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This Is How You Lie
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50 copies available
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The Housemaid meets The Haunting of Bly Manor in this relentless and claustrophobic gothic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author CG Drews.
When Wren Ott takes a job as a nanny to a one-year-old baby boy, she’s desperate. She’ll do anything to avoid being homeless again. Anything to hide from her marriage that went south and the husband who still haunts her. The excellent salary and luxurious home are just a bonus.
Cadence Cresswell seems disconnected and lost in the massive, isolated Cresswell mansion. She has little interest in the baby. Her mood swings are terrible. And her husband, the ruthless Lucien Cresswell, is only home when it suits him.
But Lucien is playing a dangerous game, and Wren is onto him. Now it’s up to Wren to protect the lady of the house and her young charge, before Lucien’s actions push them past the brink of their sanity.
Or at least that’s what you’ll think.
CG Drews’s Books
“VISCERAL, HAUNTING, AND BLISTERINGLY RAW.” - #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR AVA REID
“UNFLINCHINGLY DISTURBING.” – BESTSELLING AUTHOR JENNIFER THORNE
“CG DREWS WRITES MONSTERS LIKE NO OTHER.” – Dawn Kurtagich
When Wren Ott takes a job as a nanny to a one-year-old baby boy, she’s desperate. She’ll do anything to avoid being homeless again. Anything to hide from her marriage that went south and the husband who still haunts her. The excellent salary and luxurious home are just a bonus.
Cadence Cresswell seems disconnected and lost in the massive, isolated Cresswell mansion. She has little interest in the baby. Her mood swings are terrible. And her husband, the ruthless Lucien Cresswell, is only home when it suits him.
But Lucien is playing a dangerous game, and Wren is onto him. Now it’s up to Wren to protect the lady of the house and her young charge, before Lucien’s actions push them past the brink of their sanity.
Or at least that’s what you’ll think.
CG Drews’s Books
“VISCERAL, HAUNTING, AND BLISTERINGLY RAW.” - #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR AVA REID
“UNFLINCHINGLY DISTURBING.” – BESTSELLING AUTHOR JENNIFER THORNE
“CG DREWS WRITES MONSTERS LIKE NO OTHER.” – Dawn Kurtagich
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 16, 2027
About the author
C.G. Drews
14 books28.3k followersCG Drews is the award-winning NYT Bestselling author of Don’t Let The Forest In, Hazelthorn, and You Did Nothing Wrong. Their work has been translated into over 12 languages, was nominated for the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal, and won the B&N 2025 YA Book Awards, and are also Indie Next Picks and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections. CG lives in Australia under a pile of unread books. Find on Instagram as @paperfury and TikTok as @cgdrews or at cgdrews.com.
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Review of advance copy received from Author
Hello! I am the author of THIS IS HOW YOU LIE. If you'd like a list of content warnings please see my website here.
isolated gothic estate
toxic love triangle with F/F and M/F (not poly)
haunted lake
forest rot aesthetic
psychological thriller/horror
The Haunting of Bly Manor x The Housemaid
isolated gothic estate
toxic love triangle with F/F and M/F (not poly)
haunted lake
forest rot aesthetic
psychological thriller/horror
The Haunting of Bly Manor x The Housemaid
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A nanny is hired to care for a baby full time in a creepy house. And then it gets weird.
I feel like the author was in psychosis when this was written and that they were trying to take me with them. The imagery was haunting and disturbing. I would say this crosses the lines of a thriller into horror. Do not go into this book thinking that it will be a normal thriller. It is much darker.
The writing was both insane and amazing. I was thoroughly creeped out and could not stop reading. I think I need to read or watch something funny now, so I don’t have nightmares.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like the author was in psychosis when this was written and that they were trying to take me with them. The imagery was haunting and disturbing. I would say this crosses the lines of a thriller into horror. Do not go into this book thinking that it will be a normal thriller. It is much darker.
The writing was both insane and amazing. I was thoroughly creeped out and could not stop reading. I think I need to read or watch something funny now, so I don’t have nightmares.
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
October 1, 2026Andrea at St. Martin’s Press… you sweet, sweet angel baby that blessed me with a widget for this. I pray your coffee is always hot, your pillow is always cold, you never get sick, your money stays stacked, & your socks always match!
Want to Read
August 10, 2026EXCUSE ME EXCUES ME I'M THE FIRST REVIEW?!?!?! DREWS IS WRITING ANOTHER BOOK?!?!?! WHATHAWHATHWTWHATHHWTHAWT ALREADY?!
