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Then She Lied
Twenty years ago a teenage girl walked into a police station dressed in a bloody hospital gown with no recollection of her name or what happened to her.
With no clue to her origins, she was given a new name, Jane, and a life. Now, the remains of a body surface in a Long Island pond and Jane knows she must go to the police and tell them that she has remembered parts of that night.
But as the truth about her past starts to come to light, Jane realises it was possibly best not to know who she was after all. Now the clock is ticking for her to get to the truth before the police do and others, who will go to protect old secrets.
A gripping amnesia thriller full of twists and turns.
With no clue to her origins, she was given a new name, Jane, and a life. Now, the remains of a body surface in a Long Island pond and Jane knows she must go to the police and tell them that she has remembered parts of that night.
But as the truth about her past starts to come to light, Jane realises it was possibly best not to know who she was after all. Now the clock is ticking for her to get to the truth before the police do and others, who will go to protect old secrets.
A gripping amnesia thriller full of twists and turns.
- GenresMystery Thriller
336 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2026
About the author
Alice Leigh
4 books7 followersAlice Leigh is a writer and novelist who has written for the Guardian and the Daily Mail. She is British but lives in Limassol, Cyprus, with her husband and their children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 6, 2026
This was pretty wild. The main character doesn’t remember a lot of her life but does remember over time witnessing a murder. The story unfolds once the body is actually found years later. There were lots of twists and turns, and this was easy to get sucked into. Coming at the end of July 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Then She Lied is a psychological suspense novel that leans heavily into the reliable amnesia trope. The book centres on Jane, a woman who walked into a police station twenty years ago covered in blood and unable to remember anything about her life. When a body is found in a pond in the present day, it triggers flashbacks which push Jane to seek out the truth about who she is and what happened to make her walk into that police station all those years ago.
The book relies on the split perspective of Jane and Gail, the detective in charge of the investigation into the body in the pond. Splitting the focus between the two narrators adds a greater level of psychological depth to the novel and makes the book hard to put down. Jane’s past makes her a compelling and deeply flawed protagonist whose vulnerability and underlying anxiety feel completely authentic to someone living with severe trauma. Alice Leigh does a fantastic job of portraying the exhausting mental toll of her condition; she is constantly second guessing her whole reality, which adds a sense of paranoia to the proceedings.
Leigh excels at setting a moody, tense atmosphere. The backdrop feels isolated and heavy with secrets, providing a near perfect slow-burn mystery. There were many parts where I had to read just one more chapter; however, the novel does fall down with its reliance on the usual amnesia genre tropes. Around the midway point the narrative also hits a bit of a lull. There are a few repeated internal monologues as Jane wrestles with whether or not she actually wants to remember what she witnessed. The psychological tension does remain steady but the big twists are predictable. A few secondary characters also feel more like fillers designed to misdirect rather than fully fleshed out individuals and there are also a few unanswered questions particularly surrounding Jane’s husband, Caleb. His arc seems to be completed abandoned.
Overall, Then She Lied is a solid and highly readable thriller. While it doesn’t cover any new ground in the amnesia subgenre, Leigh’s sharp prose and atmospheric tension make it an entertaining read. Highly recommended to all who like a good page turner to keep you awake into the night.
Then She Lied is a psychological suspense novel that leans heavily into the reliable amnesia trope. The book centres on Jane, a woman who walked into a police station twenty years ago covered in blood and unable to remember anything about her life. When a body is found in a pond in the present day, it triggers flashbacks which push Jane to seek out the truth about who she is and what happened to make her walk into that police station all those years ago.
The book relies on the split perspective of Jane and Gail, the detective in charge of the investigation into the body in the pond. Splitting the focus between the two narrators adds a greater level of psychological depth to the novel and makes the book hard to put down. Jane’s past makes her a compelling and deeply flawed protagonist whose vulnerability and underlying anxiety feel completely authentic to someone living with severe trauma. Alice Leigh does a fantastic job of portraying the exhausting mental toll of her condition; she is constantly second guessing her whole reality, which adds a sense of paranoia to the proceedings.
Leigh excels at setting a moody, tense atmosphere. The backdrop feels isolated and heavy with secrets, providing a near perfect slow-burn mystery. There were many parts where I had to read just one more chapter; however, the novel does fall down with its reliance on the usual amnesia genre tropes. Around the midway point the narrative also hits a bit of a lull. There are a few repeated internal monologues as Jane wrestles with whether or not she actually wants to remember what she witnessed. The psychological tension does remain steady but the big twists are predictable. A few secondary characters also feel more like fillers designed to misdirect rather than fully fleshed out individuals and there are also a few unanswered questions particularly surrounding Jane’s husband, Caleb. His arc seems to be completed abandoned.
