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Five Liars
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Expected 8 Jan 26The fraud.
The imposter.
The cheater.
The fake.
The murderer.
Which one am I?
The guest list for Brit and Joe’s joint bachelor-bachelorette weekend is small and exclusive: the bride, the groom, the best man, a work friend . . . and me, the maid of honor. I’ve planned every detail to make this a celebration none of us will ever forget.
Expect daytime drinking, poolside lounging — and a White Lie Party designed to help us share all our little secrets.
After all, confession is good for the soul . . . and one of us is hiding something truly killer.
Don’t forget to save the date!
Love,
The Maid of Honor x
A tense and breathless psychological thriller with a mind-blowing twist you won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, Freida McFadden, Shari Lapena, Riley Sager – and anyone who’s ever wondered what secrets their friends are really keeping.
The imposter.
The cheater.
The fake.
The murderer.
Which one am I?
The guest list for Brit and Joe’s joint bachelor-bachelorette weekend is small and exclusive: the bride, the groom, the best man, a work friend . . . and me, the maid of honor. I’ve planned every detail to make this a celebration none of us will ever forget.
Expect daytime drinking, poolside lounging — and a White Lie Party designed to help us share all our little secrets.
After all, confession is good for the soul . . . and one of us is hiding something truly killer.
Don’t forget to save the date!
Love,
The Maid of Honor x
A tense and breathless psychological thriller with a mind-blowing twist you won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, Freida McFadden, Shari Lapena, Riley Sager – and anyone who’s ever wondered what secrets their friends are really keeping.
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Expected publication January 8, 2026
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November 23, 2025
Five Liars by D.L. Fisher
Synopsis /
The fraud.
The impostor.
The cheater.
The fake.
The murderer.
Which one am I?
The guest list for Brit and Joe’s joint bachelor-bachelorette weekend is small and exclusive: the bride, the groom, the best man, a work friend . . . and me, the maid of Honor. I’ve planned every detail to make this a celebration none of us will ever forget.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, publishers Joffe Books and author, D.L. Fisher for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Another book choice brought to you by "my eyes". 👀
Yep. The whole title/cover art thing drew me in again. Plus the blurb:- A fraud, an impostor, a cheater, a fake, and a murderer. Well, throw me a line and reel me in!
Brittany Jones and Joseph Briggs, together with three of their closest friends are travelling to the tropical island of Puta Cana for Brit and Joe's joint bachelor/bachelorette party. Best Friend and Maid of Honor, Lisa Raynard, has organised all of the pre-wedding activities for the weekend party. I have loads of fun activities planned and, like a magician, a few tricks up my sleeve.
The flight over from New York to Punta Cana was a lot bumpier than the pre-weds expected, but upon arrival it all seemed to be smooth sailing. Nothing but vast seascapes – a beautiful turquoise ocean, brilliant white sand and tall green swaying coconut palms as far as the eye can see. The 40 minute cab drive to their holiday villa seemed to take an absolute age – it's in the middle of nowhere. Finally arriving at the Villa, their cab driver couldn't depart from his passengers quick enough – leaving a plume of dust and kicked-up rocks in their wake – he didn't even wait to get paid - only leaving them with this parting comment "Get out while you can". Brit assumed the driver was just spooked, as looking at the weather app, there was a weather warning for a serious storm approaching. But the storm, it appears, was the least of the engaged couple's worries.
Sometimes, you don't realise what you're capable of until you're pushed to the edge. That's one thing I know to be painfully, poignantly true. Another truth: it was either her or me.
I had high hopes for this one – the premise reeled me in. It reminded me a little of the TV show The Traitors, where everyone is not who they are presenting to be. You've got to dig beneath the deception, the lies and the betrayal. Only the most cunning and conniving will survive. Trust No One. It's a game of social deduction. However, unlike its television namesake, this one wasn't a smash hit for me.
So, what worked? The premise – that was a huge tick for me.
Disappointingly though it was let down by the execution. As much as I hate to say it, it's true: 'Ideas are cheap; execution is everything'. A great story is a process. Don't be fooled into thinking that a great idea is worth 90%. There is a huge amount of craftsmanship in between that great idea and the end product - characters, setting, plot, conflicts and themes all have a part to play in a story's success.
All of the characters in this book were unattractive, and I don't mean that in a physical sense, rather, they were all hiding ugly secrets that they didn't want anyone else to expose. Now it's fine to have a novel full of unlikeable characters, but they still need to have something a reader can connect to. Something for the reader to care about. When the characters in this story began 'dropping off', I couldn't care less. Rather, I was confused about the why? This reader would have loved a lot more depth to the characters and maybe even some teasers as to why they were chosen. Instead, just like an Army advancing on its enemy; the plot kept moving forward – and this reader was none the wiser for it. More show, less tell.
Now look, I'm not a total rotter and this book wasn't all bad. At no time did I want to DNF, I just wished, when they came, those moments of brilliance were more frequent.
This book left me with mixed feelings, as my review will no doubt convey. Maybe you will need to read it for yourself and make up your own mind?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to publishers, Joffe Books 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 08, 2026.
Synopsis /
The fraud.
The impostor.
The cheater.
The fake.
The murderer.
Which one am I?
The guest list for Brit and Joe’s joint bachelor-bachelorette weekend is small and exclusive: the bride, the groom, the best man, a work friend . . . and me, the maid of Honor. I’ve planned every detail to make this a celebration none of us will ever forget.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, publishers Joffe Books and author, D.L. Fisher for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Another book choice brought to you by "my eyes". 👀
Yep. The whole title/cover art thing drew me in again. Plus the blurb:- A fraud, an impostor, a cheater, a fake, and a murderer. Well, throw me a line and reel me in!
Brittany Jones and Joseph Briggs, together with three of their closest friends are travelling to the tropical island of Puta Cana for Brit and Joe's joint bachelor/bachelorette party. Best Friend and Maid of Honor, Lisa Raynard, has organised all of the pre-wedding activities for the weekend party. I have loads of fun activities planned and, like a magician, a few tricks up my sleeve.
The flight over from New York to Punta Cana was a lot bumpier than the pre-weds expected, but upon arrival it all seemed to be smooth sailing. Nothing but vast seascapes – a beautiful turquoise ocean, brilliant white sand and tall green swaying coconut palms as far as the eye can see. The 40 minute cab drive to their holiday villa seemed to take an absolute age – it's in the middle of nowhere. Finally arriving at the Villa, their cab driver couldn't depart from his passengers quick enough – leaving a plume of dust and kicked-up rocks in their wake – he didn't even wait to get paid - only leaving them with this parting comment "Get out while you can". Brit assumed the driver was just spooked, as looking at the weather app, there was a weather warning for a serious storm approaching. But the storm, it appears, was the least of the engaged couple's worries.
Sometimes, you don't realise what you're capable of until you're pushed to the edge. That's one thing I know to be painfully, poignantly true. Another truth: it was either her or me.
I had high hopes for this one – the premise reeled me in. It reminded me a little of the TV show The Traitors, where everyone is not who they are presenting to be. You've got to dig beneath the deception, the lies and the betrayal. Only the most cunning and conniving will survive. Trust No One. It's a game of social deduction. However, unlike its television namesake, this one wasn't a smash hit for me.
So, what worked? The premise – that was a huge tick for me.
Disappointingly though it was let down by the execution. As much as I hate to say it, it's true: 'Ideas are cheap; execution is everything'. A great story is a process. Don't be fooled into thinking that a great idea is worth 90%. There is a huge amount of craftsmanship in between that great idea and the end product - characters, setting, plot, conflicts and themes all have a part to play in a story's success.
