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Lies To Forever
First they stole her trust. Now they want her life.
April Manning’s generous nature has always been a gift, and her greatest weakness. After being scammed out of her life savings by a trusted friend, April is left with an eviction notice and one last hope: reclaiming her position as an interior designer at her old architectural firm, even if it means a showdown with head architect Hunter Ellis, her cheating ex.
But that’s not the only hitch. When the owner of the firm turns up dead, the last thing April expects to find is the bloody murder weapon on her doorstep.
Now the killer sets a plan for April and suspicion flares at every turn…from the mysterious new handyman, to an estranged family member she’s tried to forget. Chased from her dream home and cornered like prey, April is hemmed by the wintry forests of Tennessee with few options. As chilling memories of childhood abandonment haunt her, it seems everyone has a hidden agenda to take April down.
Only one thing is certain. A monster is stalking Smoky Creek, and April must unmask them before they land the fatal blow.
Editorial Reviews
"Opening with the striking line, I WAS EVICTED twenty minutes ago, the novel instantly anchors readers in April's spiraling crisis. A must-read for fans of smart, character-driven suspense fiction. Highly recommended." - The International Review of Books
"Marlene M. Bell drops a white knuckled, sleep loss-inducing mystery thriller in LIES TO FOREVER, slipping its fingers into the reader's collar and yanking them hard into this fast-paced read. A worthy investment of time and loss of sleep, as the call to turn just one more page beckons." - IR Review
"A fan of Agatha Christie-like cozy mysteries, I indulged in every episode of Marlene M. Bell's Lies to Forever and could not get enough. It is one of those delightful stories where the author engaged me in the investigation from the start and let me discover the truth as the plot thickened. But, notwithstanding all the fair play and my four decades of reading murder mysteries, the ending took me by surprise!"- Readers' Favorite 5 Stars
April Manning’s generous nature has always been a gift, and her greatest weakness. After being scammed out of her life savings by a trusted friend, April is left with an eviction notice and one last hope: reclaiming her position as an interior designer at her old architectural firm, even if it means a showdown with head architect Hunter Ellis, her cheating ex.
But that’s not the only hitch. When the owner of the firm turns up dead, the last thing April expects to find is the bloody murder weapon on her doorstep.
Now the killer sets a plan for April and suspicion flares at every turn…from the mysterious new handyman, to an estranged family member she’s tried to forget. Chased from her dream home and cornered like prey, April is hemmed by the wintry forests of Tennessee with few options. As chilling memories of childhood abandonment haunt her, it seems everyone has a hidden agenda to take April down.
Only one thing is certain. A monster is stalking Smoky Creek, and April must unmask them before they land the fatal blow.
Editorial Reviews
"Opening with the striking line, I WAS EVICTED twenty minutes ago, the novel instantly anchors readers in April's spiraling crisis. A must-read for fans of smart, character-driven suspense fiction. Highly recommended." - The International Review of Books
"Marlene M. Bell drops a white knuckled, sleep loss-inducing mystery thriller in LIES TO FOREVER, slipping its fingers into the reader's collar and yanking them hard into this fast-paced read. A worthy investment of time and loss of sleep, as the call to turn just one more page beckons." - IR Review
"A fan of Agatha Christie-like cozy mysteries, I indulged in every episode of Marlene M. Bell's Lies to Forever and could not get enough. It is one of those delightful stories where the author engaged me in the investigation from the start and let me discover the truth as the plot thickened. But, notwithstanding all the fair play and my four decades of reading murder mysteries, the ending took me by surprise!"- Readers' Favorite 5 Stars
316 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2026
About the author
Marlene M. Bell
9 books2,095 followersMarlene M. Bell shares many traits with the bold, curious protagonists she writes, chief among them, the uncanny ability to stumble down unexpected paths. Her foray into writing began with popular articles on raising sheep, only to veer into far more thrilling territory with the acclaimed Annalisse series. Starring a New York antiquities appraiser who chases dangerous criminals in far-flung locales, the series has won eight international literary awards and an avid fan base around the world.
When Marlene’s not busy plotting her next heart-pounding novel, she’s exploring her wooded Texas farm with camera in hand and thirty sheep faithfully in tow. As an accomplished painter and nature photographer, she’s always hunting for the next spark of inspiration—or the next adventure calling her name.
Visit marlenembell.com to stay up to date with new releases or request a signed copy.
When Marlene’s not busy plotting her next heart-pounding novel, she’s exploring her wooded Texas farm with camera in hand and thirty sheep faithfully in tow. As an accomplished painter and nature photographer, she’s always hunting for the next spark of inspiration—or the next adventure calling her name.
Visit marlenembell.com to stay up to date with new releases or request a signed copy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 5, 2026
Lies To Forever by Marlene M Bell is dark and dangerous for April Manning. Marlene writes some fabulous mysteries, but she has upped her game with this convoluted thriller, filled with obsession and betrayal.
April's life is moving along and she's feeling good about herself and her situation...until she's finds her savings has been siphoned from her bank account. Her generous nature leads to her downfall when she is served an eviction notice and the landlord of her dream home is missing. Her boss at the architecture firm she works for comes up dead. Everything revolves around April, but she has no clue why she is in someone's crosshairs.
She is being stalked and set up to take the fall. Mysterious packages appear on her doorstep, wind chimes appear out of nowhere, bringing her past to mind, a past she thought she had left behind.
She's lucky that her exboyfriend, Hunter, willingly steps up to the plate to help her out. It made me very suspicious. Her friend and coworker, Kelly, offers her some money and a place to stay. There are plenty of suspects as the investigation develops. Do they want her dead?
