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The Summer We Lied
Eighteen years ago teenager Alex sent a man to prison. She, and her two best friends from school, overheard the vicious murder of a mother and child, although only she took the stand in court.
But despite her evidence, there were always rumours that the wrong man had been imprisoned. That although he was someone not to be trusted, he wasn't a killer.
Alex has always known she did the right thing but when new DNA evidences comes to light and the conviction is overturned, the spotlight falls on her, the woman who sent him to jail. The woman whose mistake may have let the real killer evade justice for years.
And for Jonathan, Alex and Rachel, once friends for life, now strangers to one another, there are going to be many more secrets coming to light.
Because that summer, there were many different versions of the truth.
But despite her evidence, there were always rumours that the wrong man had been imprisoned. That although he was someone not to be trusted, he wasn't a killer.
Alex has always known she did the right thing but when new DNA evidences comes to light and the conviction is overturned, the spotlight falls on her, the woman who sent him to jail. The woman whose mistake may have let the real killer evade justice for years.
And for Jonathan, Alex and Rachel, once friends for life, now strangers to one another, there are going to be many more secrets coming to light.
Because that summer, there were many different versions of the truth.
Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No offence to these authors but why have all of my recent arcs been so awful???
This book follows a group of friends who were key witnesses in a crime but essentially lied about something and now it’s coming back to haunt them.
This review is gonna be shorter than normal as I can’t stand to write about this in my normal way. See, the thing is the plot wasn’t even that bad, it was quite interesting but the writing just ruined that for me tbh. The lack of proper chapters and spacing between the so-called chapters was atrocious and the grammar basically made the book impossible to read. A comma? This book doesn’t know her which is an insane statement to say about a published book like did this author have a editor and if so maybe that editor should rethink their career path.
All of the characters were terrible. As the summary states, they lied about a crime to not harm themselves or their reputation. That is the stupidest shit I’ve ever heard like the type of shit you only hear about on law and order (which should never be the reference for anything ever). But I do know that I’m meant to hate them.
Overall, I would not recommend this book unless the book goes through 40 more rounds of editing 😀
P.s. I’m so sorry for being so harsh, I just seriously think that this book would be way better with some more editing
Thank you to netgalley, rebecca hardy and bloomsbury publishing for access to this arc
This book follows a group of friends who were key witnesses in a crime but essentially lied about something and now it’s coming back to haunt them.
This review is gonna be shorter than normal as I can’t stand to write about this in my normal way. See, the thing is the plot wasn’t even that bad, it was quite interesting but the writing just ruined that for me tbh. The lack of proper chapters and spacing between the so-called chapters was atrocious and the grammar basically made the book impossible to read. A comma? This book doesn’t know her which is an insane statement to say about a published book like did this author have a editor and if so maybe that editor should rethink their career path.
All of the characters were terrible. As the summary states, they lied about a crime to not harm themselves or their reputation. That is the stupidest shit I’ve ever heard like the type of shit you only hear about on law and order (which should never be the reference for anything ever). But I do know that I’m meant to hate them.
Overall, I would not recommend this book unless the book goes through 40 more rounds of editing 😀
P.s. I’m so sorry for being so harsh, I just seriously think that this book would be way better with some more editing
Thank you to netgalley, rebecca hardy and bloomsbury publishing for access to this arc
May 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, there were lots of twists & turns. It follows the friendship of Alex, Rachel & Jonathan & what happened in the summer of 1989, to end in a man going to prison . Fast forward 18 years & all the lies that were told come to light. It was told from each characters experience in a dual time line between 1989 & 2007. I must admit I did guess a couple of the twists but it didn’t spoil it for me, I was invested from the start & couldn’t wait to read more, I liked the way it was worried & I’m a huge fan of dual time lines, the before & after. This is due for release in July & I recommend 🌟
I really enjoyed this book, there were lots of twists & turns. It follows the friendship of Alex, Rachel & Jonathan & what happened in the summer of 1989, to end in a man going to prison . Fast forward 18 years & all the lies that were told come to light. It was told from each characters experience in a dual time line between 1989 & 2007. I must admit I did guess a couple of the twists but it didn’t spoil it for me, I was invested from the start & couldn’t wait to read more, I liked the way it was worried & I’m a huge fan of dual time lines, the before & after. This is due for release in July & I recommend 🌟
June 23, 2026
Such a good read!!!! Once I started this I couldn’t put it down. The pacing is excellent, there are plenty of twists and turns which I absolutely love.
This is a story of 3 teenagers who witnessed a brutal attack and made some bad decisions after which now over 2 decades later have come back to haunt them.
The story switches between the past and the present, the switch is flawless so there is no confusion.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy
This is a story of 3 teenagers who witnessed a brutal attack and made some bad decisions after which now over 2 decades later have come back to haunt them.
The story switches between the past and the present, the switch is flawless so there is no confusion.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advance copy
July 23, 2026
1989, a hot Summer in the south of England. Three teenagers bear witness to a horrific crime, but they didn’t see anything, just overheard it. And then use this opportunity to lie… 18 years later the lies are threatening to catch up with them.
I can’t say much more about the plot as I don’t want to take anything away from the reading experience. We have the narrative presented through several pov and the story also moves back and forth in time.
At times I found this a bit slow but it’s a good story with lots of little twists along the way. I also read this at a time where I had lots of other things going on and it was a bit of a drawn out reading process for me, not being the books‘ fault. So I’m cautious to judge!
This is certainly a great summer thriller and debut novel. It’s a well written book with substance and intrigue. I’d recommend!
I can’t say much more about the plot as I don’t want to take anything away from the reading experience. We have the narrative presented through several pov and the story also moves back and forth in time.
At times I found this a bit slow but it’s a good story with lots of little twists along the way. I also read this at a time where I had lots of other things going on and it was a bit of a drawn out reading process for me, not being the books‘ fault. So I’m cautious to judge!
