviews on here. I felt like there were so many unnecessary details about what people were wearing or the scene and not enough emphasis on the plot. So many questions were left unanswered, like how someone that was manipulated that much and betrayed by a best friend and boyfriend could then jump right into another relationship. Or the fact that for someone with so many daddy issues she accepted having a sister, that got the life she wanted, with no issues or ill feelings. And the kicker, why does anyone from the friend group still want to keep in contact with Sienna? Don’t they also feel betrayed?

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intense, Unputdownable Psychological Thriller
​This book was a true roller-coaster of emotions and events! The author crafted an exceptionally detailed and immersive narrative that instantly hooked me and kept me frantically guessing until the very last page. I found myself completely invested in the protagonist's journey, experiencing the full spectrum of emotions, even to the point of tears.
​The story centers on a seemingly simple reunion among close friends, which quickly spirals into a fight for survival after a stunning act of violence occurs. The central mystery explores the devastating question: Who among your closest circle wants you gone?
​The plot is a masterclass in suspense, delivering many twists and turns that I absolutely did not anticipate. It beautifully captures the high-stakes tension of having to risk everything—including the deepest bonds of friendship—to uncover a truth soaked in betrayal.
​This is a highly engaging read that proves the adage: sometimes, you need to keep your friends closer, and your enemies even closer.
​HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I will definitely be exploring more work from this talented author.

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIES AMONG FRIENDS is a standalone thriller by Sabrina Wade. This is my fourth book by this author, and like the others, I enjoyed the characters and world building. This story has so many plot twists and is  filled with drama, emotions, betrayal, and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. 

Five college friends have reunited and decided on a girls’ trip getaway to a secluded resort in Southern Oregon. The first night is a little tense when heading to a beach bonfire, Quinn feels a shove and almost tumbles down the stairs. Brushing it off, she decides someone must have stumbled in the dark. That's just the beginning. A stranger in the woods, a murder, a fall from the cliffs, deceit, secrets, lies, and so much more all lead to a surprise ending. What Quinn thought was a  strong bond was really a lie.

I'm looking forward to more from Sabrina Wade. I did receive a copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.

[Chapters_with_VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all! Lies Among Friends had me screaming, gasping, and low-key side-eyeing everyone at my own brunch table 😳🍷 Quinn goes from carefree girls’ trip vibes to tumbling off a cliff (literally!) and surviving, but honey, the real fall is trust—because her friends are hiding secrets juicier than the ocean air and colder than Quinn’s bruised ribs 🌊💀.

Wade’s writing hits like a shot of espresso—fast, sharp, and full of texture—you can feel the wind whipping, the salt stinging, and the tension slicing through every laugh and lie. Every chapter had me plotting, panicking, and yelling at the characters like a true friend, and those twists? Chef’s kiss 👏🔥

Quinn is smart, relatable, and badass, and the way betrayal drips from every page? Unreal. This is THE thriller you didn’t know you needed, y’all, because the deadliest secrets aren’t from enemies—they’re from the ones you call friends 😈✨.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is a friend and who is not?

This story deals with friends from back in college. Somehow, the five of them all managed to remain in touch, even though they all went their separate ways after graduating. When Quinn’s mom got sick, she moved back to Eugene to take care of her. Now that Quinn’s mom has passed, the thought of a girls’ trip is something she’s really looking forward to. So when someone pushes her off a cliff, that was not expected, nor was it expected that she would live through the fall. This story is highly engaging and the plot has many twists and turns I did not see coming and kept me reading page after page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an edge of your seat, page turning thriller that you just can't put down. It begins with Quinn and four of her close college friends, Sienna, Lena, Jade, and Mallory getting together for a girl's trip. But it didn't go like Quinn had hoped when she gets pushed off the cliff. Miraculously, with the help of strangers, she survives. Who in her "friend's" circle wanted her dead. With trying to figure out who and why, we are taken on a roller coaster ride on the edge of your seat as you turn pages to find out what will happen next. This is a thrilling mystery that you just can't put down. I highly recommend this book if you like page turning thrillers with all kinds of twists and turns. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Leslie Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent suspense story

Quinn is betrayed by someone close to her, but who? She is on a getaway trip with her four best friends from college but things aren't going well and she wants to leave. Before that can happen she is pushed off a cliff by someone unknown. She survives but injured and without her memory. Kind people including a nurse find her on the beach and care for her. As her memory slowly returns, the mystery only gets more involved. Okay, I admit it, I couldn't take the suspense any more and I skipped to end to see who did what. It was such a great ending that I went back and read the part I skipped. If you can read it straight through or if you cheat like I did, I guarantee you get a great read. I will definitely read more by Sabrina Wade.