My spidey senses were tingling and my suspicions grew as the story moved along at a steady clip. The book has short chapters that make for easy reading. As the suspense grew, my need to know the answers increased. I love that there are those 'don't go in the basement' moments.
My thanks go out to Marlene M Bell and Ewephoric for the opportunity to review Lies To Forever.
April's life is moving along and she's feeling good about herself and her situation...until she's finds her savings has been siphoned from her bank account. Her generous nature leads to her downfall when she is served an eviction notice and the landlord of her dream home is missing. Her boss at the architecture firm she works for comes up dead. Everything revolves around April, but she has no clue why she is in someone's crosshairs.
She is being stalked and set up to take the fall. Mysterious packages appear on her doorstep, wind chimes appear out of nowhere, bringing her past to mind, a past she thought she had left behind.
She's lucky that her exboyfriend, Hunter, willingly steps up to the plate to help her out. It made me very suspicious. Her friend and coworker, Kelly, offers her some money and a place to stay. There are plenty of suspects as the investigation develops. Do they want her dead?
My spidey senses were tingling and my suspicions grew as the story moved along at a steady clip. The book has short chapters that make for easy reading. As the suspense grew, my need to know the answers increased. I love that there are those 'don't go in the basement' moments.
My thanks go out to Marlene M Bell and Ewephoric for the opportunity to review Lies To Forever.
July 5, 2026
Secrets, deception, and danger collide in this fast-paced thriller that kept me turning pages long into the night. Lies to Forever is packed with twists, suspicious characters, and enough uncertainty to keep you guessing until the very end.
I enjoyed how the story constantly challenged my assumptions. Just when I thought I knew who could be trusted, another secret surfaced and changed everything. The tension builds steadily, creating an atmosphere where no one seems entirely innocent.
The protagonist is easy to root for, and her determination to uncover the truth adds emotional weight to the mystery. Combined with a compelling cast and plenty of unexpected turns, the result is an entertaining and addictive read.
If you love thrillers filled with lies, betrayal, and suspense that keeps you questioning every character, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
I enjoyed how the story constantly challenged my assumptions. Just when I thought I knew who could be trusted, another secret surfaced and changed everything. The tension builds steadily, creating an atmosphere where no one seems entirely innocent.
The protagonist is easy to root for, and her determination to uncover the truth adds emotional weight to the mystery. Combined with a compelling cast and plenty of unexpected turns, the result is an entertaining and addictive read.
If you love thrillers filled with lies, betrayal, and suspense that keeps you questioning every character, this one is worth adding to your TBR.
July 2, 2026
This book was captivating from start to finish, I really enjoyed reading it. It’s not a book I’d have typically started reading but I won it in a giveaway and was happily surprised by how much I enjoyed this genre. Thank you for the free copy!
April 6, 2026
A thriller with an intense and incredibly gripping plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The protagonist is a woman who has been evicted from her home and is on the verge of a breakdown when she discovers the body of her former boss. As she becomes entangled in the investigation, she encounters a treacherous friend, a dangerous and stalking stranger, and an ex-boyfriend she’ll have to trust to find the killer before he kills her. There are plenty of suspects and constant, ingenious twists that keep you hooked page by page until the unexpected ending. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Hiddengems for sending me an advance copy and giving me the chance to share my thoughts on the book.
Thanks to Hiddengems for sending me an advance copy and giving me the chance to share my thoughts on the book.
June 16, 2026
April Manning’s day goes from bad (“I was evicted twenty minutes ago.”) to worse (finding her former boss murdered) to worst (learning her life savings has been stolen out from under her). And that’s just the first day of our acquaintance with her. Things go progressively downhill for poor April as the story continues. Her dream home becomes a nightmare, she seems to have collected a stalker, the murder weapon shows up on her doorstep, someone keeps shooting at her, and she’s being taunted by someone who knows her painful childhood memories. Not to mention all the stuff I’m omitting from that list so as not to spoil the reading experience for you. Suffice it to say, the danger and tension only increase as a real sense of desperation and distrust permeates the story. We don’t know exactly who is safe or who’s about to show themselves as a murderer, and I didn’t fully relax until the very last word.
Readers of Lies to Forever are instantly on April’s side, thanks to the engaging voice author Marlene M. Bell has given her. Any allies are thin on the ground in the story though, basically limited to her self-focused best friend – who isn’t what I would consider ‘uplifting’ – and her ex-boyfriend – the one she quietly dumped after seeing him in an embrace with another coworker. I was glad that at least the detectives assigned to her boss’s murder seemed to be smart and intuitive, that even though she is of course their prime suspect they don’t ignore the things that are happening to her either. April ended up really impressing me with her strength in the face of one devastating turn of events after another. Yes, rugs kept getting pulled out from under her and it’s clear that her life is at risk, and she responds emotionally as we all would in similar situations. But even after losing nearly everything important to her, she nevertheless shows a resiliency that I really admired.
Bottom Line: Every time I thought things couldn’t possibly get worse for April Manning in Lies to Forever, author Marlene M. Bell proved me wrong. The tension builds steadily from one devastating blow or terrifying possibility to the next, creating an atmosphere where suspicion lurks around every corner and no one feels entirely trustworthy. Through it all, April remains a protagonist worth cheering for, and watching her – and the other characters – discover just how strong she really is kept me invested in the outcome. Also, I just needed to know who was behind it all (though I had my theories) and why they were doing it (didn’t see that one coming) and whether the good guys would figure it out before it was too late. Lies to Forever is an entertaining story that would be a good next read for fans of Jessica R. Patch’s psychological suspense novels or Susan Furlong’s domestic thrillers.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Readers of Lies to Forever are instantly on April’s side, thanks to the engaging voice author Marlene M. Bell has given her. Any allies are thin on the ground in the story though, basically limited to her self-focused best friend – who isn’t what I would consider ‘uplifting’ – and her ex-boyfriend – the one she quietly dumped after seeing him in an embrace with another coworker. I was glad that at least the detectives assigned to her boss’s murder seemed to be smart and intuitive, that even though she is of course their prime suspect they don’t ignore the things that are happening to her either. April ended up really impressing me with her strength in the face of one devastating turn of events after another. Yes, rugs kept getting pulled out from under her and it’s clear that her life is at risk, and she responds emotionally as we all would in similar situations. But even after losing nearly everything important to her, she nevertheless shows a resiliency that I really admired.