All of the characters in this book were unattractive, and I don't mean that in a physical sense, rather, they were all hiding ugly secrets that they didn't want anyone else to expose. Now it's fine to have a novel full of unlikeable characters, but they still need to have something a reader can connect to. Something for the reader to care about. When the characters in this story began 'dropping off', I couldn't care less. Rather, I was confused about the why? This reader would have loved a lot more depth to the characters and maybe even some teasers as to why they were chosen. Instead, just like an Army advancing on its enemy; the plot kept moving forward – and this reader was none the wiser for it. More show, less tell.
Now look, I'm not a total rotter and this book wasn't all bad. At no time did I want to DNF, I just wished, when they came, those moments of brilliance were more frequent.
This book left me with mixed feelings, as my review will no doubt convey. Maybe you will need to read it for yourself and make up your own mind?
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to publishers, Joffe Books 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 08, 2026.
November 26, 2025
Five Liars is another addictive read by D.L. Fisher. This book gripped me instantly with twists and turns throughout. I loved how the plot unfolded from multiple perspectives. I also enjoyed the mysterious past timeline that kept me guessing. The final twist was both jaw-dropping and satisfying. This thriller is clever, unpredictable, and extremely entertaining. Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for my ARC.
November 22, 2025
I received a free copy of, Five Liars, by D. L. Fisher, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Brit and Joe are getting married, Brit's maid of honor Lisa has quite the bachelor/bachlorette party planned. This book was a little to dark for me, you never truly know who your friends are, and they are awful in this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Brit and Joe are getting married after just four months of dating. Maid of honour Lisa is in charge of organising the joint bachelor/bachelorette party weekend in Punta Cana, as well as keeping the very exclusive group of guests entertained. But when Lisa is injured and best man Darren is pushed from a ladder, they start to realise that someone is messing with them. Trapped in a foreign country, in the middle of nowhere, with no signal and no phones—who will survive?
This was a fairly quick and easy read that you don’t really need to think too much about. The story itself was a great idea; however, I felt the execution was lacking. Every single character was unlikeable, and I found absolutely nothing to connect with. Each of them felt like a stereotype rather than a fully developed person, with no real depth. I found myself feeling frustrated with all of them throughout the book.
That said, it still wasn’t the worst book I’ve read. I’ll admit, it did keep me guessing—I genuinely didn’t clock who was behind everything. That’s what ultimately made me change my rating from 3★ to 4★.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I would be willing to try another one in the future.
This was a fairly quick and easy read that you don’t really need to think too much about. The story itself was a great idea; however, I felt the execution was lacking. Every single character was unlikeable, and I found absolutely nothing to connect with. Each of them felt like a stereotype rather than a fully developed person, with no real depth. I found myself feeling frustrated with all of them throughout the book.
That said, it still wasn’t the worst book I’ve read. I’ll admit, it did keep me guessing—I genuinely didn’t clock who was behind everything. That’s what ultimately made me change my rating from 3★ to 4★.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I would be willing to try another one in the future.
November 17, 2025
Thank you netgalley for the arc of this book, I rated it 3.75 rounded up. This wasnt a bad book it reminded me of a freida mcfadden book so I was waiting for the plot twist you "wouldnt expect". A quick easy read with under 300 pages it was silly fun time.
November 30, 2025
Five Liars was my first book by D.L. Fisher, and what an introduction. I went in blind and was immediately pulled into this messy, addictive weekend away where every single person is hiding something. The setup is brilliant – a joint bachelor and bachelorette getaway, a “white lie” party that was always going to detonate, and a friend group where tension is already simmering before the real drama even begins.
The story unfolds through five perspectives and a dual timeline, and I loved how that structure drip-fed secrets, motives and shifting loyalties. It gives you just enough to form theories before snatching the ground out from under you. The emails were a standout for me – they paint the maid of honour as completely unhinged… but is that actually the truth? That thread of doubt added such a fun, chaotic energy to the whole read.
This is one of those thrillers where trust is non-existent, everyone is a suspect, and the smallest detail can send you spiralling back to square one. Even when I thought I had the dynamics figured out, a couple of sharp reveals pushed the story in directions I didn’t expect.
As an ARC, this was such a fun ride and a great introduction to this author’s style. I already have The Missing Boy and The Nanny on my Audible TBR, and now I’m even keener to dive into both.
Twisty, tense, and packed with secrets — four stars from me.
The story unfolds through five perspectives and a dual timeline, and I loved how that structure drip-fed secrets, motives and shifting loyalties. It gives you just enough to form theories before snatching the ground out from under you. The emails were a standout for me – they paint the maid of honour as completely unhinged… but is that actually the truth? That thread of doubt added such a fun, chaotic energy to the whole read.
This is one of those thrillers where trust is non-existent, everyone is a suspect, and the smallest detail can send you spiralling back to square one. Even when I thought I had the dynamics figured out, a couple of sharp reveals pushed the story in directions I didn’t expect.
As an ARC, this was such a fun ride and a great introduction to this author’s style. I already have The Missing Boy and The Nanny on my Audible TBR, and now I’m even keener to dive into both.
Twisty, tense, and packed with secrets — four stars from me.
November 25, 2025
3.5-3.75 ⭐️
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for allowing me this ARC. The cover and description really peaked my interest.
The ending (last 90ish %) when everything came together and where it was more twisty was the best part. Majority of the book was the build up for that ending. There was some predictably to this storyline but the author still managed to create an intriguing story to keep you going and entertained. Most of the characters were really frustrating and their stupidity made it hard to like them. Brit made me absolutely insane as a character.
I kind of wished the “then” portion of the book started in the very beginning because that ended up being more intriguing than the original storyline for me. Some parts of the story seemed far fetched and unrealistic, but still remained entertaining until the end.
I’d recommend if you’re looking for an easy, quick, fun, “who did what” kind of read.
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for allowing me this ARC. The cover and description really peaked my interest.
The ending (last 90ish %) when everything came together and where it was more twisty was the best part. Majority of the book was the build up for that ending. There was some predictably to this storyline but the author still managed to create an intriguing story to keep you going and entertained. Most of the characters were really frustrating and their stupidity made it hard to like them. Brit made me absolutely insane as a character.
I kind of wished the “then” portion of the book started in the very beginning because that ended up being more intriguing than the original storyline for me. Some parts of the story seemed far fetched and unrealistic, but still remained entertaining until the end.
I’d recommend if you’re looking for an easy, quick, fun, “who did what” kind of read.
December 13, 2025
“The fraud. The imposter. The cheater. The fake. The murderer. Which one am I?”
A joint bachelor-bachelorette party on a tropical island in Punta Cana goes wrong in this psychological thriller full of secrets and lies. The tropical storm that occurs that traps them adds to the atmospheric setting.
This one is full of unlikeable characters and you don’t know who you can trust. I enjoyed the alternating timelines from “now” and “then” and seeing how the “then” storyline intersected with the “now”. I also loved that we got POVs from all the characters.
Overall a quick and fun popcorn thriller!
Thank you to @dlfisherthrillers for this #gifted e-ARC!🫶🏼
A joint bachelor-bachelorette party on a tropical island in Punta Cana goes wrong in this psychological thriller full of secrets and lies. The tropical storm that occurs that traps them adds to the atmospheric setting.
This one is full of unlikeable characters and you don’t know who you can trust. I enjoyed the alternating timelines from “now” and “then” and seeing how the “then” storyline intersected with the “now”. I also loved that we got POVs from all the characters.
Overall a quick and fun popcorn thriller!
Thank you to @dlfisherthrillers for this #gifted e-ARC!🫶🏼
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Brit and Joe’s joint bachelor party on a paradise island is meticulously planned by maid of honour Lisa, but the dream quickly dissolves into a terrifying nightmare.