This is certainly a great summer thriller and debut novel. It’s a well written book with substance and intrigue. I’d recommend!
July 20, 2026
Kept me on the edge with twist after twist after twist - little too slow paced in places but I did enjoy the multiple POVs and timelines. Not an easy read - triggers warnings should be checked as lots of hard topics covered throughout! However watching the storyline & depth of secrets unfold drew me in - and some of the twists were really unexpected!! Not my normal genre but I'll definitely be looking to branch out more after enjoying this read.
May 18, 2026
Overall a good atmospheric summer thriller. The setting was very vivid and I really didn’t see a couple of the plot twists coming! However I did find the multiple timelines and narrators a little confusing at times, especially when certain identities are being protected by another character - a few times I ended up having to flick back in case I’d missed anything. The ending satisfyingly tied up most of the story, if a little abruptly. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2026
‘Still, the conviction was sound. Never in doubt. Alex has always been clear. Her evidence, her testimony, it was all the truth … because it had to be’
In 1987, fifteen year old Alex and her best friends, Jonathan and Rachel, sent a man to prison. While playing truant, they overhead a viscous murder of a mother and child in woodland close to their small town. But despite three of them being present, only Alex had to take the stand in court.
Despite her evidence, the convicted killer has always denied his involvement and has plenty of supporters that believe the wrong man was jailed. Alex has always known she had done the right thing, however, when new DNA evidence comes to light and the conviction is overturned in 2007, the spotlight falls on her. The woman who ruined his life but also may have allowed the real killer to evade justice for decades.
Once the closest of friends, the trio are now strangers to each other. However, when they begin to each receive threats of consequence for their involvement in the jailing, they meet up again and secrets they thought were buried for good, are now rising to the surface. That summer, there were many different versions of the truth, but which one is real?
A difficult story with just about every thriller based scenario thrown in: blackmail, toxic relationships and manipulative teenage friendships, childhood trauma, historical injustice and questionable policing. The subjects have been constructed together well and there does feel a place for them all. However, at times, the book can feel a little busy and there are some details that just aren’t necessary and almost drag the book out. I feel some elements such as descriptions of environments etc could have been cropped as this takes away from the story, its tension and overall flow.
A dark, atmospheric and suspenseful read with lots of good twists and three protagonists who are each living with guilt and doubt, decades on. The continuous change of timeline and POV with the volume of characters - and sometimes two characters within one chapter - can be a little confusing to begin with, however is necessary to show the different peoples versions of the same event.
If you enjoy dual timeline thrillers with an emotive pull, then this would be a good summer read for you!
Thank you to NetGalley, Raven Books and Rebecca Hardy for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
In 1987, fifteen year old Alex and her best friends, Jonathan and Rachel, sent a man to prison. While playing truant, they overhead a viscous murder of a mother and child in woodland close to their small town. But despite three of them being present, only Alex had to take the stand in court.
Despite her evidence, the convicted killer has always denied his involvement and has plenty of supporters that believe the wrong man was jailed. Alex has always known she had done the right thing, however, when new DNA evidence comes to light and the conviction is overturned in 2007, the spotlight falls on her. The woman who ruined his life but also may have allowed the real killer to evade justice for decades.
Once the closest of friends, the trio are now strangers to each other. However, when they begin to each receive threats of consequence for their involvement in the jailing, they meet up again and secrets they thought were buried for good, are now rising to the surface. That summer, there were many different versions of the truth, but which one is real?
A difficult story with just about every thriller based scenario thrown in: blackmail, toxic relationships and manipulative teenage friendships, childhood trauma, historical injustice and questionable policing. The subjects have been constructed together well and there does feel a place for them all. However, at times, the book can feel a little busy and there are some details that just aren’t necessary and almost drag the book out. I feel some elements such as descriptions of environments etc could have been cropped as this takes away from the story, its tension and overall flow.
A dark, atmospheric and suspenseful read with lots of good twists and three protagonists who are each living with guilt and doubt, decades on. The continuous change of timeline and POV with the volume of characters - and sometimes two characters within one chapter - can be a little confusing to begin with, however is necessary to show the different peoples versions of the same event.
If you enjoy dual timeline thrillers with an emotive pull, then this would be a good summer read for you!
Thank you to NetGalley, Raven Books and Rebecca Hardy for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
18 years ago three 15 year olds, Rachel, Alex and Jonathan, truanted from school. They met up and hiding in a nearby World War 2 pill box where they hear the sounds of a mother and toddler daughter being viciously murdered. They did not see the assailant but they all gave statements to the police and a local man, Shawn Weston, is arrested. Only Alex takes the stand at the trial and Shawn is convicted and imprisoned. Alex has always believed that she did the right thing.
But now the Benton murders are being re-examined and an organisation called Failed Justice is involved. The three friends, once so close, and now grown apart have each been sent links to their old school, Greenacres Comprehensive. Since the murder their lives have diverged; Rachel is in the middle of an unwelcome divorce, Alex is an overworked immigration lawyer and Jonathan has become a teacher in an inner city school. Alex confided the true events of that summer to a malicious ex boyfriend, Peter, who has been using it to try and blackmail her to return to him. But, as she begins to ponder on the role of the police officers involved in the case and their willingness to almost dictate her evidence Shawn Weston is released from prison, apparently the victim of a miscarriage of justice.
This dark thriller really cracked along and the alternating multiple viewpoints worked well to create the atmosphere of then and now. Rachel’s frustrated desires and dreams as her marriage disintegrates were well portrayed as was Alex’s worry about Peter and what he might do to her to get back into her life. Jonathan is warned by his school about trying to help a pupil being bullied by his father. While growing up they all seemed to have led difficult lives with the adults being too preoccupied with their own drama to take much notice of them.