Bottom Line: Every time I thought things couldn’t possibly get worse for April Manning in Lies to Forever, author Marlene M. Bell proved me wrong. The tension builds steadily from one devastating blow or terrifying possibility to the next, creating an atmosphere where suspicion lurks around every corner and no one feels entirely trustworthy. Through it all, April remains a protagonist worth cheering for, and watching her – and the other characters – discover just how strong she really is kept me invested in the outcome. Also, I just needed to know who was behind it all (though I had my theories) and why they were doing it (didn’t see that one coming) and whether the good guys would figure it out before it was too late. Lies to Forever is an entertaining story that would be a good next read for fans of Jessica R. Patch’s psychological suspense novels or Susan Furlong’s domestic thrillers.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
June 15, 2026
Lies to Forever by Marlene M. Bell is a thrilling read y'all. The book is about our FMC named, April who has run into a slew of bad luck recently, starting with finding her boss deceased at his house after a per-planned meeting. And then her life savings was stolen by who April thought was a friend. And there is also a new suspicious Handyman who just happens to turn up on the day in question when everything goes down. And there is another person who comes to April's aide in the book, her friend Hunter who is attractive and also could be more than a friend.... If you want to know if April ever solves the case of her missing money and also what happened to her boss, read the book! I really enjoyed the writing style in this book, the author knows how to grab a reader and get them involved in the story. I was surprised at the twist in the ending but it makes sense in a way and you are left with a happy ending for April:) I think readers who like thrilling reads with a mystery will like this one!
June 16, 2026
Lies To Forever is an entertaining, action-packed suspense crime thriller that I read quickly and did not want to put down. The plot is deliberately disorienting and that is largely by design. You are not supposed to know how the pieces fit together until they are revealed.
My honest notes are mostly on the characters. April is our protagonist and her decision making is genuinely baffling at times. She jumps to conclusions without considering other possibilities, avoids conversations that would answer obvious questions, and seems oddly unaffected by the truly terrible things happening to real people around her while visibly devastated by property damage or financial loss. That disconnect made her hard to connect with at times.
Her supposed best friend Kelsey is also just mean to her throughout the whole book, and the two of them never actually read like friends to me.
The heartbeat that landed for me was this: stop jumping to conclusions. Consider all the possibilities before you fill in the blanks. April creates so much of her own chaos by assuming rather than investigating, and that felt like the loudest message in the story.
A good read for crime and murder mystery fans who enjoy a protagonist who is a lovable, frustrating hot mess.
My honest notes are mostly on the characters. April is our protagonist and her decision making is genuinely baffling at times. She jumps to conclusions without considering other possibilities, avoids conversations that would answer obvious questions, and seems oddly unaffected by the truly terrible things happening to real people around her while visibly devastated by property damage or financial loss. That disconnect made her hard to connect with at times.
Her supposed best friend Kelsey is also just mean to her throughout the whole book, and the two of them never actually read like friends to me.
The heartbeat that landed for me was this: stop jumping to conclusions. Consider all the possibilities before you fill in the blanks. April creates so much of her own chaos by assuming rather than investigating, and that felt like the loudest message in the story.
A good read for crime and murder mystery fans who enjoy a protagonist who is a lovable, frustrating hot mess.
June 13, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded up. This book was a bit of a wild ride. Things escalate QUICKLY, and a whole bunch of craziness happens in just a few days time. While that kept the book entertaining and engaging, I do wish the pace was a bit slower, and that we got a bit more backstory. I have whiplash from reading this book, but kind of in a good way? In any case, it’s worth the read. A solid popcorn thriller.
April 17, 2026
April Manning is having one hell of a day. An eviction notice, thousands stolen from her bank account, and a dead body. Glenn, the man she had been renting from and helping while he convalesced from an injury, has vanished, leaving only the eviction notice in his wake. Needless to say, she is in dire need of some financial assistance and sets up a meeting with her former boss from an architecture group, hoping to secure her old job. But she finds him murdered in cold blood outside his mansion, and what she believes to be the murder weapon used to kill him is on her doorstep. Is someone trying to frame April?
Enter Hunter Ellis, April’s ex-boyfriend, whom she still has a weakness for. He vows to keep April safe while she deals with the dumpster fire that is her life. Between threatening gifts, gunshots on her property, and a persistent admirer, it’s clear that someone is trying to mess with April, but why?
Lies to Forever by Marlene M. Bell is a fast-paced thriller, teeming with close calls and nefarious clues. With a handful of characters involved, none of them is above suspicion: the missing landlord, the stalkerish maintenance worker, the estranged mother, or someone else. The author has done an excellent job of creating a palpable eeriness—one that makes April wary. The novel explores themes of revenge and internal conflict.
April Manning’s steady life in the sleepy little town where she resides has been upended—she’s lost everything, her job, her income, and she wonders if her sanity will be next! More plot-driven than character-driven, readers are taken along for the ride as April navigates questioning from detectives, dodges literal bullets, and is the recipient of some very disturbing gifts. Like watching each grain of sand rush through an hourglass or a ticking time bomb, each chapter intensifies until it reaches a crescendo. Will the suspect targeting April be stopped in time, or will she suffer the consequences?