From the first page, a sense of foreboding hangs heavy, amplified by inexplicable events and a relentless tropical storm.
Told through shifting perspectives, the narrative is full of tension, weaving together a heartbreaking backstory with a rising body count.
While the characters are intentionally unlikable, their friction fuels the story's malevolent atmosphere.
With sharp twists and an ending executed with major aplomb tied up as neatly as a box wrapped in dusky pink tissue paper with speckles of silver, this is a dark, gripping read that keeps you guessing until the final page.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
From the first page, a sense of foreboding hangs heavy, amplified by inexplicable events and a relentless tropical storm.
Told through shifting perspectives, the narrative is full of tension, weaving together a heartbreaking backstory with a rising body count.
While the characters are intentionally unlikable, their friction fuels the story's malevolent atmosphere.
With sharp twists and an ending executed with major aplomb tied up as neatly as a box wrapped in dusky pink tissue paper with speckles of silver, this is a dark, gripping read that keeps you guessing until the final page.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.
December 27, 2025
This book was totally stupid and I really wanted to like it but I just could not. I gave it two stars and that is only because I was interested enough to keep reading so I could find out who the big bad actually was. Beyond that, this was an incredibly frustrating reading experience.
The biggest issue was the nonstop repetitiveness. Every single character constantly said they felt off, they were scared, they should not be there, they wanted to leave, over and over again. It added nothing to the tension and instead made the characters feel shallow and annoying rather than suspenseful. At a certain point it felt almost comical how often the same thoughts and dialogue were recycled.
And then there is the hurricane. A massive hurricane hits during the story in the Dominican Republic and somehow none of these characters had any idea it was coming. That is just not believable. When major weather events are approaching, everyone knows about it. People talk about it, the news talks about it, even flight attendants would be warning passengers. Anyone who travels checks the weather before they go. This plot point completely took me out of the story and made the entire setup feel lazy and unrealistic.
The premise had potential and the reveal was enough to keep me going, but the execution completely missed the mark for me. Instead of being tense and clever, it felt repetitive, illogical, and ultimately disappointing. This one just did not work for me at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
The biggest issue was the nonstop repetitiveness. Every single character constantly said they felt off, they were scared, they should not be there, they wanted to leave, over and over again. It added nothing to the tension and instead made the characters feel shallow and annoying rather than suspenseful. At a certain point it felt almost comical how often the same thoughts and dialogue were recycled.
And then there is the hurricane. A massive hurricane hits during the story in the Dominican Republic and somehow none of these characters had any idea it was coming. That is just not believable. When major weather events are approaching, everyone knows about it. People talk about it, the news talks about it, even flight attendants would be warning passengers. Anyone who travels checks the weather before they go. This plot point completely took me out of the story and made the entire setup feel lazy and unrealistic.
The premise had potential and the reveal was enough to keep me going, but the execution completely missed the mark for me. Instead of being tense and clever, it felt repetitive, illogical, and ultimately disappointing. This one just did not work for me at all.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2025
Thanks to netgalley for this arc! This book drew me in from the description! This was a fun quick read, read in 1 sitting in a few hours. Some of the characters were a little...annoying to me but I think their personalities really made the book. It made sure the reader never knew who to trust! The twist however wasn't that shocking to me as I think I figured out a little what was going on already so it definitely fell flat for me especially since I mainly read thrillers with big twists! If you like books with lots of tension this is for you! I would recommend this book!
November 15, 2025
This book is twisty and definitely plot-driven. It’s a super quick read—I finished it in one sitting because I needed to see where it was going. And the ending? I actually really liked that final twist in a way.
But the characters themselves felt like bad acting—very over the top, exaggerated, and not in a fun or intentional way. The dialogue especially pulled me right out of the story. People kept responding with lines like “but what?” over and over, and it just didn’t feel natural. Real people don’t talk like that, and it made the whole cast feel a bit flat and disconnected.
There were also a lot of moments where characters suddenly became convinced someone was guilty with almost no real reasoning behind it. Accusations came out of nowhere, and they were so determined and dramatic about it that I kept thinking, Wait… how did we get here? It made the pacing feel uneven and the reactions unrealistic.
When you finish the book and look back at the first fifty pages—plus the chapters after—you start realizing how much doesn’t fully add up. Some plot threads felt unresolved or just dropped. A lot of scenes felt oddly placed, or like they were building toward something that never actually came together.
Overall, it’s a fast, popcorn thriller with a strong ending, but the characters, dialogue, and pacing didn’t always work for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for providing me with this ARC for my honest review!
But the characters themselves felt like bad acting—very over the top, exaggerated, and not in a fun or intentional way. The dialogue especially pulled me right out of the story. People kept responding with lines like “but what?” over and over, and it just didn’t feel natural. Real people don’t talk like that, and it made the whole cast feel a bit flat and disconnected.
There were also a lot of moments where characters suddenly became convinced someone was guilty with almost no real reasoning behind it. Accusations came out of nowhere, and they were so determined and dramatic about it that I kept thinking, Wait… how did we get here? It made the pacing feel uneven and the reactions unrealistic.
When you finish the book and look back at the first fifty pages—plus the chapters after—you start realizing how much doesn’t fully add up. Some plot threads felt unresolved or just dropped. A lot of scenes felt oddly placed, or like they were building toward something that never actually came together.
Overall, it’s a fast, popcorn thriller with a strong ending, but the characters, dialogue, and pacing didn’t always work for me.
Thank you Netgalley and Joffe Books for providing me with this ARC for my honest review!
December 3, 2025
LOVED THIS! White lie party. it was different and kinda cool. def. reads like YA thriller. over all fast paced and keeps me interested. Points of Views from each Character.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
There's something deliciously twisted about a wedding party gone wrong, isn't there? I curled up with Five Liars by DL Fisher over the Christmas break, expecting a cozy thriller to keep me company between leftover turkey sandwiches and New Year's champagne. What I got was a dark, twisty ride that had me second-guessing everyone even if the destination wasn't quite what I hoped for.
The setup is absolutely my jam: Britt and Joe are off to celebrate their upcoming nuptials with three of their closest friends at what should be an idyllic venue. Instead, everything goes sideways from the moment they arrive. Missing luggage? Check. No food? Check. An incoming storm that strands them completely? Oh yes. And lurking beneath the surface chaos, each guest harbors a secret dark enough to destroy them : a fraud, a cheater, a fake, an imposter, and most chillingly, a murderer.
I'm always here for that classic "And Then There Were None" vibe where people start dropping like flies and you're frantically trying to spot the killer before the characters do. DL Fisher sets this up brilliantly, weaving tension through every chapter as the friends realize they might not all make it out alive. The atmosphere is properly claustrophobic, that delicious feeling of being trapped with people you thought you knew but suddenly don't trust at all.
The secrets themselves are juicy enough to keep the pages turning. Each revelation peels back another layer, making you wonder who's capable of what. I found myself mentally tallying suspects, crossing names off and adding them back on exactly the kind of engagement I want from a thriller.
Here's where my enthusiasm dims a bit, though. The ending didn't quite land for me. After all that build-up and speculation, the big reveal felt somewhat deflating. Not terrible, mind you, just not the punch I was hoping for after such a promising journey.
That said, Five Liars was still a solid holiday read. It kept me entertained during those lazy days between Christmas and New Year's when you just want to sink into a book with a cup of tea. If you're looking for a quick, atmospheric thriller that'll keep you guessing (even if the final answer is a bit underwhelming), this one's worth picking up.
Recommended for: Fans of locked-room mysteries and wedding party drama who don't mind a slightly imperfect ending.