There is also the atmosphere of a small town where a horrific murder has taken place; the baying reporters, the suspicion, the teddy bears and flowers and the silence when the media move on elsewhere. Nowadays, there would be ‘armchair detectives’ and online investigators to contend with.
The book has a really twisty plot and there was one final one that I really didn’t expect. I have to say that I couldn’t put this book down and I thought that it was a terrific, well written read.
My thanks to the publisher and Net galley for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Summer We Lied by Rebecca Hardy is a dark, suspenseful thriller that completely drew me in and didn’t let go until the very last page.
What really stood out to me was the way the story is told through multiple perspectives, moving between past and present. Each character brings their own version of events, and as the narrative unfolds, you start to question what’s real and what isn’t. It’s cleverly done and keeps things constantly shifting, which made it such an engaging read. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would come along and prove me wrong.
The writing is vivid and atmospheric, making it easy to feel like you’re right there in the middle of everything. The characters are complex and believable, and their emotions really come through—especially as the story reveals more about what they went through.
The sections set in 1988 were particularly impactful. They highlight the pressures on the teenagers at the time, not just from each other but from the adults around them. The police, with their own agenda, and families who seem more focused on themselves than their children, create a sense of tension and injustice that lingers throughout the book. Watching how those experiences shape the characters into adulthood—and how they’re forced to confront long-buried truths—adds another layer of depth.
It’s a dark and twisted story that keeps you guessing right until the end. I genuinely didn’t see some of the twists coming, which made it even more addictive—I ended up staying up far too late just to find out what happened.
Overall, this is a cleverly constructed and immersive read that explores the grey areas between truth and lies, and how perspective can change everything.
What really stood out to me was the way the story is told through multiple perspectives, moving between past and present. Each character brings their own version of events, and as the narrative unfolds, you start to question what’s real and what isn’t. It’s cleverly done and keeps things constantly shifting, which made it such an engaging read. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would come along and prove me wrong.
The writing is vivid and atmospheric, making it easy to feel like you’re right there in the middle of everything. The characters are complex and believable, and their emotions really come through—especially as the story reveals more about what they went through.
The sections set in 1988 were particularly impactful. They highlight the pressures on the teenagers at the time, not just from each other but from the adults around them. The police, with their own agenda, and families who seem more focused on themselves than their children, create a sense of tension and injustice that lingers throughout the book. Watching how those experiences shape the characters into adulthood—and how they’re forced to confront long-buried truths—adds another layer of depth.
It’s a dark and twisted story that keeps you guessing right until the end. I genuinely didn’t see some of the twists coming, which made it even more addictive—I ended up staying up far too late just to find out what happened.
Overall, this is a cleverly constructed and immersive read that explores the grey areas between truth and lies, and how perspective can change everything.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an emotional story of families, lies and violence that manages to stay just the right side of melodrama despite the fact that everyone has been hiding a secret for more than twenty years: think domestic abuse, sexual abuse, affairs, a teenage conspiracy, police and legal failures, miscarriages of justice, investigative reporters and a stalker... The book feels a little over-packed, to be honest, with every possible drama being thrown in - including a chase in a hospital! For all that, it takes its subject seriously: this isn't tonally fun or humorous or tongue in cheek as so many contemporary thrillers are, and has one eye on recent news headlines.
For me, the style was disappointing: the writing is functional but nothing more: metaphors and similes feels clichéd ('the worries return, crawling over her skin like an itch') and frequently try harder than is necessary: do we really need to be told that a ringing phone performs 'a buzz and shiver, twist[s] across the smooth surface of her office desk like an upended insect' - as if we don't know what this perfectly everyday occurrence of a phone ringing is like? This kind of florid writing makes the book feel a bit baggy and stops the flow of the story. Similarly, the go-to-structure of bitty fragments revolving through three characters 'then' and 'now' mean it's hard to settle into the story before each strand breaks off - clearly assuming an audience with a limited concentration span.
Nevertheless, there is an emotive pull-through here and a sense of the characters living through a traumatic experience that comes back to haunt them.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley
For me, the style was disappointing: the writing is functional but nothing more: metaphors and similes feels clichéd ('the worries return, crawling over her skin like an itch') and frequently try harder than is necessary: do we really need to be told that a ringing phone performs 'a buzz and shiver, twist[s] across the smooth surface of her office desk like an upended insect' - as if we don't know what this perfectly everyday occurrence of a phone ringing is like? This kind of florid writing makes the book feel a bit baggy and stops the flow of the story. Similarly, the go-to-structure of bitty fragments revolving through three characters 'then' and 'now' mean it's hard to settle into the story before each strand breaks off - clearly assuming an audience with a limited concentration span.
Nevertheless, there is an emotive pull-through here and a sense of the characters living through a traumatic experience that comes back to haunt them.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eighteen years ago teenager Alex sent a man to prison. She, and her two best friends from school, overheard the vicious murder of a mother and child, although only she took the stand in court.
But despite her evidence, there were always rumours that the wrong man had been imprisoned. That although he was someone not to be trusted, he wasn't a killer.
Alex has always known she did the right thing but when new DNA evidences comes to light and the conviction is overturned, the spotlight falls on her, the woman who sent him to jail. The woman whose mistake may have let the real killer evade justice for years.
And for Jonathan, Alex and Rachel, once friends for life, now strangers to one another, there are going to be many more secrets coming to light.
Because that summer, there were many different versions of the truth.
Not sure if I started this book during a book slump, but it took me 3 attempts at starting it, to get to grips with the story.
I think because it had alternating POVs and an alternating timeline, this possibly threw me.
Once I got into the bulk of the story, I became used to the writing style and the differing voices throughout the book.
I enjoyed this book and would read another book by this author.
The storyline was plausible, not wanting to say too much due to spoilers, but I could honestly see this happening, in the era that it was written.
Many thanks to Net Galley, the publishers and the author for this free E-arc in exchange for a honest review.