Overall, Then She Lied is a solid and highly readable thriller. While it doesn’t cover any new ground in the amnesia subgenre, Leigh’s sharp prose and atmospheric tension make it an entertaining read. Highly recommended to all who like a good page turner to keep you awake into the night.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, thank you #NetGalley for the #ARC!
The story:
In this story we meet two Jane Does - one, dead for 20 years, found floating in a pond; and a second, very much alive, but with no memory of where she came from or who she used to be: Dr. Jane Dowson.
Jane Dowson walks into a police station, for the second time in 20 years, to right an old wrong. She thinks she's prepared for the consequences to follow. What she will find out is just how easily a carefully built life can crumble when you don't know who you are.
Then She Lied is full of twists and turns, dubious decision-making, reprehensible relationships, secrets, lies and at least one narrator who leaves you wondering how much of what you're reading you can trust.
If you're prone to being blindsided by mysteries, hold on to your seat belt. If, like me, you're more intuitive, there's still a lot to keep you on your toes, even if you'll be ahead of the narrative on a lot of plot points.
The writing:
I could not give this 4 stars because of the writing style.
This story is told in first person, present tense, which is used for pushing a faster pace and raising the intensity of action scenes and emotional beats. However, that didn't always happen here.
I found some crucial scenes didn't hit the target. The frequent "telling" and not "showing" dulled the emotional pay-off. The sparse background story for most of the characters didn't help with this, either. I feel it's partly justified, given the plot and the genre, but knowing more about the characters might have elevated the experience.
_______________________________
Overall, and even though it fell flat on the emotional side for me, this book was entertaining and piqued my curiosity. Every chapter brings new revelations and forces you to question your assumptions, because what you really want is to find out...
Who the Jane Does are...
How they are connected...
Who the killer is...
What really happened 20 years ago...
... and will justice be served.
The story:
In this story we meet two Jane Does - one, dead for 20 years, found floating in a pond; and a second, very much alive, but with no memory of where she came from or who she used to be: Dr. Jane Dowson.
Jane Dowson walks into a police station, for the second time in 20 years, to right an old wrong. She thinks she's prepared for the consequences to follow. What she will find out is just how easily a carefully built life can crumble when you don't know who you are.
Then She Lied is full of twists and turns, dubious decision-making, reprehensible relationships, secrets, lies and at least one narrator who leaves you wondering how much of what you're reading you can trust.
If you're prone to being blindsided by mysteries, hold on to your seat belt. If, like me, you're more intuitive, there's still a lot to keep you on your toes, even if you'll be ahead of the narrative on a lot of plot points.
The writing:
I could not give this 4 stars because of the writing style.
This story is told in first person, present tense, which is used for pushing a faster pace and raising the intensity of action scenes and emotional beats. However, that didn't always happen here.
I found some crucial scenes didn't hit the target. The frequent "telling" and not "showing" dulled the emotional pay-off. The sparse background story for most of the characters didn't help with this, either. I feel it's partly justified, given the plot and the genre, but knowing more about the characters might have elevated the experience.
_______________________________
Overall, and even though it fell flat on the emotional side for me, this book was entertaining and piqued my curiosity. Every chapter brings new revelations and forces you to question your assumptions, because what you really want is to find out...
Who the Jane Does are...
How they are connected...
Who the killer is...
What really happened 20 years ago...
... and will justice be served.
August 11, 2026
I received this ARC through Netgalley, Canelo, and Alice Leigh. I will be giving my honest and unbiased review based on my extensive love of all things psychological thriller and mystery.
The basics: you’re immediately introduced to Jane and the knowledge that somewhere, a body has been found. Jane knows who it is but not why or how she knows about this body. Police get involved, because Jane goes to them. One at a time, we are given pieces to the puzzle. Jane is a Jane Doe. She has very selective memories. Why does she only remember this one thing? Why is she pointing a finger at the person who has helped her most after her dissociative fugue? But wait, why was he helping her - was it all truly a help or were his intentions more nefarious? You know it all can’t be as simple as what is laid out to start. You will be locked in to this twisty turny journey.
Parts I loved:
I love a book where the beginning already introduces and exciting plot point. Waiting chapter after chapter for something to happen is just not for me.
There was more than one twist. I read the first and I was like whoa. The second, WHOA. When they kept coming whoa. Thats what keeps you going - needing more.
Finally, we wrapped it up tight with a bow at the end. No loose ends (or none that I can really think of). We know who Jane is, we know who the body in the pond is, and we know who killed her. Viola! Perfect story.