The setup is absolutely my jam: Britt and Joe are off to celebrate their upcoming nuptials with three of their closest friends at what should be an idyllic venue. Instead, everything goes sideways from the moment they arrive. Missing luggage? Check. No food? Check. An incoming storm that strands them completely? Oh yes. And lurking beneath the surface chaos, each guest harbors a secret dark enough to destroy them : a fraud, a cheater, a fake, an imposter, and most chillingly, a murderer.
I'm always here for that classic "And Then There Were None" vibe where people start dropping like flies and you're frantically trying to spot the killer before the characters do. DL Fisher sets this up brilliantly, weaving tension through every chapter as the friends realize they might not all make it out alive. The atmosphere is properly claustrophobic, that delicious feeling of being trapped with people you thought you knew but suddenly don't trust at all.
The secrets themselves are juicy enough to keep the pages turning. Each revelation peels back another layer, making you wonder who's capable of what. I found myself mentally tallying suspects, crossing names off and adding them back on exactly the kind of engagement I want from a thriller.
Here's where my enthusiasm dims a bit, though. The ending didn't quite land for me. After all that build-up and speculation, the big reveal felt somewhat deflating. Not terrible, mind you, just not the punch I was hoping for after such a promising journey.
That said, Five Liars was still a solid holiday read. It kept me entertained during those lazy days between Christmas and New Year's when you just want to sink into a book with a cup of tea. If you're looking for a quick, atmospheric thriller that'll keep you guessing (even if the final answer is a bit underwhelming), this one's worth picking up.
Recommended for: Fans of locked-room mysteries and wedding party drama who don't mind a slightly imperfect ending.
November 23, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
🕵️ D.L. Fisher’s Five Liars is a taut and unsettling psychological thriller that thrives on secrecy, manipulation, and the fragile bonds between people forced together by circumstance. It’s a novel that grips not through spectacle alone, but through the slow unraveling of truth, where every character’s version of events is suspect.
🌒 This novel is steeped in claustrophobic tension, with settings—whether confined rooms or seemingly ordinary spaces—charged with suspicion.
Fisher’s prose is sharp and economical, creating a mood where silence, implication, and half-truths carry as much weight as action.
The pacing alternates between deliberate unease and sudden revelations, ensuring readers remain unsettled throughout.
👤 The five central figures are layered and flawed, each defined as much by what they conceal as by what they reveal.
Fisher crafts them with deliberate ambiguity, making allies and threats difficult to distinguish.
Relationships are volatile, charged with mistrust, and every interaction feels like a test of loyalty and survival.
🔍 Deception and identity form the novel’s core, asking whether truth can ever be disentangled from lies.
The narrative interrogates the corrosive effects of secrets, showing how concealment distorts trust and belonging.
Fisher explores the fragility of perception, suggesting that reality itself may be a shifting construct when filtered through fear and manipulation.
🎧 The structure mirrors the fractured psychology of the characters, weaving present-day suspense with fragments of memory and confession.
Fisher employs shifting perspectives and unreliable narration, heightening psychological complexity while sustaining momentum.
Dialogue is sharp and revealing, often carrying double meanings that amplify paranoia and mistrust.
⭐ Five Liars is a gripping, psychologically rich thriller that lingers long after the final page. D.L. Fisher delivers a story that is as much about the instability of identity as it is about the mechanics of suspense, leaving readers unsettled, reflective, and compelled to question the nature of truth itself.
🕵️ D.L. Fisher’s Five Liars is a taut and unsettling psychological thriller that thrives on secrecy, manipulation, and the fragile bonds between people forced together by circumstance. It’s a novel that grips not through spectacle alone, but through the slow unraveling of truth, where every character’s version of events is suspect.
🌒 This novel is steeped in claustrophobic tension, with settings—whether confined rooms or seemingly ordinary spaces—charged with suspicion.
Fisher’s prose is sharp and economical, creating a mood where silence, implication, and half-truths carry as much weight as action.
The pacing alternates between deliberate unease and sudden revelations, ensuring readers remain unsettled throughout.
👤 The five central figures are layered and flawed, each defined as much by what they conceal as by what they reveal.
Fisher crafts them with deliberate ambiguity, making allies and threats difficult to distinguish.
Relationships are volatile, charged with mistrust, and every interaction feels like a test of loyalty and survival.
🔍 Deception and identity form the novel’s core, asking whether truth can ever be disentangled from lies.
The narrative interrogates the corrosive effects of secrets, showing how concealment distorts trust and belonging.
Fisher explores the fragility of perception, suggesting that reality itself may be a shifting construct when filtered through fear and manipulation.
🎧 The structure mirrors the fractured psychology of the characters, weaving present-day suspense with fragments of memory and confession.
Fisher employs shifting perspectives and unreliable narration, heightening psychological complexity while sustaining momentum.
Dialogue is sharp and revealing, often carrying double meanings that amplify paranoia and mistrust.
⭐ Five Liars is a gripping, psychologically rich thriller that lingers long after the final page. D.L. Fisher delivers a story that is as much about the instability of identity as it is about the mechanics of suspense, leaving readers unsettled, reflective, and compelled to question the nature of truth itself.
December 4, 2025
📱📖 Read on Kindle (ARC)
📃 262 pages (estimated based on 4-hour read time)
⏱ Read time: 4 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Joffe Books
📅 Expected Publication: January 8, 2026
📌 ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Five Liars got its hook into me from page one. D. L. Fisher sets the tone quickly, with high humidity, higher stakes, and emotional undercurrent that makes every chapter feel like a countdown. The atmosphere, with storm rolling in, five "friends" trapped together, secrets slipping through cracks feels tailor-made for thriller fans who crave that claustrophobic tension. Fisher's dual-timeline storytelling works beautifully, with the present-day chaos harmonized with the echoes of a twenty-year-old event that still casts long shadows.
This could have been an easy five-star thriller for me. The pacing was sharp, the dialogue flowed naturally, and the unease was almost cinematic. But the fair-play mystery fan in me balked at the final reveal.
Would I recommend it?
I’d still recommend Five Liars to thriller fans who love stormy settings, unreliable narrators, and complex character webs. It’s tense, fast, and emotionally charged, even if the ending stumbles a bit on fairness. Mark your calendars! This one’s worth the read for the ride alone.
Your Turn: Could You Forgive an “Unfair” Twist?
The ending sparked some strong feelings for me, so now I want to hear from you.
Do you think an otherwise brilliant thriller can survive a twist that bends the rules? Or does it tank the whole experience?
Drop your take in the comments. Let’s debate this mystery ethics situation.
📃 262 pages (estimated based on 4-hour read time)
⏱ Read time: 4 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Joffe Books
📅 Expected Publication: January 8, 2026
📌 ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Five Liars got its hook into me from page one. D. L. Fisher sets the tone quickly, with high humidity, higher stakes, and emotional undercurrent that makes every chapter feel like a countdown. The atmosphere, with storm rolling in, five "friends" trapped together, secrets slipping through cracks feels tailor-made for thriller fans who crave that claustrophobic tension. Fisher's dual-timeline storytelling works beautifully, with the present-day chaos harmonized with the echoes of a twenty-year-old event that still casts long shadows.
This could have been an easy five-star thriller for me. The pacing was sharp, the dialogue flowed naturally, and the unease was almost cinematic. But the fair-play mystery fan in me balked at the final reveal.
Would I recommend it?
I’d still recommend Five Liars to thriller fans who love stormy settings, unreliable narrators, and complex character webs. It’s tense, fast, and emotionally charged, even if the ending stumbles a bit on fairness. Mark your calendars! This one’s worth the read for the ride alone.