But despite her evidence, there were always rumours that the wrong man had been imprisoned. That although he was someone not to be trusted, he wasn't a killer.
Alex has always known she did the right thing but when new DNA evidences comes to light and the conviction is overturned, the spotlight falls on her, the woman who sent him to jail. The woman whose mistake may have let the real killer evade justice for years.
And for Jonathan, Alex and Rachel, once friends for life, now strangers to one another, there are going to be many more secrets coming to light.
Because that summer, there were many different versions of the truth.
Not sure if I started this book during a book slump, but it took me 3 attempts at starting it, to get to grips with the story.
I think because it had alternating POVs and an alternating timeline, this possibly threw me.
Once I got into the bulk of the story, I became used to the writing style and the differing voices throughout the book.
I enjoyed this book and would read another book by this author.
The storyline was plausible, not wanting to say too much due to spoilers, but I could honestly see this happening, in the era that it was written.
Many thanks to Net Galley, the publishers and the author for this free E-arc in exchange for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For three teenagers, Alex, Rachel and Jonathan, bunking off school in July 1989 proved to be a day of utmost consequence. Concealed within a World War II pillbox, they overhear a murderous attack on a woman and her young child in the surrounding thicket. Finding their testimony pivotal in the subsequent police investigation, the three teenagers decide to embellish some aspects of the harrowing event while concealing other pertinent facts. To their juvenile minds their actions make perfect sense.
Eighteen years later, the three erstwhile friends find themselves caught in a spiral of deception which is fast unravelling beyond their control. Someone else appears to know the secret the three have carried into adulthood, and this unknown person features prominently under a pseudonym in the comments being posted on a campaign Facebook group proclaiming the innocence of the man convicted. To make matters worse, the Criminal Cases Review Commission is re-examining the facts of the trial and updated DNA evidence threatens to undermine the conviction. Brought together again, Alex, Rachel and Jonathan struggle to understand and accept the ramifications that their teenage lie has spawned. As the storm gathers, other lies surface which challenge the essence of who they believed they were and who they have become.
This debut novel pulses with intrigue, and as each twist unfurls it draws the reader deeper into the lives of three people captured in a tangle of emotional turmoil.
Eighteen years later, the three erstwhile friends find themselves caught in a spiral of deception which is fast unravelling beyond their control. Someone else appears to know the secret the three have carried into adulthood, and this unknown person features prominently under a pseudonym in the comments being posted on a campaign Facebook group proclaiming the innocence of the man convicted. To make matters worse, the Criminal Cases Review Commission is re-examining the facts of the trial and updated DNA evidence threatens to undermine the conviction. Brought together again, Alex, Rachel and Jonathan struggle to understand and accept the ramifications that their teenage lie has spawned. As the storm gathers, other lies surface which challenge the essence of who they believed they were and who they have become.
This debut novel pulses with intrigue, and as each twist unfurls it draws the reader deeper into the lives of three people captured in a tangle of emotional turmoil.
March 2, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this forthcoming book by Rebecca Hardy
Eighteen years ago, July 1998 three teenage girls—Alex, Jonathan, and Rachel—overheard the brutal murder of a mother and child. Only Alex testified, and her evidence put a man behind bars. Even then, rumours swirled that he wasn’t actually the killer—just a dangerous man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two decades later Aug 2007 all hell breaks lose with uncertainty over the conviction, did the witness lie, why didn't the others testify? Social media gets involved as well as journalists, old memories and miss understandings rise to the surface. The story jumps between these two dates and adds an account of the three friends, which I found easy to follow and as I progressed through the book more 'truth' and 'lies' were revealed.
A good psychological read of how adults can influence, direct and lead teenagers creating scenarios where children can doubt their own testimony to the police revealing unreliability of memory under trauma, guilt and responsibility, justice vs truth and how teenagers friendships change overtime warping under the weight of shared secrets. My advice to teens and adults is think very carefully as to why you should lie what might the consequences be if you did.. Very well crafted.
Eighteen years ago, July 1998 three teenage girls—Alex, Jonathan, and Rachel—overheard the brutal murder of a mother and child. Only Alex testified, and her evidence put a man behind bars. Even then, rumours swirled that he wasn’t actually the killer—just a dangerous man in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two decades later Aug 2007 all hell breaks lose with uncertainty over the conviction, did the witness lie, why didn't the others testify? Social media gets involved as well as journalists, old memories and miss understandings rise to the surface. The story jumps between these two dates and adds an account of the three friends, which I found easy to follow and as I progressed through the book more 'truth' and 'lies' were revealed.
A good psychological read of how adults can influence, direct and lead teenagers creating scenarios where children can doubt their own testimony to the police revealing unreliability of memory under trauma, guilt and responsibility, justice vs truth and how teenagers friendships change overtime warping under the weight of shared secrets. My advice to teens and adults is think very carefully as to why you should lie what might the consequences be if you did.. Very well crafted.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Three childhood friends partially witness a terrible crime and their lives are never the same again. Rachel, Jonathan and Alex are as thick as thieves but after this crime , quiet Alex starts to think the other two are keeping something from her. Rachel is the leader of the group and Jonathan who has an abusive father is also happy to be led. We learn a lot about each of them with their unsupportive families and individual insecurities. It is frightening how easily that people's evidence can be influenced by the police and that how small lies can be so hard to go back on despite having unforseen major consequences. The small lies becoming unbroachable secrets.
I felt that the characters in the book all felt so realistic and that their relationships were so well described. The security of the lives of the three all hang precariously balanced as we see that any of several possibilities could send each of them spiralling downwards. The prospect of a convicted murderer being released because of an unsound decision brings the three back together again but the years apart has changed the balance between them. The despair that all three feel is portrayed so well that I started to cringe as to what yet another revelation would result in. An outstanding read.Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I felt that the characters in the book all felt so realistic and that their relationships were so well described. The security of the lives of the three all hang precariously balanced as we see that any of several possibilities could send each of them spiralling downwards. The prospect of a convicted murderer being released because of an unsound decision brings the three back together again but the years apart has changed the balance between them. The despair that all three feel is portrayed so well that I started to cringe as to what yet another revelation would result in. An outstanding read.Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
July 2, 2026
This is a story about a group of teens who witnessed something, but as you can guess from the title, did not tell the truth!