Scouring the options for your next high-octane thriller? Marlene M. Bell’s Lies to Forever will appeal to readers who enjoy a fast-paced novel, brimming with suspense. April is being pursued by a deranged killer who ruthlessly destroys everything she owns, resulting in an edge-of-your-seat (with all the lights on) reading experience that will resonate with fans of the genre.
Enter Hunter Ellis, April’s ex-boyfriend, whom she still has a weakness for. He vows to keep April safe while she deals with the dumpster fire that is her life. Between threatening gifts, gunshots on her property, and a persistent admirer, it’s clear that someone is trying to mess with April, but why?
Lies to Forever by Marlene M. Bell is a fast-paced thriller, teeming with close calls and nefarious clues. With a handful of characters involved, none of them is above suspicion: the missing landlord, the stalkerish maintenance worker, the estranged mother, or someone else. The author has done an excellent job of creating a palpable eeriness—one that makes April wary. The novel explores themes of revenge and internal conflict.
April Manning’s steady life in the sleepy little town where she resides has been upended—she’s lost everything, her job, her income, and she wonders if her sanity will be next! More plot-driven than character-driven, readers are taken along for the ride as April navigates questioning from detectives, dodges literal bullets, and is the recipient of some very disturbing gifts. Like watching each grain of sand rush through an hourglass or a ticking time bomb, each chapter intensifies until it reaches a crescendo. Will the suspect targeting April be stopped in time, or will she suffer the consequences?
Scouring the options for your next high-octane thriller? Marlene M. Bell’s Lies to Forever will appeal to readers who enjoy a fast-paced novel, brimming with suspense. April is being pursued by a deranged killer who ruthlessly destroys everything she owns, resulting in an edge-of-your-seat (with all the lights on) reading experience that will resonate with fans of the genre.
May 10, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
Thank you to the author for the free copy 💖.
This was a quick, easy, and entertaining novel that kept my attention from the start. It’s fast paced, and the tension escalates as you read, making you question everything and everyone. With super eerie details (the chimes made my skin crawl) and so many unknowns, the story kept me turning the pages. I needed to find out who was behind all the drama!
After being scammed out of her savings, April returns to her old interior design job, despite having to face her cheating ex. But when she tries to meet with her former boss, she finds him murdered. Then the murder weapon is mysteriously delivered to her house, and a series of increasingly strange and dangerous events develop.
As soon as I started, it gave me an immediate sense of unease that made everything feel a bit ominous, which was great. I didn’t always agree with April’s choices (she didn’t seem the sharpest), but I was still hooked and wanted to figure out what was going on. I felt that the detectives felt a bit too laid back…I felt a lack of urgency that didn’t always match how serious things were. I did figure out who was behind it all before the reveal as some parts felt a little predictable, but I still enjoyed the action and the ending. Overall, the story was creatively layered and came together in a satisfying way.
While it wasn’t perfect, the suspense, eerie atmosphere, and constant tension made it an enjoyable read.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (rounded up to 4⭐️ on Goodreads)
Read if you like:
🎐Murder mysteries
🎐Psychological suspense
🎐Short chapters
🎐Fast paced reads
🎐Messy relationships
⚠️CW: Murder, violence, gun violence, stalking and harassment, kidnapping, isolation, confinement, blood, emotional manipulation, mentions of infidelity, childhood abandonment, gaslighting, terminal illness, death.
Thank you to the author for the free copy 💖.
This was a quick, easy, and entertaining novel that kept my attention from the start. It’s fast paced, and the tension escalates as you read, making you question everything and everyone. With super eerie details (the chimes made my skin crawl) and so many unknowns, the story kept me turning the pages. I needed to find out who was behind all the drama!
After being scammed out of her savings, April returns to her old interior design job, despite having to face her cheating ex. But when she tries to meet with her former boss, she finds him murdered. Then the murder weapon is mysteriously delivered to her house, and a series of increasingly strange and dangerous events develop.
As soon as I started, it gave me an immediate sense of unease that made everything feel a bit ominous, which was great. I didn’t always agree with April’s choices (she didn’t seem the sharpest), but I was still hooked and wanted to figure out what was going on. I felt that the detectives felt a bit too laid back…I felt a lack of urgency that didn’t always match how serious things were. I did figure out who was behind it all before the reveal as some parts felt a little predictable, but I still enjoyed the action and the ending. Overall, the story was creatively layered and came together in a satisfying way.
While it wasn’t perfect, the suspense, eerie atmosphere, and constant tension made it an enjoyable read.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (rounded up to 4⭐️ on Goodreads)
Read if you like:
🎐Murder mysteries
🎐Psychological suspense
🎐Short chapters
🎐Fast paced reads
🎐Messy relationships
⚠️CW: Murder, violence, gun violence, stalking and harassment, kidnapping, isolation, confinement, blood, emotional manipulation, mentions of infidelity, childhood abandonment, gaslighting, terminal illness, death.
May 8, 2026
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
The stakes continually rose higher and higher for April. All at once, she discovers that her life savings is gone, she’s homeless, and there is no source of income to rely on, due to decisions made in an effort to support an ailing friend. Just when I thought that there might be an opportunity for some peace, she’d get hit again with a life-altering blow that firmly dictated her absolute need for job security.
It makes sense that April would choose to go back to her old job. When she attempts to meet up with the former boss to see if it would even be an option for her, she discovers his body, and that’s where the instigating moment begins and all hell breaks loose. There is no safe space for her at every turn; not her home, or out in public. Not even far out within the Tennessee woods. Someone keeps finding her, putting her life, and anyone she associates with, in jeopardy.