Your Turn: Could You Forgive an “Unfair” Twist?
The ending sparked some strong feelings for me, so now I want to hear from you.
Do you think an otherwise brilliant thriller can survive a twist that bends the rules? Or does it tank the whole experience?
Drop your take in the comments. Let’s debate this mystery ethics situation.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What did I just read?! 😳 That ending is absolutely INSANE this book is truly unputdownable.
Five Liars by D.L. Fisher
Psychological Thriller | Mystery & Suspense
Publication Date: January 08, 2026
Publisher: Joffe Books
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC.
Description:
A luxury joint bachelor–bachelorette weekend.
A small, exclusive guest list.
A White Lie Party meant to reveal harmless secrets.
But when confessions begin, one lie is far more dangerous than the rest.
The fraud.
The imposter.
The cheater.
The fake.
The murderer.
Everyone is hiding something… and someone is hiding a deadly truth.
My Thoughts:
This was the perfect book to start my January 2026 reading.
Five Liars is a fast-paced, twist-packed psychological thriller that pulled me in from the very first chapter. What begins as a glamorous bachelor-bachelorette weekend quickly turns dark as secrets surface, lies unravel, and paranoia takes over.
The now-and-then timeline builds tension beautifully, revealing the past piece by piece while tightening the suspense in the present. I kept guessing who the villain was and I was wrong every single time. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another shocking twist hits.
The atmosphere is eerie and claustrophobic, with a setting that feels alive and unsettling. I finished this in a single day, completely hooked.
That ending left me shocked, sad, and still thinking about Lisa and Darren…💔 Joe seriously tested my patience, and Brit and Brenda… I was rooting for you, girls 💔
If you love scary-movie vibes, group-of-friends-in-danger stories, locked-room mysteries, and twisty psychological thrillers that mess with your mind, you’ll absolutely love this one.
⭐ A must-read thriller that delivers fear, suspense, and unforgettable twists.
Highly recommended.
#FiveLiars #DLFisher #PsychologicalThriller #NetGalley #JoffeBooks
#TwistyThriller #Unputdownable #BookReview #JanuaryReads
What did I just read?! 😳 That ending is absolutely INSANE this book is truly unputdownable.
Five Liars by D.L. Fisher
Psychological Thriller | Mystery & Suspense
Publication Date: January 08, 2026
Publisher: Joffe Books
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC.
Description:
A luxury joint bachelor–bachelorette weekend.
A small, exclusive guest list.
A White Lie Party meant to reveal harmless secrets.
But when confessions begin, one lie is far more dangerous than the rest.
The fraud.
The imposter.
The cheater.
The fake.
The murderer.
Everyone is hiding something… and someone is hiding a deadly truth.
My Thoughts:
This was the perfect book to start my January 2026 reading.
Five Liars is a fast-paced, twist-packed psychological thriller that pulled me in from the very first chapter. What begins as a glamorous bachelor-bachelorette weekend quickly turns dark as secrets surface, lies unravel, and paranoia takes over.
The now-and-then timeline builds tension beautifully, revealing the past piece by piece while tightening the suspense in the present. I kept guessing who the villain was and I was wrong every single time. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, another shocking twist hits.
The atmosphere is eerie and claustrophobic, with a setting that feels alive and unsettling. I finished this in a single day, completely hooked.
That ending left me shocked, sad, and still thinking about Lisa and Darren…💔 Joe seriously tested my patience, and Brit and Brenda… I was rooting for you, girls 💔
If you love scary-movie vibes, group-of-friends-in-danger stories, locked-room mysteries, and twisty psychological thrillers that mess with your mind, you’ll absolutely love this one.
⭐ A must-read thriller that delivers fear, suspense, and unforgettable twists.
Highly recommended.
#FiveLiars #DLFisher #PsychologicalThriller #NetGalley #JoffeBooks
#TwistyThriller #Unputdownable #BookReview #JanuaryReads
November 15, 2025
Reading “whodunits” for the past 3 years makes it hard for a new story to appease me. This one had a very promising blurb: secrets, betrayal, and a remote setting so I requested it from Netgalley immediately. It was a decent read with flawed yet interesting characters and a breathtaking setting that elevated the tension.
The story navigated towards a combined bachelor and bachelorette party for a newly engaged couple, hosted at a secluded rental house. The event was organised by the bride-to-be’s best friend, who clearly had her own agenda. What started as a fun and low-key gathering quickly spiraled into an overload of creepy events, cryptic messages, and unsettling reveals. The vibe was suspenseful, and the story is a page turner with a steady drip of dread.
What worked:
• Two timelines narrative that added depth and context without feeling disjointed.
• Revenge trope is overused yet justifiable, which made the story engaging and emotionally charged.
• Well depicted backstory that gave each character a motive and made the group dynamics feel authentic.
What fell short:
• Insta love trope never worked for me; it felt rushed and underdeveloped.
• No mind bending twist; the reveal lacked the shock factor I crave in thrillers.
• Predictable plot: once the pieces started falling into place, the ending felt inevitable.
Ratings Breakdown:
❥ Setting: 5⭐️
❥ Character Building: 3⭐️
❥ Writing Style: 3⭐️
❥ Message: 4⭐️
❥ Overall: 3⭐️
Final verdict: It was a fast-paced and thought-provoking story that is emotional and atmospheric. Recommended for readers who enjoy multiple characters trapped in a close house setting with secrets unraveling one by one. If you’re into the And Then There Were None vibe with a modern twist, this is perfect for an afternoon binge.
Thanks Netgalley, Joffe Books, and author DL Fisher for my advance copy. My views expressed are my own.
~JaNnA~
The story navigated towards a combined bachelor and bachelorette party for a newly engaged couple, hosted at a secluded rental house. The event was organised by the bride-to-be’s best friend, who clearly had her own agenda. What started as a fun and low-key gathering quickly spiraled into an overload of creepy events, cryptic messages, and unsettling reveals. The vibe was suspenseful, and the story is a page turner with a steady drip of dread.
What worked:
• Two timelines narrative that added depth and context without feeling disjointed.
• Revenge trope is overused yet justifiable, which made the story engaging and emotionally charged.
• Well depicted backstory that gave each character a motive and made the group dynamics feel authentic.
What fell short:
• Insta love trope never worked for me; it felt rushed and underdeveloped.
• No mind bending twist; the reveal lacked the shock factor I crave in thrillers.
• Predictable plot: once the pieces started falling into place, the ending felt inevitable.
Ratings Breakdown:
❥ Setting: 5⭐️
❥ Character Building: 3⭐️
❥ Writing Style: 3⭐️
❥ Message: 4⭐️
❥ Overall: 3⭐️
Final verdict: It was a fast-paced and thought-provoking story that is emotional and atmospheric. Recommended for readers who enjoy multiple characters trapped in a close house setting with secrets unraveling one by one. If you’re into the And Then There Were None vibe with a modern twist, this is perfect for an afternoon binge.
Thanks Netgalley, Joffe Books, and author DL Fisher for my advance copy. My views expressed are my own.
~JaNnA~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Five Liars wastes no time establishing its claustrophobic, high-stakes setup: a secluded joint bachelor-bachelorette weekend, a carefully curated guest list, and a maid of honor who insists she’s planned the perfect celebration. Booze flows, secrets simmer, and what begins as indulgent escapism quickly mutates into something far more dangerous.
The genius of this thriller lies in its framing. Told through a perspective that constantly forces you to question motives, truth, and self-awareness, Fisher turns the concept of confession into a weapon. The White Lie Party—meant to be playful and cathartic—becomes a pressure cooker where even the smallest admission feels loaded. Every interaction crackles with subtext, and every smile feels practiced.