The story is told in a back-and-forth style, so as the modern section of the story is revealed, the events of the past are also revealed. But the thing is, with the past, what you see is not necessarily what you remember. Other things take priority, things get muddled, and being involved in something so scary at that age can distort things.
The story is of a serial killer they have committed murder, and it is not the first time. A man was arrested and sentenced, but years later, things changed, and the ruling was overturned. All hell breaks loose for lots of people, and the author creates a thrilling story showing how things can be manipulated, people cajoled, lies, deceit, and so, so much more.
The story is one that definitely grabs the attention; it has a lot going on in it, but the author keeps it controlled. I think it would be easy for this story to spiral, but no, it is understandable and makes sense. It is as I write this review, I realise how many subplots are being juggled.
If you are looking for a story that has secrets, lies, manipulation, and that involves murder, mystery and has lots of twists, then this is one that you may very well enjoy; it is one I would be very happy to recommend.
The story is told in a back-and-forth style, so as the modern section of the story is revealed, the events of the past are also revealed. But the thing is, with the past, what you see is not necessarily what you remember. Other things take priority, things get muddled, and being involved in something so scary at that age can distort things.
The story is of a serial killer they have committed murder, and it is not the first time. A man was arrested and sentenced, but years later, things changed, and the ruling was overturned. All hell breaks loose for lots of people, and the author creates a thrilling story showing how things can be manipulated, people cajoled, lies, deceit, and so, so much more.
The story is one that definitely grabs the attention; it has a lot going on in it, but the author keeps it controlled. I think it would be easy for this story to spiral, but no, it is understandable and makes sense. It is as I write this review, I realise how many subplots are being juggled.
If you are looking for a story that has secrets, lies, manipulation, and that involves murder, mystery and has lots of twists, then this is one that you may very well enjoy; it is one I would be very happy to recommend.
June 17, 2026
The Summer We Lied is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages from start to finish. The dual timeline was particularly effective, gradually revealing the events of that fateful summer while building tension in the present day. Combined with the multiple POVs, it constantly had me questioning who was telling the truth and what really happened.
The story is packed with twists and turns, and while I did guess quite early on who was attacking the women, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the plot. There were still plenty of surprises along the way, and the unfolding secrets kept me invested throughout.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its characters. By the end, I found myself developing a real soft spot for Jonathan, Rachel and Alex. They were all flawed, believable characters whose complicated relationships added emotional depth to the mystery.
Rebecca Hardy has crafted an intriguing story about friendship, guilt, truth and the consequences of the choices we make. Full of suspense, secrets and compelling character development, The Summer We Lied is an engaging read that thriller fans are sure to enjoy.
Thank you @bloomsburypublishing for this ARC in return for an honest review
The story is packed with twists and turns, and while I did guess quite early on who was attacking the women, it didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the plot. There were still plenty of surprises along the way, and the unfolding secrets kept me invested throughout.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its characters. By the end, I found myself developing a real soft spot for Jonathan, Rachel and Alex. They were all flawed, believable characters whose complicated relationships added emotional depth to the mystery.
Rebecca Hardy has crafted an intriguing story about friendship, guilt, truth and the consequences of the choices we make. Full of suspense, secrets and compelling character development, The Summer We Lied is an engaging read that thriller fans are sure to enjoy.
Thank you @bloomsburypublishing for this ARC in return for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5-3
This novel is divided into two timelines: 2007 when Alex, Jonathan and Rachel are witnesses (of sorts) to the brutal murder of a woman and her child and the present day when Shawn Weston, the man they effectively sent down for the crime now has some powerful friends, who say that he was never the perpetrator.
As we delve into the history of this crime and the part each child, their parents and the Police played in sending Weston to prison we are also party to the alliances that formed and the lies that were told - and why.
As the days go by the pressure ramps up for the three as they try to escape from the justice that is surely coming their way.
While this novel had early promise I found the narrative became overly convoluted and circuitous. By halfway I was begging someone to tell me the secrets. It could certainly have done with some trimming.
That said, the premise was interesting and there are plenty of twists. The main characters are hardly sympathetic but the ending is tied up nicely. (I would have liked a little more retribution but thats a personal thing, I'm sure.)
This would make a decent beach read if you enjoy a thriller.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Raven Books for the digital review copy.
This novel is divided into two timelines: 2007 when Alex, Jonathan and Rachel are witnesses (of sorts) to the brutal murder of a woman and her child and the present day when Shawn Weston, the man they effectively sent down for the crime now has some powerful friends, who say that he was never the perpetrator.
As we delve into the history of this crime and the part each child, their parents and the Police played in sending Weston to prison we are also party to the alliances that formed and the lies that were told - and why.
As the days go by the pressure ramps up for the three as they try to escape from the justice that is surely coming their way.
While this novel had early promise I found the narrative became overly convoluted and circuitous. By halfway I was begging someone to tell me the secrets. It could certainly have done with some trimming.
That said, the premise was interesting and there are plenty of twists. The main characters are hardly sympathetic but the ending is tied up nicely. (I would have liked a little more retribution but thats a personal thing, I'm sure.)
This would make a decent beach read if you enjoy a thriller.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Raven Books for the digital review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Summer We Lied by Rebecca Hardy is a gripping, character-driven thriller that explores the long-lasting impact of secrets and the fragile nature of truth. The story moves between two timelines following three teenagers whose lives are forever changed after they witness a horrific crime.