*deep breath*
okay lets read this bitch
*deep breath*
okay lets read this bitch
October 3, 2026
✨Another CG Drews masterpiece!✨
Immediately as soon as I saw This is How You Lie announced I knew that I had to read it! I’m a huge fan of CG Drews books and this one is another favorite for me! I DEVOURED IT!!!
As usual with this authors writing style and descriptions, I was drawn in right away!!! I am so in love with the authors writing style!!! I can’t tell you how much it speaks to my gothic heart!! 🥹🖤 I don’t want to say much about the plot, just go into this one as blind as possible and enjoy!!
I was feeling the decay, the rot, and the dread from chapter 1. The writing is on point, the atmosphere is on point, the twists are on point… oh trust me the twists were TWISTING… I had no idea where anything was going!! I mean everything is absolute perfection! 👏 👩🍳 💋
Another incredible read solidifying (even more so) Drews’s spot as a TOP favorite author for me!!
Tropes:
⭐️Adult gothic horror/thriller
⭐️Forest rot
⭐️Haunted lake
⭐️F/F/M toxic love triangle
⭐️Nanny at a creepy isolated gothic estate
⭐️Unhinged spiraling
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released March 16, 2027.
Immediately as soon as I saw This is How You Lie announced I knew that I had to read it! I’m a huge fan of CG Drews books and this one is another favorite for me! I DEVOURED IT!!!
As usual with this authors writing style and descriptions, I was drawn in right away!!! I am so in love with the authors writing style!!! I can’t tell you how much it speaks to my gothic heart!! 🥹🖤 I don’t want to say much about the plot, just go into this one as blind as possible and enjoy!!
I was feeling the decay, the rot, and the dread from chapter 1. The writing is on point, the atmosphere is on point, the twists are on point… oh trust me the twists were TWISTING… I had no idea where anything was going!! I mean everything is absolute perfection! 👏 👩🍳 💋
Another incredible read solidifying (even more so) Drews’s spot as a TOP favorite author for me!!
Tropes:
⭐️Adult gothic horror/thriller
⭐️Forest rot
⭐️Haunted lake
⭐️F/F/M toxic love triangle
⭐️Nanny at a creepy isolated gothic estate
⭐️Unhinged spiraling
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released March 16, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I hated this book with the fire of a thousand suns, and I genuinely resent how long it took me to accept that it was never going to become the book I thought it was. I kept giving it chances. I kept telling myself, “Okay, I see what you’re doing here.” I kept waiting for the pieces to click into place. They never did. THIS IS HOW YOU LIE seemed to be having an outright identity crisis, bouncing between thriller, V.C. Andrews Gothic drama, and Sapphic romance like it couldn't commit to a single personality. And apparently, the solution was to do all three badly.
The first 20% was tolerable. Actually, I was interested. I had my little isolated mansion, a troubled mother, a mysterious husband, a desperate nanny, and just enough secrets to make me think I was settling in for a deliciously dark thriller. I was ready and prepared to be invested. And then this book proceeded to personally offend me with nearly every decision it made from that point forward. The further I got, the more I found myself rolling my eyes, questioning character choices, and wondering if I was somehow reading a completely different book than the one I started. Every time I thought it couldn't possibly get more ridiculous, it found a way to prove me wrong.
And that's what ultimately made this such a miserable reading experience for me. I wasn't merely bored. I was irritated. I wasn't curious about what would happen next so much as I was desperately hoping the book would eventually justify all of the nonsense I'd endured to get there. The characters became increasingly difficult to understand, the plot kept veering into increasingly bizarre territory, and the competing genres never managed to coexist in any way that felt natural. By the end, I was wishing awful things upon all the characters. I wasn't shocked or emotionally wrecked, but I was HELLA PISSED at that 'twist' that was the most idiotic thing I've read in recent memory. One star feels generous, and I am personally thrilled to never set foot inside Cresswell Mansion again. The early read was provided by St. Martins Press and will publish March 16, 2027.
The first 20% was tolerable. Actually, I was interested. I had my little isolated mansion, a troubled mother, a mysterious husband, a desperate nanny, and just enough secrets to make me think I was settling in for a deliciously dark thriller. I was ready and prepared to be invested. And then this book proceeded to personally offend me with nearly every decision it made from that point forward. The further I got, the more I found myself rolling my eyes, questioning character choices, and wondering if I was somehow reading a completely different book than the one I started. Every time I thought it couldn't possibly get more ridiculous, it found a way to prove me wrong.