The characters are sharply drawn and deliberately opaque. No one is entirely likable, but everyone is compelling. Fisher understands that the most unsettling thrillers don’t rely on strangers—they rely on people who know each other too well. The intimacy of the group makes the stakes feel personal, and the slow drip of revelations keeps tension ratcheted high throughout.
Pacing is where Five Liars truly shines. Chapters are tight and propulsive, ending on beats that make it impossible to stop “just one more.” Fisher layers misdirection expertly, encouraging readers to form theories—and then quietly dismantling them. By the time the truth begins to surface, you realize how carefully you’ve been led astray.
The final act delivers a gut-punch twist that reframes everything that came before it. It’s not just surprising—it’s earned. Five Liars is a slick, unsettling psychological thriller that explores deception, guilt, and how easily we rewrite our own stories to survive. Trust no one. Especially the narrator.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The genius of this thriller lies in its framing. Told through a perspective that constantly forces you to question motives, truth, and self-awareness, Fisher turns the concept of confession into a weapon. The White Lie Party—meant to be playful and cathartic—becomes a pressure cooker where even the smallest admission feels loaded. Every interaction crackles with subtext, and every smile feels practiced.
The characters are sharply drawn and deliberately opaque. No one is entirely likable, but everyone is compelling. Fisher understands that the most unsettling thrillers don’t rely on strangers—they rely on people who know each other too well. The intimacy of the group makes the stakes feel personal, and the slow drip of revelations keeps tension ratcheted high throughout.
Pacing is where Five Liars truly shines. Chapters are tight and propulsive, ending on beats that make it impossible to stop “just one more.” Fisher layers misdirection expertly, encouraging readers to form theories—and then quietly dismantling them. By the time the truth begins to surface, you realize how carefully you’ve been led astray.
The final act delivers a gut-punch twist that reframes everything that came before it. It’s not just surprising—it’s earned. Five Liars is a slick, unsettling psychological thriller that explores deception, guilt, and how easily we rewrite our own stories to survive. Trust no one. Especially the narrator.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Five Liars
by D.L. Fisher
Publish Date January 8th, 2026
5.0
Description:
The fraud.
The imposter.
The cheater.
The fake.
The murderer.
Which one am I?
The guest list for Brit and Joe’s joint bachelor-bachelorette weekend is small and exclusive: the bride, the groom, the best man, a work friend . . . and me, the maid of honor. I’ve planned every detail to make this a celebration none of us will ever forget.
Expect daytime drinking, poolside lounging — and a White Lie Party designed to help us share all our little secrets.
After all, confession is good for the soul . . . and one of us is hiding something truly killer.
Don’t forget to save the date!
Love,
The Maid of Honor x
A tense and breathless psychological thriller with a mind-blowing twist you won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, Freida McFadden, Shari Lapena, Riley Sager – and anyone who’s ever wondered what secrets their friends are really keeping.
Review:
This book is a total whirlwind—think hurricane-level intensity! I’m still in complete shock over that ending. You’ll think you have it all figured out, but trust me: you don’t. Brit and Joe are engaged and headed off for an intimate celebration with their inner circle. It’s supposed to be a small, fun getaway, but as a massive storm rolls in, the weather becomes the least of their worries. Who will make it home alive? This one is guaranteed to make your head spin!
Don’t pass up on this one!
Thank you D.L. Fisher and Joffe Books for this ARC. D.L. Fisher is on the top of my list for psychological thrillers! Can’t wait to grab the next one.
by D.L. Fisher
Publish Date January 8th, 2026
5.0
Description:
The fraud.
The imposter.
The cheater.
The fake.
The murderer.
Which one am I?
The guest list for Brit and Joe’s joint bachelor-bachelorette weekend is small and exclusive: the bride, the groom, the best man, a work friend . . . and me, the maid of honor. I’ve planned every detail to make this a celebration none of us will ever forget.
Expect daytime drinking, poolside lounging — and a White Lie Party designed to help us share all our little secrets.
After all, confession is good for the soul . . . and one of us is hiding something truly killer.
Don’t forget to save the date!
Love,
The Maid of Honor x
A tense and breathless psychological thriller with a mind-blowing twist you won’t see coming. Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, Freida McFadden, Shari Lapena, Riley Sager – and anyone who’s ever wondered what secrets their friends are really keeping.
Review:
This book is a total whirlwind—think hurricane-level intensity! I’m still in complete shock over that ending. You’ll think you have it all figured out, but trust me: you don’t. Brit and Joe are engaged and headed off for an intimate celebration with their inner circle. It’s supposed to be a small, fun getaway, but as a massive storm rolls in, the weather becomes the least of their worries. Who will make it home alive? This one is guaranteed to make your head spin!
Don’t pass up on this one!
Thank you D.L. Fisher and Joffe Books for this ARC. D.L. Fisher is on the top of my list for psychological thrillers! Can’t wait to grab the next one.
December 4, 2025
Brit and Joe are getting married! In lieu of a bachelor and bachelorette party, the maid of honor has planned a weekend getaway in Punta Cana. The maid of honor has planned every moment. There will be food, liquor, games, and a White Lie Party... and with every attendee hiding a secret, the party will be a delicious disaster!
This was a fast-paced dual-timeline, multi-POV thriller that I read in one sitting. Plot-wise, the story was excellent. My biggest gripe was that I didn't really like any of the characters. Every book needs a villain and in some books, everyone is a villain, but there needs to be something that makes you care about the characters. They need a redeeming quality. If everyone is awful, there are no stakes. At one point, I realized I was good with the book just turning into a slasher and everyone dying... and that's not good. I loved the book, but I feel like some of the characters needed a few tweaks.
The setup of the book was rather unique. The present day timeline was multi-POV and the "then" timeline was narrated by an unknown character. There were emails sprinkled throughout the book, showing the party planning details. When everything was said and done, all of the plot twists and details made sense. It was a gripping read that begged to be read in one sitting. If some of the characters had some redeeming qualities, this would have easily been a 5-star read. As it is, it's a strong 4-stars! Set your phone to do not disturb and Read It!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
This was a fast-paced dual-timeline, multi-POV thriller that I read in one sitting. Plot-wise, the story was excellent. My biggest gripe was that I didn't really like any of the characters. Every book needs a villain and in some books, everyone is a villain, but there needs to be something that makes you care about the characters. They need a redeeming quality. If everyone is awful, there are no stakes. At one point, I realized I was good with the book just turning into a slasher and everyone dying... and that's not good. I loved the book, but I feel like some of the characters needed a few tweaks.
The setup of the book was rather unique. The present day timeline was multi-POV and the "then" timeline was narrated by an unknown character. There were emails sprinkled throughout the book, showing the party planning details. When everything was said and done, all of the plot twists and details made sense. It was a gripping read that begged to be read in one sitting. If some of the characters had some redeeming qualities, this would have easily been a 5-star read. As it is, it's a strong 4-stars! Set your phone to do not disturb and Read It!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
November 21, 2025
Five Liars is an absolutely addictive and impossible to put down little popcorn thriller that was absolutely satisfying. I had an absolutely fantastic time reading. From start to finish, it kept me entertained, kept me guessing, kept me going back and forth between my suspicions and kept me flipping those pages late into the night. Isn't that the joy of reading a popcorn thriller? Absolutely ! For me this was such a fun little treat and DL’s writing and stories always grab me right from the start.
The characters were absolutely despicable, I had no idea who to trust. I kept thinking some were so innocent, yeah well DL smacked me right across the face multiple times. I obviously had many suspicions on how it would play out and how everything was linked, I honestly couldn't have guessed these turn of events. The way she constructed the plot, left little red herrings, so many clues to find throughout was absolutely genius. Once the twists and turns start coming, they don't stop. They just hit me right across the face and left me with my jaw on the floor.