Years later, as doubts emerge about the original conviction, buried lies begin to resurface.
What makes this novel stand out is its focus on perspective. Each character holds their own version of events, and as these viewpoints start to clash, the tension steadily builds. Hardy does a great job of showing how memory, guilt, and loyalty can blur the line between truth and self-preservation.
The pacing is steady, with a strong sense of suspense throughout, although it slows slightly in the middle. The writing is accessible and easy to follow, making it a fast and engaging read.
While some themes could have been explored in more depth, overall, this is a compelling and thought-provoking novel, perfect for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with layered characters, shifting timelines, and gradually unfolding secrets.
Years later, as doubts emerge about the original conviction, buried lies begin to resurface.
What makes this novel stand out is its focus on perspective. Each character holds their own version of events, and as these viewpoints start to clash, the tension steadily builds. Hardy does a great job of showing how memory, guilt, and loyalty can blur the line between truth and self-preservation.
The pacing is steady, with a strong sense of suspense throughout, although it slows slightly in the middle. The writing is accessible and easy to follow, making it a fast and engaging read.
While some themes could have been explored in more depth, overall, this is a compelling and thought-provoking novel, perfect for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with layered characters, shifting timelines, and gradually unfolding secrets.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The summer in question was 1989, when 3 mid teens, Alex, Jonathan and Rachel were witnesses to a brutal attack, and, because of the decisions they made, were responsible for a possibly innocent (but definitely evil) man going to prison.
Fast forward to 2007. The three have gone their separate ways and are not in contact. Alex, now an immigration lawyer is shocked to receive a Facebook post from someone threatening to expose her. Jonathan, a teacher, and Rachel, a mother who is just coping, receive similar messages, and they are forced to meet.
This is very cleverly written, the 1988 sections really highlight the pressures on the young teens, from the police with their own agenda, and their families who are more interested in themselves than their children.
The grown-up children have to come to terms with some devastating truths, and the fact that they were badly let down by those who were supposed to help then.
This is an immersive read, exploring grey areas of “truth” and “lies”, and with some truly unexpected twists.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
Fast forward to 2007. The three have gone their separate ways and are not in contact. Alex, now an immigration lawyer is shocked to receive a Facebook post from someone threatening to expose her. Jonathan, a teacher, and Rachel, a mother who is just coping, receive similar messages, and they are forced to meet.
This is very cleverly written, the 1988 sections really highlight the pressures on the young teens, from the police with their own agenda, and their families who are more interested in themselves than their children.
The grown-up children have to come to terms with some devastating truths, and the fact that they were badly let down by those who were supposed to help then.
This is an immersive read, exploring grey areas of “truth” and “lies”, and with some truly unexpected twists.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
April 12, 2026
The Summer We Lied by Rebecca Hardy is a twist-filled summer thriller that aims to keep readers guessing, but for me, it didn’t quite hit the mark.
The novel starts off slowly, and I initially found it a bit confusing, particularly around key character motivations.
As the plot unfolded, I found myself predicting the major twist fairly early, around the 20% mark, which took away some of the suspense. While the book is packed with multiple twists and turns, many of them felt quite predictable, with the exception of one reveal toward the end that did manage to surprise me.
The writing itself is accessible and easy to read, making it a quick page-turner despite its length. However, the story felt overly drawn out at times, with more detail than necessary, which slowed the pacing.
One of the biggest drawbacks for me was the characters - I didn’t find myself connecting with or rooting for any of them, which made it harder to stay emotionally invested in the story.
Overall, while The Summer We Lied has an intriguing premise and plenty of twists, it felt a bit too predictable and overlong to fully deliver on its potential.
The novel starts off slowly, and I initially found it a bit confusing, particularly around key character motivations.
As the plot unfolded, I found myself predicting the major twist fairly early, around the 20% mark, which took away some of the suspense. While the book is packed with multiple twists and turns, many of them felt quite predictable, with the exception of one reveal toward the end that did manage to surprise me.
The writing itself is accessible and easy to read, making it a quick page-turner despite its length. However, the story felt overly drawn out at times, with more detail than necessary, which slowed the pacing.
One of the biggest drawbacks for me was the characters - I didn’t find myself connecting with or rooting for any of them, which made it harder to stay emotionally invested in the story.
Overall, while The Summer We Lied has an intriguing premise and plenty of twists, it felt a bit too predictable and overlong to fully deliver on its potential.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
18 years ago a teenage Alex took to the stand, the key witness is a brutal murder of a mother and child that she and her two best friends Rachel and Jonathan overheard. That testimony secured Shawn Westons conviction.
18 years later that conviction is overturned based on new DNA evidence. Alex’s testimony had meant the real killer had been free to murder again. As adults the three friends come together when someone threatens to expose the fact they lied at the time to convict Shawn. Their whole adult lives under threat of exposure and secrets just oozing out all over the place.
The story is unfolds over the different time frames relating to the original incident when the teenagers were 15 and 18 years later with their adult lives in varying stages of disarray, unable to shake off the horrors of that summer. We hear from each of the characters, each has their own version of the truth, with the reader left to decide where to truth really lies. With so many secrets just waiting to come out and a great “who done it” this book served a big dollop of satisfaction. Just what I love reading. 5 stars from me!!
18 years later that conviction is overturned based on new DNA evidence. Alex’s testimony had meant the real killer had been free to murder again. As adults the three friends come together when someone threatens to expose the fact they lied at the time to convict Shawn. Their whole adult lives under threat of exposure and secrets just oozing out all over the place.
The story is unfolds over the different time frames relating to the original incident when the teenagers were 15 and 18 years later with their adult lives in varying stages of disarray, unable to shake off the horrors of that summer. We hear from each of the characters, each has their own version of the truth, with the reader left to decide where to truth really lies. With so many secrets just waiting to come out and a great “who done it” this book served a big dollop of satisfaction. Just what I love reading. 5 stars from me!!