And that's what ultimately made this such a miserable reading experience for me. I wasn't merely bored. I was irritated. I wasn't curious about what would happen next so much as I was desperately hoping the book would eventually justify all of the nonsense I'd endured to get there. The characters became increasingly difficult to understand, the plot kept veering into increasingly bizarre territory, and the competing genres never managed to coexist in any way that felt natural. By the end, I was wishing awful things upon all the characters. I wasn't shocked or emotionally wrecked, but I was HELLA PISSED at that 'twist' that was the most idiotic thing I've read in recent memory. One star feels generous, and I am personally thrilled to never set foot inside Cresswell Mansion again. The early read was provided by St. Martins Press and will publish March 16, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ΜY RATING: 5 ⭐️
GENRE: Gothic thriller
PUBLICATION DATE: March 16th, 2027
A magnificent, haunting, disturbing gothic MASTERPIECE! I cannot emphasize enough how much I LOVED this book!
“The storyteller will always favor themselves as the hero. The storyteller lies.”
Freshly hired as a nanny, Wren Ott arrives at Cresswell House desperate for a new start away from her haunting ex-husband. She is determined to care for her one-year-old charge, but as she adjusts to the estate, it becomes clear the house holds dark secrets. While the baby’s mother, Cadence, remains disinterested, his brooding father appears only when the mood strikes. As Wren grows closer to the child, she realizes she must protect him—and the lady of the manor—from the ruthless Lucien before they all descend into madness.
🥳What I loved
Narration: Drews’ prose is eloquent and lyrical and drew me in from the very first page. I became engrossed in Wren’s story and was completely absorbed throughout.
Atmosphere: Cresswell House is dripping in atmosphere. Ominous and sinister, I could feel the fetid decay of the manor and its inhabitants. Drews is a master in engaging all your senses with her words, and I became entrenched in the surroundings. Even the House is capitalized throughout, as if it is a sentient entity…aware, absorbing, alive. Absolutely brilliant.
Characters: Oh, these wretched, flawed, broken people. These were not one-dimensional characters on a page, but fully fleshed out haunted souls. Each of them with their haunted pasts and demons they struggled with. I felt their anger, fury, yearning, pain and despair. Their suffering as well as their longings. I am loath to say goodbye to them!
Twisty plot: Alas, to say too much would be to spoil the experience. I had no idea what I was in for, and I must throw out all the accolades to Drews for taking me down this winding path of secrets, lies and deceptions to that chilling finale!
🤔Things to consider
There is nothing I didn’t love about this book, but I must include some subjects that may be triggers to some readers.
⚠️ CW: graphic violence/blood/gore, body horror, mental health struggles, toxic/destructive relationships
Final verdict
I am in absolute awe and in love with this unforgettable story. Highly recommended for readers of haunting, disturbing, claustrophobic gothic thrillers with twists you won’t see coming! CG Drews is now an auto-buy for me! 5 brilliant glowing ⭐️
A huge thank you to NetGalley, St.Martin’s Press and CG Drews for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
GENRE: Gothic thriller
PUBLICATION DATE: March 16th, 2027
A magnificent, haunting, disturbing gothic MASTERPIECE! I cannot emphasize enough how much I LOVED this book!
“The storyteller will always favor themselves as the hero. The storyteller lies.”
Freshly hired as a nanny, Wren Ott arrives at Cresswell House desperate for a new start away from her haunting ex-husband. She is determined to care for her one-year-old charge, but as she adjusts to the estate, it becomes clear the house holds dark secrets. While the baby’s mother, Cadence, remains disinterested, his brooding father appears only when the mood strikes. As Wren grows closer to the child, she realizes she must protect him—and the lady of the manor—from the ruthless Lucien before they all descend into madness.
🥳What I loved
Narration: Drews’ prose is eloquent and lyrical and drew me in from the very first page. I became engrossed in Wren’s story and was completely absorbed throughout.
Atmosphere: Cresswell House is dripping in atmosphere. Ominous and sinister, I could feel the fetid decay of the manor and its inhabitants. Drews is a master in engaging all your senses with her words, and I became entrenched in the surroundings. Even the House is capitalized throughout, as if it is a sentient entity…aware, absorbing, alive. Absolutely brilliant.