Overall, I had a real blast reading this super fun and twisty popcorn thriller. An absolutely one sitting bingeable read, impossible to put down and highly entertaining. Honestly just sit back, don't take it too seriously, have fun with it and you'll for sure enjoy it!
✨️ Thank you to @netgalley, @joffebooks & @dlfisherthrillers for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were absolutely despicable, I had no idea who to trust. I kept thinking some were so innocent, yeah well DL smacked me right across the face multiple times. I obviously had many suspicions on how it would play out and how everything was linked, I honestly couldn't have guessed these turn of events. The way she constructed the plot, left little red herrings, so many clues to find throughout was absolutely genius. Once the twists and turns start coming, they don't stop. They just hit me right across the face and left me with my jaw on the floor.
Overall, I had a real blast reading this super fun and twisty popcorn thriller. An absolutely one sitting bingeable read, impossible to put down and highly entertaining. Honestly just sit back, don't take it too seriously, have fun with it and you'll for sure enjoy it!
✨️ Thank you to @netgalley, @joffebooks & @dlfisherthrillers for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2025
A weekend meant for laughter and champagne quickly morphs into something darker. Brit and Joe’s carefully curated guest list—tight, intimate, and seemingly harmless—becomes the stage for a game of secrets. The maid of honor has orchestrated every detail, from sun‑drenched lounging to a White Lie Party designed to peel back facades. But beneath the surface of this celebration lurks a sinister undertone: every guest carries baggage, every smile masks deceit, and one confession could expose a truth far deadlier than anyone expects.
What follows is a thriller where suspicion clings to every character and trust evaporates almost instantly. The narrative, split across multiple voices and timelines, teases out motives and betrayals in fragments, only to twist them into chaos. Characters feel exaggerated, their dialogue unnatural, their choices frustratingly reckless—yet that very instability fuels the tension. Accusations flare without reason, loyalties shift without warning, and the pacing lurches forward like an army advancing blindly. By the time the final act arrives, the story tightens into a storm of revelations, though not all threads find resolution. The result is a tale that thrives on unpredictability, even as its flawed cast leaves the reader questioning who to believe and what truly matters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
What follows is a thriller where suspicion clings to every character and trust evaporates almost instantly. The narrative, split across multiple voices and timelines, teases out motives and betrayals in fragments, only to twist them into chaos. Characters feel exaggerated, their dialogue unnatural, their choices frustratingly reckless—yet that very instability fuels the tension. Accusations flare without reason, loyalties shift without warning, and the pacing lurches forward like an army advancing blindly. By the time the final act arrives, the story tightens into a storm of revelations, though not all threads find resolution. The result is a tale that thrives on unpredictability, even as its flawed cast leaves the reader questioning who to believe and what truly matters.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own.
January 3, 2026
✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4.5✨
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 8th January 2026
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• psychological thriller
• one killer among friends
• destination thriller
• everyone has secrets
• multiple pov
• white lie party
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Five Liars is about a small, exclusive group coming together for a joint bachelor and bachelorette weekend that is supposed to be full of fun, drinks, and celebration. A White Lie Party is planned to share harmless secrets, but what starts as playful confessions quickly turns dark when it becomes clear that someone is hiding something truly dangerous. In just two days, trust breaks, masks fall, and one lie leads to murder.
I really enjoyed how tense and claustrophobic this story felt. The setting is glamorous on the surface, but the atmosphere underneath is dark and unsettling. Every character feels suspicious, and the multiple points of view keep you constantly second guessing everyone. I loved how the author plays with secrets and perception, making it impossible to know who is telling the truth.
The pacing is sharp, the twists are well placed, and the psychological tension stays strong throughout. This is the kind of thriller where small lies slowly pile up until everything explodes. The ending is intense and leaves you thinking about how well we really know the people closest to us.
If you love twisty psychological thrillers with secrets, lies, and a killer hiding in plain sight, this book is a must read.
Thank you so much zooloo book tour for the free ARC!
✦ 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 - 8th January 2026
✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• psychological thriller
• one killer among friends
• destination thriller
• everyone has secrets
• multiple pov
• white lie party
✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
Five Liars is about a small, exclusive group coming together for a joint bachelor and bachelorette weekend that is supposed to be full of fun, drinks, and celebration. A White Lie Party is planned to share harmless secrets, but what starts as playful confessions quickly turns dark when it becomes clear that someone is hiding something truly dangerous. In just two days, trust breaks, masks fall, and one lie leads to murder.
I really enjoyed how tense and claustrophobic this story felt. The setting is glamorous on the surface, but the atmosphere underneath is dark and unsettling. Every character feels suspicious, and the multiple points of view keep you constantly second guessing everyone. I loved how the author plays with secrets and perception, making it impossible to know who is telling the truth.
The pacing is sharp, the twists are well placed, and the psychological tension stays strong throughout. This is the kind of thriller where small lies slowly pile up until everything explodes. The ending is intense and leaves you thinking about how well we really know the people closest to us.
If you love twisty psychological thrillers with secrets, lies, and a killer hiding in plain sight, this book is a must read.
Thank you so much zooloo book tour for the free ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book kept me guessing. Five people are headed to a joint bachelor/ bachelorette weekend getaway, and from the beginning we can see that trouble is brewing. Brit and Joe seem like the perfect couple, but we know that Brit is hiding things about her past. Darren is Joe's BFF and best man, and he seems to be bringing the drama. Lisa is the neurotic MOH running the weekend. Brenda is the seeming interloper, an employee of Brit and recovering from her own recently broken engagement.
We hear from everyone's perspective throughout the book, including the mysterious narrator who has set up this deadly situation. We also find out that there is a long history of abuse, neglect, and hatred that has finally come for revenge. We as the reader cannot tell who the target of this hatred is, but as we read on the pieces begin to fall into place.
I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable. They all had their issues. I thought that the author did a great job with the setting in Punta Cana. It felt claustrophobic and ominous. These people didn't know each other all that well, and I think that helped to add to the pressure. Especially when everyone had something to hide.
I was surprised by a few twists and turns, and I don't think it was too obvious a conclusion.
Thanks to NetGalley for the book to review.
We hear from everyone's perspective throughout the book, including the mysterious narrator who has set up this deadly situation. We also find out that there is a long history of abuse, neglect, and hatred that has finally come for revenge. We as the reader cannot tell who the target of this hatred is, but as we read on the pieces begin to fall into place.
I didn't find any of the characters particularly likeable. They all had their issues. I thought that the author did a great job with the setting in Punta Cana. It felt claustrophobic and ominous. These people didn't know each other all that well, and I think that helped to add to the pressure. Especially when everyone had something to hide.
I was surprised by a few twists and turns, and I don't think it was too obvious a conclusion.
Thanks to NetGalley for the book to review.
January 5, 2026
Brit and Joe are engaged and headed to the Dominican Republic for a combined bachelor/bachelorette weekend with the maid of honor, the best man, and Brit's assistant/friend. This was set to be a memorable weekend where secrets would be uncovered and a murderer would be discovered. This had the makings of a great psychological thriller with lots of twists. I liked the multiple POV and I was hopeful when I read the first chapter as the story started off with a bang, literally. Unfortunately, this book did not meet my expectations.
I didn't like a single character in this story and found them all to be very juvenile and quite annoying. The animosity between the characters and the sense of dread we were supposed to feel just didn't hit. I felt the characters were poorly developed, unrealistic, and little to no background was provided which is probably why the dislike between characters didn't make sense. Also, there were some VERY unrealistic scenarios in this story like flying to an island where a category 3/4 hurricane is set to impact the island later that evening/weekend. The twist at the end was good and I didn't see that coming, however, that was not enought to save the story in my opinion.