Where it lacked: Tbh, the end was a little rushed. The final twist was a DOOZY and they could have had a little more foreplay to it. Like we waited all this time and then it felt, idk, just tossed out there. But for that to be my only complaint, it’s not a massive one.
I’d recommend this book to absolutely anyone, but if you love the multi twist mastermind, Riley Sager, you will love this.
Happy reading!
The basics: you’re immediately introduced to Jane and the knowledge that somewhere, a body has been found. Jane knows who it is but not why or how she knows about this body. Police get involved, because Jane goes to them. One at a time, we are given pieces to the puzzle. Jane is a Jane Doe. She has very selective memories. Why does she only remember this one thing? Why is she pointing a finger at the person who has helped her most after her dissociative fugue? But wait, why was he helping her - was it all truly a help or were his intentions more nefarious? You know it all can’t be as simple as what is laid out to start. You will be locked in to this twisty turny journey.
Parts I loved:
I love a book where the beginning already introduces and exciting plot point. Waiting chapter after chapter for something to happen is just not for me.
There was more than one twist. I read the first and I was like whoa. The second, WHOA. When they kept coming whoa. Thats what keeps you going - needing more.
Finally, we wrapped it up tight with a bow at the end. No loose ends (or none that I can really think of). We know who Jane is, we know who the body in the pond is, and we know who killed her. Viola! Perfect story.
Where it lacked: Tbh, the end was a little rushed. The final twist was a DOOZY and they could have had a little more foreplay to it. Like we waited all this time and then it felt, idk, just tossed out there. But for that to be my only complaint, it’s not a massive one.
I’d recommend this book to absolutely anyone, but if you love the multi twist mastermind, Riley Sager, you will love this.
Happy reading!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Then She Lied is a gripping, twist‑laden thriller that hooked me from the very first page. Alice Leigh delivers a tense, atmospheric story built around one of my favourite setups: a protagonist with a past she can’t remember—and a present that refuses to let her forget.
Jane’s situation is instantly compelling. A teenage girl found wandering into a police station in a bloody hospital gown, no name, no memory, no past. Twenty years later, when a body is discovered in a Long Island pond, the fragile life she’s built starts to crack. The way Leigh unravels Jane’s memories—slow, unsettling, and never quite what you expect—keeps the tension high throughout.
I loved how the story balances emotional stakes with sharp suspense. Jane’s fear, her determination, and her growing dread all feel incredibly real. As she edges closer to the truth, the danger tightens around her, and the question becomes not just what happened, but whether she truly wants to know. The theme of long‑buried secrets and the lengths people will go to protect them is handled brilliantly.
The pacing is fast, the twists are satisfying, and the sense of unease builds beautifully. It’s one of those thrillers where you think you’ve figured it out—until you realise you absolutely haven’t.
A tense, addictive amnesia thriller with plenty of turns and a protagonist you can’t help rooting for.
With thanks to Alive Leigh, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Jane’s situation is instantly compelling. A teenage girl found wandering into a police station in a bloody hospital gown, no name, no memory, no past. Twenty years later, when a body is discovered in a Long Island pond, the fragile life she’s built starts to crack. The way Leigh unravels Jane’s memories—slow, unsettling, and never quite what you expect—keeps the tension high throughout.
I loved how the story balances emotional stakes with sharp suspense. Jane’s fear, her determination, and her growing dread all feel incredibly real. As she edges closer to the truth, the danger tightens around her, and the question becomes not just what happened, but whether she truly wants to know. The theme of long‑buried secrets and the lengths people will go to protect them is handled brilliantly.
The pacing is fast, the twists are satisfying, and the sense of unease builds beautifully. It’s one of those thrillers where you think you’ve figured it out—until you realise you absolutely haven’t.
A tense, addictive amnesia thriller with plenty of turns and a protagonist you can’t help rooting for.
With thanks to Alive Leigh, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5)
Then She Lied by Alice Leigh was my first book by this author, and wow...what a mind bender!
Jane's life begins with a mystery, even to herself. After showing up at a local police station covered in blood with no memory of who she is or what happened, she's spent the last twenty years trying to build a life. But now the flashbacks are becoming impossible to ignore, and she's convinced she's hiding the truth about a murder she witnessed.
The way Alice Leigh slowly weaves all of the characters and storylines together had my head spinning. Just when I thought I had something figured out, another revelation would send me in a completely different direction. I will admit that the middle of the book dragged for me a bit. There were moments where I thought, this is just too much, and I wondered how all of these moving pieces could possibly come together.
Then came the ending.
I was absolutely not prepared for that final twist. It completely caught me off guard and made me rethink everything I'd read. If you're looking for a neat, happily-ever-after ending, this isn't that kind of book. It's dark, unsettling, and leaves you with plenty to think about long after you've finished the final chapter.