Characters: Oh, these wretched, flawed, broken people. These were not one-dimensional characters on a page, but fully fleshed out haunted souls. Each of them with their haunted pasts and demons they struggled with. I felt their anger, fury, yearning, pain and despair. Their suffering as well as their longings. I am loath to say goodbye to them!
Twisty plot: Alas, to say too much would be to spoil the experience. I had no idea what I was in for, and I must throw out all the accolades to Drews for taking me down this winding path of secrets, lies and deceptions to that chilling finale!
🤔Things to consider
There is nothing I didn’t love about this book, but I must include some subjects that may be triggers to some readers.
⚠️ CW: graphic violence/blood/gore, body horror, mental health struggles, toxic/destructive relationships
Final verdict
I am in absolute awe and in love with this unforgettable story. Highly recommended for readers of haunting, disturbing, claustrophobic gothic thrillers with twists you won’t see coming! CG Drews is now an auto-buy for me! 5 brilliant glowing ⭐️
A huge thank you to NetGalley, St.Martin’s Press and CG Drews for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
CG Drews is a master of horror in this beautifully wretched fairytale.
“The lake is haunting her.”
Wren Ott is hired as a live-in nanny at the magnificent Cresswell House. The mansion is smothered in darkness and secrets occupy every room, surrounded by a gloomy forest and a glass lake. And Wren is hiding, haunted by her husband and a broken marriage.
“she has lost pieces of herself in the greenhouse of his rib cage, and she will never get them back”
This Is How You Lie is visceral as the story unspools. I never knew what was going to happen next or how this tale would end. I had so many theories and none of them correct. Certain parts found me reading through my fingers, the descriptive body horror making me deliciously uncomfortable.
CG Drews is an auto-buy author for me. Their prose and vivid storytelling is unmatched from the very first sentence to the mind reeling end. And though I sped through the book, I savoured every word.
“In the stories, there is only one thing to be done about monsters.”
Thank you to CG Drews for sending me this eARC and to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley!!
“The lake is haunting her.”
Wren Ott is hired as a live-in nanny at the magnificent Cresswell House. The mansion is smothered in darkness and secrets occupy every room, surrounded by a gloomy forest and a glass lake. And Wren is hiding, haunted by her husband and a broken marriage.
“she has lost pieces of herself in the greenhouse of his rib cage, and she will never get them back”
This Is How You Lie is visceral as the story unspools. I never knew what was going to happen next or how this tale would end. I had so many theories and none of them correct. Certain parts found me reading through my fingers, the descriptive body horror making me deliciously uncomfortable.
CG Drews is an auto-buy author for me. Their prose and vivid storytelling is unmatched from the very first sentence to the mind reeling end. And though I sped through the book, I savoured every word.
“In the stories, there is only one thing to be done about monsters.”
Thank you to CG Drews for sending me this eARC and to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley!!
October 8, 2026
CG Drews' writing style remains one of my favorites, no matter the story. Melding thriller and horror elements, this story is steeped in the lies of its narrators, leaving readers to discern the murky truth. The characters are creatures of fairy tales, and just as inherently toxic. The setting is both dark and lovely, evoking a sense of haunting with just the right amount of gilded doubt woven throughout. From the start, the story took off at a sprint; leaving me with numerous questions and beyond curious about what was happening. As the story progressed, I was able to piece bits of the puzzle together and form theories (some right, some woefully wrong). Never could I have predicted how it would all end, and I loved how it lingered with me long after I finished.
Thank you St. Martin's Press for gifting me with an eARC (via Netgalley widget), all thoughts expressed are my own.
Thank you St. Martin's Press for gifting me with an eARC (via Netgalley widget), all thoughts expressed are my own.
Want to Read
August 20, 2026You had me at the Haunting of Bly manor.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well, THIS is exactly why I love psychological thrillers! I had about a dozen theories while reading this one, and every time I thought I had something figured out C.G. Drews threw something else at me. Such a twisted story!
This was my second C.G. Drews novel, and after reading You Did Nothing Wrong, I was really looking forward to reading another book by her. That book completely pulled me in, and I’m happy this one did too. There’s something about the way Drews writes that keeps me so immersed in her stories. I think it’s the combination of the suspense, the creepy atmosphere, and that constant feeling that something isn’t quite right. She really knows how to keep me guessing and I love that about her writing.