Lies to Forever was the best kind of suspenseful thriller. For most of the journey, I wanted to know why April has been targeted, and who the culprit(s) might be. The police begin to question her authenticity, whether everything that is happening to her is really someone else’s handiwork, or if it’s self-inflicted, and it even got me questioning her motives! The people April trusts become potential culprits. Family isn’t off limits, either. Can someone really be so unlucky? Or is there more going on beneath the surface?
When the end unravels and the truth is revealed, everything is turned on its head. The experience is wild and risky, with April’s life hanging in the balance. I appreciated the mystery and intrigue, never really knowing what would come next for April or for any of the other characters that are there to support her–or are they? Everybody is questionable, and that’s what made Lies to Forever so much fun.
The stakes continually rose higher and higher for April. All at once, she discovers that her life savings is gone, she’s homeless, and there is no source of income to rely on, due to decisions made in an effort to support an ailing friend. Just when I thought that there might be an opportunity for some peace, she’d get hit again with a life-altering blow that firmly dictated her absolute need for job security.
It makes sense that April would choose to go back to her old job. When she attempts to meet up with the former boss to see if it would even be an option for her, she discovers his body, and that’s where the instigating moment begins and all hell breaks loose. There is no safe space for her at every turn; not her home, or out in public. Not even far out within the Tennessee woods. Someone keeps finding her, putting her life, and anyone she associates with, in jeopardy.
Lies to Forever was the best kind of suspenseful thriller. For most of the journey, I wanted to know why April has been targeted, and who the culprit(s) might be. The police begin to question her authenticity, whether everything that is happening to her is really someone else’s handiwork, or if it’s self-inflicted, and it even got me questioning her motives! The people April trusts become potential culprits. Family isn’t off limits, either. Can someone really be so unlucky? Or is there more going on beneath the surface?
When the end unravels and the truth is revealed, everything is turned on its head. The experience is wild and risky, with April’s life hanging in the balance. I appreciated the mystery and intrigue, never really knowing what would come next for April or for any of the other characters that are there to support her–or are they? Everybody is questionable, and that’s what made Lies to Forever so much fun.
June 10, 2026
MY THOUGHTS:
I absolutely LOVED this book! This one hooked me in the first paragraph.
First, I loved the authors writing style. I loved the characters, amazing character development! I especially loved April the female MC. She was kind, sweet, fun, and trusting, maybe a bit too trusting LOL. I also loved Hunter, what a great guy! He was like a knight in shining armor. But even the secondary characters were great. The creepy ones, gave me the creeps. The sketchy ones definitely had me wondering. I love a good character driven book, and this was just that.
I loved the suspense, and there was a lot of suspense! I loved the action, and… There was a lot of action. Some scary, intense moments, some sad moments, and also some heartfelt moments. But above all this one had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing throughout. Yes, I did have my suspicions about a certain someone. But I didn't think I was correct. I was very surprised at the end. Also... great ending!
This book just connected with me and had all the elements that I love in a story. You know, for some reason, you just feel like a book was perfect for you? For me, this was just the perfect book. I loved every page!
Suspense/thriller is a new genre for this author.. and she hit it spot on with this one! I do hope she continues to write in this genre. This was a winner for me.
This will definitely be one of my top 10 favorites for the year!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving an e-copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours. Thank You!
I absolutely LOVED this book! This one hooked me in the first paragraph.
First, I loved the authors writing style. I loved the characters, amazing character development! I especially loved April the female MC. She was kind, sweet, fun, and trusting, maybe a bit too trusting LOL. I also loved Hunter, what a great guy! He was like a knight in shining armor. But even the secondary characters were great. The creepy ones, gave me the creeps. The sketchy ones definitely had me wondering. I love a good character driven book, and this was just that.
I loved the suspense, and there was a lot of suspense! I loved the action, and… There was a lot of action. Some scary, intense moments, some sad moments, and also some heartfelt moments. But above all this one had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing throughout. Yes, I did have my suspicions about a certain someone. But I didn't think I was correct. I was very surprised at the end. Also... great ending!
This book just connected with me and had all the elements that I love in a story. You know, for some reason, you just feel like a book was perfect for you? For me, this was just the perfect book. I loved every page!
Suspense/thriller is a new genre for this author.. and she hit it spot on with this one! I do hope she continues to write in this genre. This was a winner for me.
This will definitely be one of my top 10 favorites for the year!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving an e-copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours. Thank You!
June 18, 2026
Riveting domestic thriller with danger and a plot twist around every corner!
Lies to Forever by Marlene M. Bell is a riveting new domestic thriller set in eastern Tennessee and features a young out-of-work interior designer on the run from an unknown killer. With danger and plot twists around every corner, the story is a genuine page-turner!
April Manning is having a bad day. After awakening to an unexpected eviction notice on her door and a no-show bass at her interview to return to work at her former workplace, she decides to take her portfolio to his home, where he’s supposed to be repairing a spa pump, only to find a murder scene. Bad enough, but the day isn’t over yet.April is a likable and engaging main character, as is her former coworker and beau, Hunter Ellis, who takes up her cause the moment she confides in him. (She had broken up with him over a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING.) As the day goes on, she picks up a stalker who is on top of her every move, and both the homes she takes refuge in feel open, unprotected, and so remote. The cold, snowy Tennessee Smokies add to the strong impression of isolation and lurking danger.
The story is full of mystery regarding who is behind the attacks on April and why they are pursuing her. These questions are further complicated by hints that April’s own mother, a woman who abandoned her to a neighbor 20 years earlier, may have a hand in things. However, the truth proves to be much more diabolical than even that!I recommend LIES TO FOREVER to fans of domestic thrillers.