Overall, this felt more like a YA thriller with underdeveloped characters that aren't very likable, a thin story line with unexplained drama, and unrealistic scenarios.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't like a single character in this story and found them all to be very juvenile and quite annoying. The animosity between the characters and the sense of dread we were supposed to feel just didn't hit. I felt the characters were poorly developed, unrealistic, and little to no background was provided which is probably why the dislike between characters didn't make sense. Also, there were some VERY unrealistic scenarios in this story like flying to an island where a category 3/4 hurricane is set to impact the island later that evening/weekend. The twist at the end was good and I didn't see that coming, however, that was not enought to save the story in my opinion.
Overall, this felt more like a YA thriller with underdeveloped characters that aren't very likable, a thin story line with unexplained drama, and unrealistic scenarios.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 18, 2025
Rating: 2.7/5
I have to confess that I wasn't particularly impressed by "Five Liars" in the early stages of the book, but it grew on me as the story progressed. The setting is a variation on a well-trodden theme, with five friends / acquaintances in a luxurious, but isolated location with no mobile connection to the outside world. This is nothing new and there have been any number of iterations from a variety of authors with varying degrees of originality and success in their execution.
Although D.L. Fisher's contribution seemed a little trite in the first half of the novel, the story does improve markedly as it progresses and there are moments of genuine intrigue and suspense. The viewpoints of the main protagonists work well enough and the characters each have a sufficiently distinct voice. There is also an additional, undisclosed perspective from a more malevolent source that also gives some historical context to the mystery, the significance of which will be revealed as the narrative unfolds. Ultimately, the author manages to deliver an engaging tale that should satisfy most fans of the genre, even if it doesn't have them raving about it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
I have to confess that I wasn't particularly impressed by "Five Liars" in the early stages of the book, but it grew on me as the story progressed. The setting is a variation on a well-trodden theme, with five friends / acquaintances in a luxurious, but isolated location with no mobile connection to the outside world. This is nothing new and there have been any number of iterations from a variety of authors with varying degrees of originality and success in their execution.
Although D.L. Fisher's contribution seemed a little trite in the first half of the novel, the story does improve markedly as it progresses and there are moments of genuine intrigue and suspense. The viewpoints of the main protagonists work well enough and the characters each have a sufficiently distinct voice. There is also an additional, undisclosed perspective from a more malevolent source that also gives some historical context to the mystery, the significance of which will be revealed as the narrative unfolds. Ultimately, the author manages to deliver an engaging tale that should satisfy most fans of the genre, even if it doesn't have them raving about it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
November 22, 2025
Secrets, lies, and a weekend getaway that spirals into something far darker — Five Liars is a tense psychological thriller that thrives on atmosphere and suspicion. The premise is deliciously unsettling: a joint bachelor–bachelorette celebration, a carefully curated guest list, and a “White Lie Party” designed to coax out hidden truths. What begins as playful confession quickly sharpens into something deadly, and the reader is left wondering which role each guest truly plays — fraud, imposter, cheater, fake, or murderer.
The writing grips with its breathless pacing, but what makes it stand out is the claustrophobic intimacy of the setting. The poolside lounging and daytime drinking are laced with unease, and every character feels like they’re holding back something that could shatter the group. Fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Shari Lapena will feel right at home here, yet the novel carves its own path with a twist that’s both shocking and satisfying.
Casual yet chilling, this is the kind of thriller you’ll want to devour in one sitting — perfect for readers who love their mysteries served with glamour, tension, and a lingering sense of dread.
With thanks to DL Fisher, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The writing grips with its breathless pacing, but what makes it stand out is the claustrophobic intimacy of the setting. The poolside lounging and daytime drinking are laced with unease, and every character feels like they’re holding back something that could shatter the group. Fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Shari Lapena will feel right at home here, yet the novel carves its own path with a twist that’s both shocking and satisfying.
Casual yet chilling, this is the kind of thriller you’ll want to devour in one sitting — perfect for readers who love their mysteries served with glamour, tension, and a lingering sense of dread.
With thanks to DL Fisher, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
December 25, 2025
Thank you to the lovely Zoe at Zooloo Book Tours for having me on this book tour.
I read the premise of this book and it sounded SO up my street, so was delighted to receive a place on this tour.
I felt as though it took a while for the narrative to really get going in this book, and there was a lot of background narrative but this was definitely needed. I felt as though it gave me a really good understanding of the relationships between the characters and how the dynamics contribute to the narrative.
I found the 'then' chapters quite confusing at first, because I wasn't quite sure of their relevance. I thought that the narrative strand was interesting, but didn't really know how it connected to the main narrative. Even though this was revealed eventually, I think I would have liked it to have been more obvious in the links throughout.
This being said, the narrative really picked up pace after about 40% and I genuinely struggled to put it down. I wanted to know what was happening, who was involved and what the next chapter would consist of. Fisher wrote with such drive and urge and it kept me so interested throughout. The twists were SERVING and I just didn't anticipate the ending to happen in the way it did!
Overall, a fab read.
I read the premise of this book and it sounded SO up my street, so was delighted to receive a place on this tour.
I felt as though it took a while for the narrative to really get going in this book, and there was a lot of background narrative but this was definitely needed. I felt as though it gave me a really good understanding of the relationships between the characters and how the dynamics contribute to the narrative.
I found the 'then' chapters quite confusing at first, because I wasn't quite sure of their relevance. I thought that the narrative strand was interesting, but didn't really know how it connected to the main narrative. Even though this was revealed eventually, I think I would have liked it to have been more obvious in the links throughout.
This being said, the narrative really picked up pace after about 40% and I genuinely struggled to put it down. I wanted to know what was happening, who was involved and what the next chapter would consist of. Fisher wrote with such drive and urge and it kept me so interested throughout. The twists were SERVING and I just didn't anticipate the ending to happen in the way it did!
Overall, a fab read.
Review of advance copy
I went into Five Liars without any expectations—just thought the premise sounded promising. And honestly, I’m glad I picked it up because it turned out to be a fast-paced thriller you can easily binge in a single day.
The story unfolds through multiple POVs—five characters heading to a joint bachelorette/bachelor party on an island—told across dual timelines.
At first, I was a little lost since the past timeline didn’t seem to connect with the present, and I couldn’t always tell whose perspective I was in. It was intriguing albeit a bit confusing. Thankfully, by the end, everything clicked together, and the reveal tied it all up in a surprising way.
I can’t say the characters were super likeable, but the secrets they were hiding kept me hooked from start to finish.
And wow—the final chapter plus the epilogue? Totally mind-blowing. I did not see that twist coming.
Overall, this is a quick, twisty thriller that’s perfect if you’re looking for something to keep you glued to the pages and make you lose track of time.
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: murder, death, child abuse
The story unfolds through multiple POVs—five characters heading to a joint bachelorette/bachelor party on an island—told across dual timelines.
At first, I was a little lost since the past timeline didn’t seem to connect with the present, and I couldn’t always tell whose perspective I was in. It was intriguing albeit a bit confusing. Thankfully, by the end, everything clicked together, and the reveal tied it all up in a surprising way.
I can’t say the characters were super likeable, but the secrets they were hiding kept me hooked from start to finish.
And wow—the final chapter plus the epilogue? Totally mind-blowing. I did not see that twist coming.
Overall, this is a quick, twisty thriller that’s perfect if you’re looking for something to keep you glued to the pages and make you lose track of time.
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: murder, death, child abuse
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