March 8, 2026
The Summer We Lied follows a group of friends whose lives become entangled in a web of lies after a tragic event one summer. As the narrative moves between past and present, the truth about what really happened gradually comes to light. With that, each character carries their own version of the event, and as those perspectives begin to collide, secrets threaten to come to light.
What I really enjoyed in this book was the build up of suspense. The emotional dynamics between the characters felt believable, and the shifting viewpoints added depth to the story. I especially enjoyed how the past and present timelines were woven together, it kept the mystery alive and made me want to keep reading to see how everything connected in the end! At times the pacing in the middle felt a little slower than necessary and while the ending was satisfying and tied things together well, it wasn’t quite as shocking as I had anticipated.
The vibes - If you enjoy character-driven thrillers with layered secrets and a gradually unfolding mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up.
What I really enjoyed in this book was the build up of suspense. The emotional dynamics between the characters felt believable, and the shifting viewpoints added depth to the story. I especially enjoyed how the past and present timelines were woven together, it kept the mystery alive and made me want to keep reading to see how everything connected in the end! At times the pacing in the middle felt a little slower than necessary and while the ending was satisfying and tied things together well, it wasn’t quite as shocking as I had anticipated.
The vibes - If you enjoy character-driven thrillers with layered secrets and a gradually unfolding mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was good, but it just wasn’t great. This book took me SO long to finish, & honestly I think that was just down to it not being for me.
I really enjoyed the back and forth with the timelines, & the multiple POVs. With so many characters in this book, it was really good to get everyone’s POV and backstory. However, the characters were not as well rounded as I would like with a hard hitting story like this. Alex, Rachel & Jonathon in 1989 felt so much younger than they actually were & it really annoyed me. The story also felt like it was dramatised beyond belief - as though we were gearing up to something huge, but than didn’t quite pull through. The twist was good, but it didn’t really shock me as much as it should have done. I felt like the ending just didn’t do it for me either and I felt like I had a lot of questions left unanswered.
I think I possibly could have enjoyed it more if I had binged it, but the fact it took me a week to finish, made it hard to pick up and continue.
Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy of this book :)
I really enjoyed the back and forth with the timelines, & the multiple POVs. With so many characters in this book, it was really good to get everyone’s POV and backstory. However, the characters were not as well rounded as I would like with a hard hitting story like this. Alex, Rachel & Jonathon in 1989 felt so much younger than they actually were & it really annoyed me. The story also felt like it was dramatised beyond belief - as though we were gearing up to something huge, but than didn’t quite pull through. The twist was good, but it didn’t really shock me as much as it should have done. I felt like the ending just didn’t do it for me either and I felt like I had a lot of questions left unanswered.
I think I possibly could have enjoyed it more if I had binged it, but the fact it took me a week to finish, made it hard to pick up and continue.
Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy of this book :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.
I really enjoyed this one! The Summer We Lied is a compelling look at corruption, social media, and how quickly things can spiral once they’re out in the world.
The story follows multiple POVs and shifts between past and present, which I thought worked really well. It kept things engaging and slowly revealed more of what was really going on. There were definitely a few twists I didn’t see coming, which made it even more fun to read because it kept me guessing the whole time.
One of my favourite parts was the dynamic between the three friends. Their relationships felt real, and I liked seeing how each of them developed individually as the story unfolded.
That said, I did feel like the ending could have had a bit more to it. It wrapped up in a way that felt slightly abrupt and a little random compared to the build-up, and I would have loved just a bit more closure.
Overall though, this was a really engaging and thought-provoking read, especially if you like stories that explore a darker side.
I really enjoyed this one! The Summer We Lied is a compelling look at corruption, social media, and how quickly things can spiral once they’re out in the world.
The story follows multiple POVs and shifts between past and present, which I thought worked really well. It kept things engaging and slowly revealed more of what was really going on. There were definitely a few twists I didn’t see coming, which made it even more fun to read because it kept me guessing the whole time.
One of my favourite parts was the dynamic between the three friends. Their relationships felt real, and I liked seeing how each of them developed individually as the story unfolded.
That said, I did feel like the ending could have had a bit more to it. It wrapped up in a way that felt slightly abrupt and a little random compared to the build-up, and I would have loved just a bit more closure.
Overall though, this was a really engaging and thought-provoking read, especially if you like stories that explore a darker side.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Summer We Lied was a character driven psychological thriller that I enjoyed.
Three teenagers, Alex, Rachel and Jonathan witness an awful attack on a mother and her child. Each teenager has their own reason to lie and make sure the wrong person is sentenced for this crime. Twenty years later and all three are struggling with the decisions they made and is made worse by something else happening making the wrong suspect in jail to be able to make an appeal for an overturn of the conviction.
This was a decent read for me, the characters are what made the book. The dual timelines and multiple POV made you have greater understanding of the characters actions and feelings. The descriptions of the fields etc made it quite atmospheric in parts. This was quite a dark book in places but I think it needed that to get the shock part over to the reader. I didn’t get any of the twists!!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Three teenagers, Alex, Rachel and Jonathan witness an awful attack on a mother and her child. Each teenager has their own reason to lie and make sure the wrong person is sentenced for this crime. Twenty years later and all three are struggling with the decisions they made and is made worse by something else happening making the wrong suspect in jail to be able to make an appeal for an overturn of the conviction.
This was a decent read for me, the characters are what made the book. The dual timelines and multiple POV made you have greater understanding of the characters actions and feelings. The descriptions of the fields etc made it quite atmospheric in parts. This was quite a dark book in places but I think it needed that to get the shock part over to the reader. I didn’t get any of the twists!!
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2026
Eighteen years after Alex helped send a man to prison for the murder of a mother and child, new DNA evidence overturns the conviction. As old friends are brought back together, long-buried secrets from one unforgettable summer begin to surface, and it’s clear there was much more to the story than anyone realised.