I really enjoyed how twisted this whole story was. So many times, I thought I had things figured out, only for something else to happen and make me question everything all over again. Who could I trust? What was actually happening? And where in the world was this story going? I love when a psychological thriller keeps me reeling like that.
I also really like Drews’ writing style. She’s so descriptive and the way she builds suspense makes everything feel that much more unsettling. There were plenty of moments when I couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t, that made the story even more intriguing.
As for the ending, I have mixed feelings. I loved how twisted it was and I definitely didn’t see everything coming. I appreciate that Drews took the story in a direction I wasn’t expecting. BUT! there was one part of that final twist that I just couldn’t quite buy into. Without giving anything away, I found it pretty hard to believe that something so significant could go unnoticed for so long. It was definitely a stretch and the more I thought about it afterward, the less believable it seemed. Still, I was completely invested in this story. Even though I questioned part of the ending, I still really enjoyed the overall plot. It was dark, twisted, and kept me guessing throughout. Even after finishing, I found myself thinking back on certain things and questioning them all over again. And that ending really gave me a lot to think about. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a sequel somewhere down the road. It certainly left me wondering!
So…two books into C.G. Drews’ work and I’m definitely planning to read more. I love a good psychological thriller that messes with my head and she certainly knows how to do that. I just wish that one part of the ending had been a little more believable.
A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press for inviting me to read this one early. I’m so appreciative of the opportunity, and I’ll definitely be recommending C.G. Drews’ newest release!
This was my second C.G. Drews novel, and after reading You Did Nothing Wrong, I was really looking forward to reading another book by her. That book completely pulled me in, and I’m happy this one did too. There’s something about the way Drews writes that keeps me so immersed in her stories. I think it’s the combination of the suspense, the creepy atmosphere, and that constant feeling that something isn’t quite right. She really knows how to keep me guessing and I love that about her writing.
I really enjoyed how twisted this whole story was. So many times, I thought I had things figured out, only for something else to happen and make me question everything all over again. Who could I trust? What was actually happening? And where in the world was this story going? I love when a psychological thriller keeps me reeling like that.
I also really like Drews’ writing style. She’s so descriptive and the way she builds suspense makes everything feel that much more unsettling. There were plenty of moments when I couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t, that made the story even more intriguing.
As for the ending, I have mixed feelings. I loved how twisted it was and I definitely didn’t see everything coming. I appreciate that Drews took the story in a direction I wasn’t expecting. BUT! there was one part of that final twist that I just couldn’t quite buy into. Without giving anything away, I found it pretty hard to believe that something so significant could go unnoticed for so long. It was definitely a stretch and the more I thought about it afterward, the less believable it seemed. Still, I was completely invested in this story. Even though I questioned part of the ending, I still really enjoyed the overall plot. It was dark, twisted, and kept me guessing throughout. Even after finishing, I found myself thinking back on certain things and questioning them all over again. And that ending really gave me a lot to think about. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a sequel somewhere down the road. It certainly left me wondering!
So…two books into C.G. Drews’ work and I’m definitely planning to read more. I love a good psychological thriller that messes with my head and she certainly knows how to do that. I just wish that one part of the ending had been a little more believable.
A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press for inviting me to read this one early. I’m so appreciative of the opportunity, and I’ll definitely be recommending C.G. Drews’ newest release!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of This is How You Lie by CG Drews from St. Martin’s Press/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 2 ⭐
This book very nearly sapped me of my will to live.
Florid, overwrought, overwritten, histrionic……all words for the writing style that also seem appropriate for my probably overly harsh reaction to it.
I guess I’m just resentful because I kept thinking it would get better/make more sense and thus slogged my way on through it instead of DNFing.
I dunno, maybe I’d’ve found it fascinatingly creepy and relatable if I were 16 instead of 60…..
Future Kristi: Give CG Drews one more chance, this was your first book of theirs.
DESCRIPTION
The Housemaid meets The Haunting of Bly Manor in this relentless and claustrophobic gothic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author CG Drews.
When Wren Ott takes a job as a nanny to a one-year-old baby boy, she’s desperate. She’ll do anything to avoid being homeless again. Anything to hide from her marriage that went south and the husband who still haunts her. The excellent salary and luxurious home are just a bonus.
Cadence Cresswell seems disconnected and lost in the massive, isolated Cresswell mansion. She has little interest in the baby. Her mood swings are terrible. And her husband, the ruthless Lucien Cresswell, is only home when it suits him.