Overall, a cleverly plotted psychological thriller with an ending I never saw coming, even if the middle lost me a little along the way.
Thank you to Alice Leigh and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Then She Lied by Alice Leigh was my first book by this author, and wow...what a mind bender!
Jane's life begins with a mystery, even to herself. After showing up at a local police station covered in blood with no memory of who she is or what happened, she's spent the last twenty years trying to build a life. But now the flashbacks are becoming impossible to ignore, and she's convinced she's hiding the truth about a murder she witnessed.
The way Alice Leigh slowly weaves all of the characters and storylines together had my head spinning. Just when I thought I had something figured out, another revelation would send me in a completely different direction. I will admit that the middle of the book dragged for me a bit. There were moments where I thought, this is just too much, and I wondered how all of these moving pieces could possibly come together.
Then came the ending.
I was absolutely not prepared for that final twist. It completely caught me off guard and made me rethink everything I'd read. If you're looking for a neat, happily-ever-after ending, this isn't that kind of book. It's dark, unsettling, and leaves you with plenty to think about long after you've finished the final chapter.
Overall, a cleverly plotted psychological thriller with an ending I never saw coming, even if the middle lost me a little along the way.
Thank you to Alice Leigh and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Net Galley, @aliceleighauthor and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Then She Lied.
I gave this book 4 stars, but was tempted to give it 5 stars if not for some minor preferences with some character writing. Then She Lied is a gripping psychological thriller about a woman who has spent the last 20 years trying to work out her real identity, after turning up at a police station, covered in blood. I was invested in this from beginning to end and loved how twisty it was! The pacing was perfect and I read this in just over 24 hours. I really enjoyed the portrayal of character relationships, it helped create curiosity and questions throughout and slowly built up a picture of the connections between different characters.
My only criticism was Caleb’s character. I expected him to play a more significant role, but in the end his character felt somewhat pointless. I have a bit of a pet peeve for struggling romantic relationships in thrillers, it’s over done in my eyes. I thought there was potential for his character to have a bigger impact than he did.
Overall, this was an engaging and well written thriller with plenty of surprises. Despite a few minor issues, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological suspense with plenty of twists!
I gave this book 4 stars, but was tempted to give it 5 stars if not for some minor preferences with some character writing. Then She Lied is a gripping psychological thriller about a woman who has spent the last 20 years trying to work out her real identity, after turning up at a police station, covered in blood. I was invested in this from beginning to end and loved how twisty it was! The pacing was perfect and I read this in just over 24 hours. I really enjoyed the portrayal of character relationships, it helped create curiosity and questions throughout and slowly built up a picture of the connections between different characters.
My only criticism was Caleb’s character. I expected him to play a more significant role, but in the end his character felt somewhat pointless. I have a bit of a pet peeve for struggling romantic relationships in thrillers, it’s over done in my eyes. I thought there was potential for his character to have a bigger impact than he did.
Overall, this was an engaging and well written thriller with plenty of surprises. Despite a few minor issues, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys psychological suspense with plenty of twists!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5* Not what I was expecting. Very, very well done, and sad, too.
This is a complicated tale, with someone who's not intentionally lying, who I think is inherently decent as her current-day persona, yet traumatised, going to the police when she thinks she's remembered things from her past, needing to set the record right. And that opens several cans of worms.
The intertwining of past and present is well done. There are conflicting eye-witness accounts of a guy that's maybe good in some ways, not good in others. There's money talking, past and present, yet not future. The cycle has been broken. There's trauma and there's mental health issues. There's characters you feel sorry for and some you think should know better. There's some you want to hug, some you want incarcerated, some you feel sorry for, because they've lost loved, lost again, were about to love again, but have lost yet again. And yet, maybe there's a different kind of love in store for said person. Maybe one that'll change their life for the better. There's closure for more than one family. There's lies and secrets that won't out, unfortunately. But from loss, for one person at least, there's a chance at life and happiness, with a person that's there for them, probably through thick and thin. And in part because she got closure.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Canelo Crime, for my reading pleasure.
This is a complicated tale, with someone who's not intentionally lying, who I think is inherently decent as her current-day persona, yet traumatised, going to the police when she thinks she's remembered things from her past, needing to set the record right. And that opens several cans of worms.