This was one of those thrillers that had me hooked from page one. I really liked the dual timeline because it slowly revealed what happened that summer without giving too much away, and it kept me wanting to read on.
I also liked that it wasn’t just about solving the murder. It explored friendship, guilt and how differently people can remember the same events, which gave the story a bit more depth. The twists felt believable and everything came together really well by the end.
A few of the quieter moments slowed the pace slightly, but they also helped build the characters, so I didn’t mind them. This is a really strong debut from Rebecca Hardy, and I’d definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every now and then, you come across a book that has everything you want from it. This is one of them.
Hanging out together in a place where they are not supposed to be, three teenagers are partial witnesses to a murder, when they overhear a brutal attack taking place. But there are many secrets that they are already keeping - some of those even from each other - so the version of events that they share with the police is not entirely accurate.
The consequences of their choices will reverberate through the following decades, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of others. And when it all becomes too much, they will have to deal with the reckoning that follows.
Beautifully written, full of subtle twists, and peopled with flawed but relatable characters, this is a fantastic read. It gets 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Hanging out together in a place where they are not supposed to be, three teenagers are partial witnesses to a murder, when they overhear a brutal attack taking place. But there are many secrets that they are already keeping - some of those even from each other - so the version of events that they share with the police is not entirely accurate.
The consequences of their choices will reverberate through the following decades, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of others. And when it all becomes too much, they will have to deal with the reckoning that follows.
Beautifully written, full of subtle twists, and peopled with flawed but relatable characters, this is a fantastic read. It gets 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thoughtful and compelling, The Summer We Lied by Rebecca Hardy is utterly absorbing.
The novel explores the aftermath of a brutal murder in a quiet village and the lasting impact on the lives of three teenagers who overheard it. The narrative unfolds through a fragmented timeline, shifting between 1989 and 2007, and builds a strong sense of unease. The setting is vividly drawn, with scenes of police questioning in oppressive heat reflecting the tangle of half-truths, secrets and misunderstandings surrounding the case.
The characters are skilfully realised. Alex, Jonathan and Rachel each emerge as distinct, their later lives shaped in different ways by what they experienced. The pacing is deliberate and unflinching developing a searing insight into the emotional repercussions of reaching adulthood carrying secrets.
Hardy’s handling of withheld information and ‘bombshell’ is amongst the best I’ve read, both simultaneously shocking and in context. A fantastic read.
The novel explores the aftermath of a brutal murder in a quiet village and the lasting impact on the lives of three teenagers who overheard it. The narrative unfolds through a fragmented timeline, shifting between 1989 and 2007, and builds a strong sense of unease. The setting is vividly drawn, with scenes of police questioning in oppressive heat reflecting the tangle of half-truths, secrets and misunderstandings surrounding the case.
The characters are skilfully realised. Alex, Jonathan and Rachel each emerge as distinct, their later lives shaped in different ways by what they experienced. The pacing is deliberate and unflinching developing a searing insight into the emotional repercussions of reaching adulthood carrying secrets.
Hardy’s handling of withheld information and ‘bombshell’ is amongst the best I’ve read, both simultaneously shocking and in context. A fantastic read.
May 4, 2026
Review of Advance copy from NetGalley
This is a really emotional book with lots of twists to keep you trying to work out where it is going. There is a lot of trauma for the characters which they have carried from childhood after hearing something in the woods near their home. We then go through flashbacks to see how they built up a story to fit the narrative they wanted which turned out to be something they’d been led into by someone else when they had the whole picture.
Some of the characters are quite unlikeable (which I guess they are meant to be) and I found myself mostly drawn to Alex and wanting her to be okay.
From the first page I wanted to keep reading this one and was intrigued by the story.
Glad it didn’t leave any gaping plot holes to annoy me other than one little bit to make you wonder about.
With the flashbacks it does make it feel like it jumps around a bit but all in all it’s a really good story which will pull you in and have you wondering about the truth.
This is a really emotional book with lots of twists to keep you trying to work out where it is going. There is a lot of trauma for the characters which they have carried from childhood after hearing something in the woods near their home. We then go through flashbacks to see how they built up a story to fit the narrative they wanted which turned out to be something they’d been led into by someone else when they had the whole picture.
Some of the characters are quite unlikeable (which I guess they are meant to be) and I found myself mostly drawn to Alex and wanting her to be okay.
From the first page I wanted to keep reading this one and was intrigued by the story.
Glad it didn’t leave any gaping plot holes to annoy me other than one little bit to make you wonder about.
With the flashbacks it does make it feel like it jumps around a bit but all in all it’s a really good story which will pull you in and have you wondering about the truth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read The Summer We Lied by Rebecca Hardy in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting and slightly different take on a thriller, with a strong focus on how the past can shape the present. The story follows Alex, who, as a teenager, gave evidence that sent a man to prison, only for new DNA evidence years later to cast doubt on whether the right person was convicted.
I really enjoyed the dual timeline, particularly the sections set in 1988, which felt the most emotive and engaging. You get a good sense of the friendships and pressures the teenagers were under, and I could understand how and why events unfolded the way they did.
Overall, this is a solid read with an interesting premise and strong emotional moments, even if it doesn’t quite hit all the marks.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read The Summer We Lied by Rebecca Hardy in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting and slightly different take on a thriller, with a strong focus on how the past can shape the present. The story follows Alex, who, as a teenager, gave evidence that sent a man to prison, only for new DNA evidence years later to cast doubt on whether the right person was convicted.
I really enjoyed the dual timeline, particularly the sections set in 1988, which felt the most emotive and engaging. You get a good sense of the friendships and pressures the teenagers were under, and I could understand how and why events unfolded the way they did.
Overall, this is a solid read with an interesting premise and strong emotional moments, even if it doesn’t quite hit all the marks.
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