May 18, 2026
April Manning is having an utter nightmare of a day! An eviction notice for the home she adores, thousands of pounds wiped out from her savings account, and discovering her former bosses dead body, not to mention the stalker leading behind little gifts. Surely things can't get any worse, right?
This book was anxiety inducing from the start! I mean, that's one hell of a bad day. I really enjoyed the eerie-ness that the writing style portrayed and I had it devoured within 2 days. Fast-paced, entertaining and crammed with tension, what more could you want from a thriller.
April is completely naive and a stereotypical people pleaser. You sympathise with her situation a lot but or me, was an unlikeable protagonist but also want to give her a little shake. However, I do know people like her in real life, and paired with April's childhood, that makes her actions somewhat believable.
Overall, I would definitely recommend giving this a read, it had me gripped and questioning everyone's motives until the end. The only minor issue i had was that I would have liked a more fitting conclusion with her mum, but it's not something that make's a huge difference.
This book was anxiety inducing from the start! I mean, that's one hell of a bad day. I really enjoyed the eerie-ness that the writing style portrayed and I had it devoured within 2 days. Fast-paced, entertaining and crammed with tension, what more could you want from a thriller.
April is completely naive and a stereotypical people pleaser. You sympathise with her situation a lot but or me, was an unlikeable protagonist but also want to give her a little shake. However, I do know people like her in real life, and paired with April's childhood, that makes her actions somewhat believable.
Overall, I would definitely recommend giving this a read, it had me gripped and questioning everyone's motives until the end. The only minor issue i had was that I would have liked a more fitting conclusion with her mum, but it's not something that make's a huge difference.
June 5, 2026
Lies To Forever wastes no time throwing April Manning into a storm. Betrayed, financially ruined, and facing eviction after being conned out of her savings. She returns to the architectural firm tied to painful memories and her cheating ex-boyfriend, Hunter Ellis. And before she can even begin rebuilding her life, the firm’s owner turns up dead and a bloody murder weapon appears on her doorstep, dragging her straight into a terrifying murder investigation where trust feels impossible.
A woman standing at the edge of losing everything. I absolutely enjoyed reading this thriller. The story takes us in with suspense, paranoia, tension and constant uncertainty, creating that addictive “just one more chapter” feeling thrillers thrive on.
This one is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller. It turned out to be exactly the kind of reading experience mystery lovers like me enjoy: secrets, tension, hidden motives, emotional scars, and the constant fear that the next mistake could turn deadly.
A woman standing at the edge of losing everything. I absolutely enjoyed reading this thriller. The story takes us in with suspense, paranoia, tension and constant uncertainty, creating that addictive “just one more chapter” feeling thrillers thrive on.
This one is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller. It turned out to be exactly the kind of reading experience mystery lovers like me enjoy: secrets, tension, hidden motives, emotional scars, and the constant fear that the next mistake could turn deadly.
June 6, 2026
This psychological thriller gives the reader a real sense of the disrupted life April experiences. Then her situation escalates as she finds herself in very serious danger. The plot is an exploration of passion gone wrong with a bit of a twist. When the villain is revealed, it was not a total surprise as Bell gave us plenty of hints along the way.
The novel got off to a rough start as we readers come into an unexplained arrangement. April has been in a situation of helping a man recover in lieu of paying rent. Now, for some reason, is totally falling apart. It is not until nearly a fifth of the way into the book we find out how this came to be. I felt that was confusing and would have preferred the information much earlier. The entire plot structure is complex and I identified with one detective when he said, “Can these cases get any more convoluted?” (loc 3,040/3,712)
The suspects in the attacks are many as April struggles to maintain her own well being. Mostly written from April's point of view, it is a good psychological exploration of a person facing the threat of harm. I don't think I'll react favorably to hearing wind chimes for a while.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.
The novel got off to a rough start as we readers come into an unexplained arrangement. April has been in a situation of helping a man recover in lieu of paying rent. Now, for some reason, is totally falling apart. It is not until nearly a fifth of the way into the book we find out how this came to be. I felt that was confusing and would have preferred the information much earlier. The entire plot structure is complex and I identified with one detective when he said, “Can these cases get any more convoluted?” (loc 3,040/3,712)
The suspects in the attacks are many as April struggles to maintain her own well being. Mostly written from April's point of view, it is a good psychological exploration of a person facing the threat of harm. I don't think I'll react favorably to hearing wind chimes for a while.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.
March 28, 2026
This is a new suspense/ thriller by author Marlene M. Bell. I had previously read and enjoyed her cozy mystery- A Hush at Midnight. Wow, you are really going to be rooting for the main character in this book- April Manning. April is kind, but a little naive at times and finds herself out of work, about to be evicted and swindled out of her savings. April desperately wants her old job back and when she can’t find her old boss at the office, she heads to his house. There she finds that he is dead and quickly April finds herself in the middle of an investigation of a killer. As the past comes back to haunt her and the search for the killer puts her in harms way, April finds an unlikely ally in her ex-boyfriend Hunter. Definitely a fast-paced suspense novel! I was given an early copy of Lies to Forever by the publisher for an honest review of the book.
June 15, 2026
*Thanks to Partners in Crime Tours for including me on this tour!
4.5
Wind chimes, box, upended…
April has been evicted, been conned of her money, and her former boss has been murdered. April has been targeted, but by whom?
The opening sentence pulls you into the chaos. The book focuses on the interpersonal relationships of MC April, work friend Kelsey, ex-boyfriend Hunter, landlord/ailing friend Glenn, and a few others. Secrets and tensions lurk behind closed doors. April has personal uncertainties and a past toxic relationship with her estranged mother. She is too trusting, and will be “vulnerable to many “ and will “overlook red flags.”