The intertwining of past and present is well done. There are conflicting eye-witness accounts of a guy that's maybe good in some ways, not good in others. There's money talking, past and present, yet not future. The cycle has been broken. There's trauma and there's mental health issues. There's characters you feel sorry for and some you think should know better. There's some you want to hug, some you want incarcerated, some you feel sorry for, because they've lost loved, lost again, were about to love again, but have lost yet again. And yet, maybe there's a different kind of love in store for said person. Maybe one that'll change their life for the better. There's closure for more than one family. There's lies and secrets that won't out, unfortunately. But from loss, for one person at least, there's a chance at life and happiness, with a person that's there for them, probably through thick and thin. And in part because she got closure.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Canelo Crime, for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Twenty years ago, a teenage girl walked into a police station wearing a blood-soaked hospital gown with no memory of who she was or what had happened. Now living as psychologist Jane Dowson, a shocking discovery begins to unlock memories she’d buried for decades, forcing her to confront a past that someone clearly wants to keep hidden.
I really liked the premise of this one. Starting with a woman who has lived for twenty years without knowing her true identity immediately pulled me in, and I wanted to understand how everything was connected.
I love a multi POV, and this story is told through the perspectives of Jane and Detective Gail, which worked really well and kept the investigation moving.
As Jane’s memories gradually returned, more details came to light, but each answer led to new questions. I found myself constantly unsure who could be trusted or what was really going on. I did work out one of the bigger reveals before it happened, but there were still enough surprises along the way that it didn’t spoil the overall experience. It was an engaging psychological thriller with a strong premise and a gripping storyline that kept me turning the pages.
I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try—especially if you enjoy psychological thrillers with forgotten memories, shifting trust, and slowly unfolding mysteries.
I really liked the premise of this one. Starting with a woman who has lived for twenty years without knowing her true identity immediately pulled me in, and I wanted to understand how everything was connected.
I love a multi POV, and this story is told through the perspectives of Jane and Detective Gail, which worked really well and kept the investigation moving.
As Jane’s memories gradually returned, more details came to light, but each answer led to new questions. I found myself constantly unsure who could be trusted or what was really going on. I did work out one of the bigger reveals before it happened, but there were still enough surprises along the way that it didn’t spoil the overall experience. It was an engaging psychological thriller with a strong premise and a gripping storyline that kept me turning the pages.
I’d definitely recommend giving this one a try—especially if you enjoy psychological thrillers with forgotten memories, shifting trust, and slowly unfolding mysteries.
July 30, 2026
This is my first book that I have read by this author.
In this story, the main character walked into a police station, covered in blood in a hospital gown with no knowledge of who she is or what happened, twenty years ago.
In current day, a body has surfaced in a pond, which becomes a trigger to start unlocking memories of Jane's past. Now, she's back at the police station in present time because the flashbacks make her think she witnessed a murder in the past. The story is told from two points of view, Jane and Detective Gail. Jane is certainly an unreliable narrator, she started out with amnesia without memories of who she is and what happened, and also because she can't remember the past, there is no way to base what could be the truth or what could be a deception, which made the twists more interesting and intriguing. As more memories come out, it just creates more questions and who might not want the secrets revealed? Does Jane really want to know what's she forgotten? There were plenty of twists and some surprises with them. I enjoyed the story and will be looking forward to reading more books by the author.
Thank you Netgalley and Canelo for the complimentary copy of the story.
In this story, the main character walked into a police station, covered in blood in a hospital gown with no knowledge of who she is or what happened, twenty years ago.
In current day, a body has surfaced in a pond, which becomes a trigger to start unlocking memories of Jane's past. Now, she's back at the police station in present time because the flashbacks make her think she witnessed a murder in the past. The story is told from two points of view, Jane and Detective Gail. Jane is certainly an unreliable narrator, she started out with amnesia without memories of who she is and what happened, and also because she can't remember the past, there is no way to base what could be the truth or what could be a deception, which made the twists more interesting and intriguing. As more memories come out, it just creates more questions and who might not want the secrets revealed? Does Jane really want to know what's she forgotten? There were plenty of twists and some surprises with them. I enjoyed the story and will be looking forward to reading more books by the author.
Thank you Netgalley and Canelo for the complimentary copy of the story.
July 15, 2026
This book had such an intriguing atmosphere from the very beginning. The story is told through dual perspectives, following Jane and Detective Gail, which kept things engaging and added to the suspense.
The book starts with a bang and never really lets up. I was constantly questioning who could be trusted as the mystery slowly unraveled. Since Jane can’t remember much about her past aside from walking into a police station 20 years ago,it was hard to separate truth from deception, making the twists even more effective.
I thought I had the ending figured out more than once, but I was proven wrong every single time. Without giving anything away, the final reveal left me flabbergasted.
My only real criticism is that I wasn’t particularly invested in the subplot involving the husband, and there were a few moments where the pacing dragged a little. Even so, this was a well written, twisty thriller that kept me guessing until the very end, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys unpredictable psychological thrillers.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
The book starts with a bang and never really lets up. I was constantly questioning who could be trusted as the mystery slowly unraveled. Since Jane can’t remember much about her past aside from walking into a police station 20 years ago,it was hard to separate truth from deception, making the twists even more effective.
I thought I had the ending figured out more than once, but I was proven wrong every single time. Without giving anything away, the final reveal left me flabbergasted.
My only real criticism is that I wasn’t particularly invested in the subplot involving the husband, and there were a few moments where the pacing dragged a little. Even so, this was a well written, twisty thriller that kept me guessing until the very end, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys unpredictable psychological thrillers.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is going straight on my list for top 5 reads of this year!
Wow wow wow! From the minute I started reading I was hooked. The pacing was so incredibly fast, and the plot developed so quickly that nothing could tear me away. I read it all in one sitting.
Jane Dowson is a psychologist who cannot remember her real identity. Catching a glimpse of the news, it triggers a faint memory. A murder, a person in her life confessing "I killed her." And then Jane, bloody and traumatised, stumbling in to a police station with no recollection of who she is. When the body is pulled from the lake, Jane realises she is in trouble. But who should she be afraid of? Only her memory can reveal the truth.
I will admit, I figured out one of the twists at 80% in. This had no affect on my enjoyment of the book as there were more twists to come.
I have no negatives, I loved everything about this book!
Wow wow wow! From the minute I started reading I was hooked. The pacing was so incredibly fast, and the plot developed so quickly that nothing could tear me away. I read it all in one sitting.
Jane Dowson is a psychologist who cannot remember her real identity. Catching a glimpse of the news, it triggers a faint memory. A murder, a person in her life confessing "I killed her." And then Jane, bloody and traumatised, stumbling in to a police station with no recollection of who she is. When the body is pulled from the lake, Jane realises she is in trouble. But who should she be afraid of? Only her memory can reveal the truth.
I will admit, I figured out one of the twists at 80% in. This had no affect on my enjoyment of the book as there were more twists to come.
I have no negatives, I loved everything about this book!
July 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
Then She Lied is one of those psychological thrillers that pulls you in straight away. Jane wakes up in hospital with no memory of what happened is unsettling enough, but as the pieces of the past slowly begin to emerge, it becomes clear that nothing is quite what it seems.
I enjoyed the way the story unfolded. The amnesia storyline could have felt predictable, but there were enough twists and shifting perspectives to keep me interested.
The characters all had believable flaws and secrets, which added to the tension, and I found myself becoming more invested as the truth gradually came to light. The pacing improved in the second half and I raced through the final chapters to see how it would all end.
A tense, twist-filled psychological thriller with plenty of surprises and an ending that I didn’t see coming. An enjoyable read that kept me guessing throughout.
Then She Lied is one of those psychological thrillers that pulls you in straight away. Jane wakes up in hospital with no memory of what happened is unsettling enough, but as the pieces of the past slowly begin to emerge, it becomes clear that nothing is quite what it seems.
I enjoyed the way the story unfolded. The amnesia storyline could have felt predictable, but there were enough twists and shifting perspectives to keep me interested.
The characters all had believable flaws and secrets, which added to the tension, and I found myself becoming more invested as the truth gradually came to light. The pacing improved in the second half and I raced through the final chapters to see how it would all end.
A tense, twist-filled psychological thriller with plenty of surprises and an ending that I didn’t see coming. An enjoyable read that kept me guessing throughout.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Who is Jane? What happened twenty years ago that resulted into her walking into a Police station wearing a hospital gown that was covered in blood? Nobody knows and her memory never recovered. Twenty years later something triggered her brain, a body was pulled from the water on Long Island and she knows its connected to her and she needs to tell someone.
This novel grabbed me from the opening chapter, an intriguing storyline about a woman searching for the truth, increasingly concerned that she's being watched, that somebody knows.
A tense, well written thriller loaded with atmosphere and intrigue that gathers pace as piece by piece everything comes together and it all falls into place.
My thanks to Canelo and NetGalley for the early read, all opinions expressed are my own
July 31, 2026
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
It had a promising storyline, an fmc who had a memory loss, a dead body. It seemed like a match made in heaven and a perfect murder case. Unfortunately, it was not the case.
There were too many unnecessary elements that had no business being interconnected. The mystery was very, very disappointing. It was surprising, but not in a good way.
CHARACTERS:
They were all weird and off-putting. I suspected them all, and I felt the police officers, especially the detectives, should never be on the case.
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay
SETTINGS:
It was well described. The Fire Cove, pond, and character's houses were okay.
OVERALL:
Unfortunately, I didn't really like the book. It played like a soap opera.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
It had a promising storyline, an fmc who had a memory loss, a dead body. It seemed like a match made in heaven and a perfect murder case. Unfortunately, it was not the case.