A tale of trust, friendship, revenge, and manipulation.
A fast-paced , character-driven , twisty tale I read in one day!
FOLLOW THE MONEY…
4.5
Wind chimes, box, upended…
April has been evicted, been conned of her money, and her former boss has been murdered. April has been targeted, but by whom?
The opening sentence pulls you into the chaos. The book focuses on the interpersonal relationships of MC April, work friend Kelsey, ex-boyfriend Hunter, landlord/ailing friend Glenn, and a few others. Secrets and tensions lurk behind closed doors. April has personal uncertainties and a past toxic relationship with her estranged mother. She is too trusting, and will be “vulnerable to many “ and will “overlook red flags.”
A tale of trust, friendship, revenge, and manipulation.
A fast-paced , character-driven , twisty tale I read in one day!
FOLLOW THE MONEY…
June 11, 2026
April’s day is going from bad to worse. All in one day she gets an eviction notice without warning, found out someone stole her life savings, and when she tries to get her old job back, things done turn out well. (This is on the back cover copy so not to share any spoilers).
April is a kind soul with the best intentions. My only fault with her is she doesn’t freak out very much when she gets all that bad news. Sure she’s concerned but if it was me I wouldn’t leave until I had answers!
I love the authors vivid writing style. Early in the book April collides with someone at an elevator and I felt like I had gotten hit! Great descriptive writing! I’ve read other books by this author and will be reading more. I enjoy the plots and the characters.
April is a kind soul with the best intentions. My only fault with her is she doesn’t freak out very much when she gets all that bad news. Sure she’s concerned but if it was me I wouldn’t leave until I had answers!
I love the authors vivid writing style. Early in the book April collides with someone at an elevator and I felt like I had gotten hit! Great descriptive writing! I’ve read other books by this author and will be reading more. I enjoy the plots and the characters.
July 18, 2026
Very suspenseful book! Lies to Forever has short chapters and is a fast read. I found myself wanting to know what's happening next. Poor April, the main character, just has the worse luck. She is evicted and finds a dead body. But her bad luck doesn't end there. She is trusting and a bit naive, and I wanted to yell at her a few times. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the introduction of new characters throughout the book keeps you wondering who you can trust. If you like surprises, twists, quick reads, and some action, you'll enjoy Lies to Forever. I would definitely read another thriller by this author.
March 25, 2026
"I wax given an early copy of Lies to Forever by the publisher for an honest review of the book." April Manning is not having a good day. She is scammed out of her savings account by a trusted friend, gets an unexpected eviction notice and finds herself without a job. April discovers that the owner of the firm she worked at is dead after she went to see if she can get her job back. The police have no suspects. When strange things begin to happen to April she begins to fear for her life. Someone is stalking her and tries to kill her everywhere she goes. Her old boyfriend Hunter helps her to find out who is stalking her before she is killed. Lies to Forever has lots of actions and twists.
March 29, 2026
Thanks to the publisher for the eARC for an honest review.
This book was an enjoyable thriller - what I thought was going to happen, didn't. The twists made the storyline more captivating.
It was a quick read and fast paced. The short chapters work well here.
#LiestoForeverADomesticThrillerMystery #NetGalley
This book was an enjoyable thriller - what I thought was going to happen, didn't. The twists made the storyline more captivating.
It was a quick read and fast paced. The short chapters work well here.
#LiestoForeverADomesticThrillerMystery #NetGalley
June 4, 2026
I enjoyed this story of intrigue and lots of twists and turns. I liked April and Hunter. I was guessing till the end about who was trying to hurt April. I loved that this story is very fast paced after the first few chapters. I could not put the book down. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.
July 9, 2026
I recently finished reading "Lies to Forever" and wanted to let everyone know how much I enjoyed it. It was incredibly entertaining and kept me engaged and reading, even when I should have been sleeping.
Thank you for writing such a compelling book!
I received an ARC of this book.
Thank you for writing such a compelling book!
I received an ARC of this book.
May 25, 2026
wow..totally did not expect who did it!! Kept my interest the whole time...
July 31, 2026
What a roller coaster of a ride. I sure felt sorry for April . Everything that could go wrong did. But I sure didn't suspect who did it all and that's why it got a 5 star review
April 22, 2026
Marlene Bell has once again delivered an amazing story ! I’ve read all her books and this one is my favorite! Do yourself a favor and grab it and don’t expect to put it down for very long -I just kept turning the pages This story has it all - great characters a journey and enough heart ache to make the ending memorable Bravo,Marlene !
Read
March 30, 2026If you enjoy a mix of international intrigue, forensic details, and a slow-burn romance that packs a punch, Lies to Forever is a must-read. It’s a sophisticated thriller that proves some secrets are better left buried—while others will inevitably come to light.
May 20, 2026
One of the great pleasures of running a book blog is receiving submissions from authors and diving into their stories. Most often these arrive as digital ARCs, but every once in a while I’m fortunate enough to receive a physical copy. In this case, author Marlene M. Bell kindly sent me a signed paperback of her latest release, Lies to Forever, complete with a personalized note and a charming bookmark.
This is Marlene’s first foray into suspense thrillers. It follows April Manning, a generous but trusting interior designer whose life is upended when a close friend swindles her out of her savings, leaving her facing eviction. Desperate to regain her footing, April reluctantly returns to her old architectural firm—despite the painful memories it holds. Her homecoming quickly takes a dark turn when murder strikes close to home, pulling her into a web of suspicion, betrayal, and danger. Set against the wintry backdrop of Tennessee, the novel explores themes of trust, hidden agendas, and resilience as April fights to clear her name and rebuild her future.