There were too many unnecessary elements that had no business being interconnected. The mystery was very, very disappointing. It was surprising, but not in a good way.
CHARACTERS:
They were all weird and off-putting. I suspected them all, and I felt the police officers, especially the detectives, should never be on the case.
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay
SETTINGS:
It was well described. The Fire Cove, pond, and character's houses were okay.
OVERALL:
Unfortunately, I didn't really like the book. It played like a soap opera.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First I would thank NetGalley, the author, and the publishers for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Then She Lied introduces us to Jane, a successful therapist who has forgotten her past due to dissociative amnesia. The only thing that Jane remembers is walking into a police station one night, and after 20 years, her memories start to haunt her. The story that follows takes us on so many twists, turns, and misdirections that it is almost hard to keep track of what is fact vs. fiction in the story. And while I had an inkling of what would happen, I surely wasn't expecting the final events of the book.
Well written and fast paced, keeping in line with the tight timeline of the story itself, it was an enjoyable read that kept me guessing. 4 out of 5 stars.
Then She Lied introduces us to Jane, a successful therapist who has forgotten her past due to dissociative amnesia. The only thing that Jane remembers is walking into a police station one night, and after 20 years, her memories start to haunt her. The story that follows takes us on so many twists, turns, and misdirections that it is almost hard to keep track of what is fact vs. fiction in the story. And while I had an inkling of what would happen, I surely wasn't expecting the final events of the book.
Well written and fast paced, keeping in line with the tight timeline of the story itself, it was an enjoyable read that kept me guessing. 4 out of 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net galley and @aliceleigh, I really enjoyed Then She Lied. It was a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me engaged from beginning to end, with plenty of twists that made it difficult to predict what would happen next. The suspense built well, and I found myself wanting to keep listening to see how everything would unfold. At times, I found the number of characters a little confusing, especially early on, but as the story progressed, everything came together. I felt so much compassion for the main character and how everyone tried to mislead her. Overall, it was an entertaining and satisfying thriller that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys suspenseful, twist-filled mysteries. ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley.
This book follows a girl with amnesia who slowly unravels her past throughout the book.
The story is presented from a dual point of view, that of the main character Jane and of the police detective, Gail. The character development is intriguing, not just of these two but of all the characters presented within the book. I learned that I had severely misjudged several characters as their details unfolded.
The plot development pulls you in as well. There is present day as well as blips from the past as the main character remembers more and more. It kept me interested throughout.
I did find several typos within the book but hopefully those will be cleared up prior to the publication date.
This book follows a girl with amnesia who slowly unravels her past throughout the book.
The story is presented from a dual point of view, that of the main character Jane and of the police detective, Gail. The character development is intriguing, not just of these two but of all the characters presented within the book. I learned that I had severely misjudged several characters as their details unfolded.
The plot development pulls you in as well. There is present day as well as blips from the past as the main character remembers more and more. It kept me interested throughout.
I did find several typos within the book but hopefully those will be cleared up prior to the publication date.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So twisty! I was captivated from start to finish.
20 years ago, a young woman walked into a police station, covered in blood and with no idea of what happened, or of her own identity.
Then a body is pulled from the water and something triggers Jane's brain. She is sure she remembers the murder and is certain she knows who the killer was.
Narrated by Jane and by Gail, the police detective working the case, this has a plot that fully draws the reader in. As Jane begins to remember more details, she begins to receive threats and is certain that she is being watched.
As the threads of the past unravelled, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and the twists were incredible!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Alice Leigh and Canelo for an ARC of this book.
20 years ago, a young woman walked into a police station, covered in blood and with no idea of what happened, or of her own identity.
Then a body is pulled from the water and something triggers Jane's brain. She is sure she remembers the murder and is certain she knows who the killer was.
Narrated by Jane and by Gail, the police detective working the case, this has a plot that fully draws the reader in. As Jane begins to remember more details, she begins to receive threats and is certain that she is being watched.
As the threads of the past unravelled, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and the twists were incredible!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Alice Leigh and Canelo for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Then She Lied by Then She Lied is exactly the kind of thriller I hoped it would be. I requested this on NetGalley after seeing the author’s TikToks, and I’m so glad I did because it completely delivered.
The story pulled me in quickly and kept me hooked throughout. It’s tense, addictive, and very easy to fly through once you start. I really enjoyed how the suspense builds and how much it kept me guessing along the way.
Overall, a gripping read that lived up to my expectations perfectly — I was right to trust my instincts on this one.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Alice Leigh and Canelo📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
The story pulled me in quickly and kept me hooked throughout. It’s tense, addictive, and very easy to fly through once you start. I really enjoyed how the suspense builds and how much it kept me guessing along the way.
Overall, a gripping read that lived up to my expectations perfectly — I was right to trust my instincts on this one.
📚I was able to read an advanced copy of title thanks to NetGalley, Alice Leigh and Canelo📚
📚All reviews and opinions are entirely my own📚
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Then She Lied by Alice Leigh follows Jane, who walked into a police station 20 years ago, bloody and without any memory of who she was and why she was there. Now she has a new life, but the remains of a body change everything she thought she knew.
Told in dual POVs between Jane and Gail, the police detective, this story grips the reader right away. It is a well-crafted, psychological thriller, filled with twists you don't see coming. My only criticism is that there may have been too many twists, but I still loved it. 4.25 stars
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Edelweiss for this eARC!
Told in dual POVs between Jane and Gail, the police detective, this story grips the reader right away. It is a well-crafted, psychological thriller, filled with twists you don't see coming. My only criticism is that there may have been too many twists, but I still loved it. 4.25 stars
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Edelweiss for this eARC!
August 28, 2026
A girl shows up covered in blood at a police station, with no apparent memory of what has happened to her. Years later, she has built the good life for herself, but with the grisly discovery of a young girl's body nearby, she starts getting flashbacks which indicate that she knows more about what happened than she is aware.
This is one of those stories that gives you whiplash as you try to figure what is going on. I guess a key element early on, and despite that, I was riveted until the end. It gets 4.5 stars. This is a writer to look out for.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This is one of those stories that gives you whiplash as you try to figure what is going on. I guess a key element early on, and despite that, I was riveted until the end. It gets 4.5 stars. This is a writer to look out for.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was very interesting. Definitely quite a bit different from what is out right now so that was good.
Jane is pretty amazing. Reading through everything she has been through is definitely heartbreaking.
I had the outcome somewhat figured out from about halfway through.
There were quite a few jaw dropping moments that I definitely wasn’t expecting.
Overall the story itself is tragic. Almost for everyone involved in this storyline. I don’t think anyone gets out of this story without some scars.
Overall it was a quick good read.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy
Jane is pretty amazing. Reading through everything she has been through is definitely heartbreaking.
I had the outcome somewhat figured out from about halfway through.
There were quite a few jaw dropping moments that I definitely wasn’t expecting.
Overall the story itself is tragic. Almost for everyone involved in this storyline. I don’t think anyone gets out of this story without some scars.
Overall it was a quick good read.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was mostly a good read, but didn’t leave a huge impact on me. I guessed the outcome really early on, and I felt a little frustrated at times, when there was evidence found that then took too long to be connected to or to reveal something. I liked the multiple POV, which was mostly done well, and there was some tense and emotive moments keeping me reading.
2.5⭐️ rounded up, I would still recommend.
2.5⭐️ rounded up, I would still recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I must thank Canelo and Netgalley for the chance of reading this book ahead of release in exchange for an honest review.
I have been following the author for a while and I was looking forward to reading her new book.
This novel had me hooked all the way through, despite having clues of what happened, it had all my attention to keep discovering it chapter by chapter.
This was exactly what I needed as I was starting to fall in a reading slump. I would definitely recommend it.
I have been following the author for a while and I was looking forward to reading her new book.
This novel had me hooked all the way through, despite having clues of what happened, it had all my attention to keep discovering it chapter by chapter.
This was exactly what I needed as I was starting to fall in a reading slump. I would definitely recommend it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was given this book by netgalley for an honest review-
Jane, her new name- she has no idea who she is or what her life has been. She wandered into the police station in a hospital gown covered in blood not knowing whose blood it is. When a body is found in the pond she remembers and wants to share but she only remembers parts and for someone reason someone doesn’t want her alive. Why?
Jane, her new name- she has no idea who she is or what her life has been. She wandered into the police station in a hospital gown covered in blood not knowing whose blood it is. When a body is found in the pond she remembers and wants to share but she only remembers parts and for someone reason someone doesn’t want her alive. Why?
July 30, 2026
This was an intense read and I loved it! Some of the twists are a bit unbelievable but put that aside. and go with it. Leigh really draws the reader in and there are plenty of clues along the way as to the truth. I figured it out quite early and enjoyed the ride as I was proven correct.
A delicious read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an advance copy.
A delicious read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for an advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This book was surprisingly good, Jane survives a trauma and doesn't know who she is. She manages to get a career and be in a troubled marriage, when the memories start coming back. Unreliable narrators and many people who seem to be good or bad but are they? 4.5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was ok, just ok. It was just not as interesting as I had hoped. It was not really a thriller in my opinion.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.
September 11, 2026
A pretty good book
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