The story kept me turning pages and held my attention throughout. I especially enjoyed April and the secondary character Hunter; both are warm, likable protagonists who are easy to root for. I felt genuine empathy for April as one misfortune after another piled on top of her. While the sheer volume of challenges she faces sometimes felt overwhelming, it effectively ramped up the suspense and tension.
That said, a few elements held the book back from its full potential. The dialogue occasionally became confusing, requiring me to reread passages to track who was speaking. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers and watches true-crime documentaries, I also noticed some procedural inaccuracies around police interrogations that pulled me out of the story. These moments felt like missed opportunities—realistic legal boundaries could have still allowed the necessary information to surface while keeping the narrative grounded.
Overall, Lies to Forever is an engaging read with a sympathetic heroine and a snowy Tennessee atmosphere that adds to the moody feel. While it didn’t quite reach the level of some of my favorite thrillers, it offers a solid mix of emotional stakes and suspense.
I’m truly grateful to Marlene and her marketing team for reaching out and for the lovely signed copy and bookmark. I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
This is Marlene’s first foray into suspense thrillers. It follows April Manning, a generous but trusting interior designer whose life is upended when a close friend swindles her out of her savings, leaving her facing eviction. Desperate to regain her footing, April reluctantly returns to her old architectural firm—despite the painful memories it holds. Her homecoming quickly takes a dark turn when murder strikes close to home, pulling her into a web of suspicion, betrayal, and danger. Set against the wintry backdrop of Tennessee, the novel explores themes of trust, hidden agendas, and resilience as April fights to clear her name and rebuild her future.
The story kept me turning pages and held my attention throughout. I especially enjoyed April and the secondary character Hunter; both are warm, likable protagonists who are easy to root for. I felt genuine empathy for April as one misfortune after another piled on top of her. While the sheer volume of challenges she faces sometimes felt overwhelming, it effectively ramped up the suspense and tension.
That said, a few elements held the book back from its full potential. The dialogue occasionally became confusing, requiring me to reread passages to track who was speaking. As someone who reads a lot of thrillers and watches true-crime documentaries, I also noticed some procedural inaccuracies around police interrogations that pulled me out of the story. These moments felt like missed opportunities—realistic legal boundaries could have still allowed the necessary information to surface while keeping the narrative grounded.
Overall, Lies to Forever is an engaging read with a sympathetic heroine and a snowy Tennessee atmosphere that adds to the moody feel. While it didn’t quite reach the level of some of my favorite thrillers, it offers a solid mix of emotional stakes and suspense.
I’m truly grateful to Marlene and her marketing team for reaching out and for the lovely signed copy and bookmark. I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
I have photos and additional information that I'm unable to include here. It can all be found on my blog, in the link below.
A Book And A Dog
April 7, 2026
Lies to Forever has that deliciously uneasy feeling from the very first chapter — the sense that someone is watching from just beyond the tree line, that danger is already circling long before April Manning realises how close it’s crept. What begins as a story of heartbreak and betrayal quickly deepens into something darker, threaded with obsession, old wounds, and the kind of fear that settles in your bones.
April is such an easy character to root for. Her generosity, her softness, the way she keeps trying to rebuild even when life keeps knocking her sideways — it all makes her feel painfully human. Watching her return to her old firm, bracing herself to face the ex who broke her trust, you can’t help but hope she finally catches a break. Instead, she finds herself pulled into a nightmare: a murdered colleague, a bloody weapon left on her doorstep, and a stalker who seems to know exactly how to corner her.
The wintry Tennessee setting adds a lovely chill to the whole story. Those forests feel both beautiful and claustrophobic, the kind of place where sound disappears and shadows linger too long. Every character around April seems to carry a secret — the new handyman with his unreadable calm, the estranged family member who stirs up old hurts, even the people she once trusted. That constant uncertainty gives the book a taut, breathless rhythm.
What I enjoyed most is how the tension builds without ever losing the emotional thread. April’s past, her abandonment, her longing for safety — all of it shapes the choices she makes, and the danger she finds herself in feels all the more real because of it. The twists land with satisfying sharpness, but it’s the atmosphere and the character work that linger.
Dark, fast-paced, and quietly haunting, Lies to Forever is a gripping thriller about trust, survival, and the shadows we carry. A perfect pick for readers who love their suspense laced with emotion and just a touch of winter chill.
With thanks to Marlene M Bell, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
April is such an easy character to root for. Her generosity, her softness, the way she keeps trying to rebuild even when life keeps knocking her sideways — it all makes her feel painfully human. Watching her return to her old firm, bracing herself to face the ex who broke her trust, you can’t help but hope she finally catches a break. Instead, she finds herself pulled into a nightmare: a murdered colleague, a bloody weapon left on her doorstep, and a stalker who seems to know exactly how to corner her.
The wintry Tennessee setting adds a lovely chill to the whole story. Those forests feel both beautiful and claustrophobic, the kind of place where sound disappears and shadows linger too long. Every character around April seems to carry a secret — the new handyman with his unreadable calm, the estranged family member who stirs up old hurts, even the people she once trusted. That constant uncertainty gives the book a taut, breathless rhythm.
What I enjoyed most is how the tension builds without ever losing the emotional thread. April’s past, her abandonment, her longing for safety — all of it shapes the choices she makes, and the danger she finds herself in feels all the more real because of it. The twists land with satisfying sharpness, but it’s the atmosphere and the character work that linger.
Dark, fast-paced, and quietly haunting, Lies to Forever is a gripping thriller about trust, survival, and the shadows we carry. A perfect pick for readers who love their suspense laced with emotion and just a touch of winter chill.
With thanks to Marlene M Bell, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
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