But Lucien is playing a dangerous game, and Wren is onto him. Now it’s up to Wren to protect the lady of the house and her young charge, before Lucien’s actions push them past the brink of their sanity.
Or at least that’s what you’ll think.
Received a complimentary copy of This is How You Lie by CG Drews from St. Martin’s Press/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 2 ⭐
This book very nearly sapped me of my will to live.
Florid, overwrought, overwritten, histrionic……all words for the writing style that also seem appropriate for my probably overly harsh reaction to it.
I guess I’m just resentful because I kept thinking it would get better/make more sense and thus slogged my way on through it instead of DNFing.
I dunno, maybe I’d’ve found it fascinatingly creepy and relatable if I were 16 instead of 60…..
Future Kristi: Give CG Drews one more chance, this was your first book of theirs.
DESCRIPTION
The Housemaid meets The Haunting of Bly Manor in this relentless and claustrophobic gothic thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author CG Drews.
When Wren Ott takes a job as a nanny to a one-year-old baby boy, she’s desperate. She’ll do anything to avoid being homeless again. Anything to hide from her marriage that went south and the husband who still haunts her. The excellent salary and luxurious home are just a bonus.
Cadence Cresswell seems disconnected and lost in the massive, isolated Cresswell mansion. She has little interest in the baby. Her mood swings are terrible. And her husband, the ruthless Lucien Cresswell, is only home when it suits him.
But Lucien is playing a dangerous game, and Wren is onto him. Now it’s up to Wren to protect the lady of the house and her young charge, before Lucien’s actions push them past the brink of their sanity.
Or at least that’s what you’ll think.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance reader copy.
This is a tough one for me tbh.
In previous books I really enjoyed CG Drews’ narration style, but I felt that the really poetic prose just didn’t fit with this book? This book was dark and gritty in an unfortunately human way, so having to hear so many passages on metaphorically carving chests open or trying to fit in any mention of nature related horror when the closest thing in the story was a waterlogged carpet was more aggravating than anything.
I struggled with the pacing as well, the beginning felt very slow and then the ending seemed too rushed in my opinion. Now that I’ve finished the story I can step back and think, okay, this was a clearly extensively planned out book and on paper it’s a good mystery. But it really wasn’t what I was expecting and not in a pleasant surprise kinda way. I think if I reread it at some point down the road I’d be able to enjoy it for what it is, but right now I just didn’t get what I wanted out of it.
By all means, this might be a huge reach, but I was a bit disappointed that this was the second book they wrote with a woman protagonist, and just like the first, her character largely revolves around motherhood and toxic relationships with men. A lot of what I liked about Don’t Let the Forest in and Hazelthorn are that there’s 1) a lot of focus on the character’s identities as their own people (e.g. asexuality, autism, etc) and 2) there’s a romance that contrasts with the horror. Both the female led books lacked both those things (imo) and revolved around other characters and toxic relationships.
This is a tough one for me tbh.
In previous books I really enjoyed CG Drews’ narration style, but I felt that the really poetic prose just didn’t fit with this book? This book was dark and gritty in an unfortunately human way, so having to hear so many passages on metaphorically carving chests open or trying to fit in any mention of nature related horror when the closest thing in the story was a waterlogged carpet was more aggravating than anything.
I struggled with the pacing as well, the beginning felt very slow and then the ending seemed too rushed in my opinion. Now that I’ve finished the story I can step back and think, okay, this was a clearly extensively planned out book and on paper it’s a good mystery. But it really wasn’t what I was expecting and not in a pleasant surprise kinda way. I think if I reread it at some point down the road I’d be able to enjoy it for what it is, but right now I just didn’t get what I wanted out of it.
By all means, this might be a huge reach, but I was a bit disappointed that this was the second book they wrote with a woman protagonist, and just like the first, her character largely revolves around motherhood and toxic relationships with men. A lot of what I liked about Don’t Let the Forest in and Hazelthorn are that there’s 1) a lot of focus on the character’s identities as their own people (e.g. asexuality, autism, etc) and 2) there’s a romance that contrasts with the horror. Both the female led books lacked both those things (imo) and revolved around other characters and toxic relationships.
October 15, 2026
utterly obsessed with this one - so atmospheric and creepy, with AMAZING characters! highly recommend 🙂↕️
thank you cg for sending me an early copy!
thank you cg for sending me an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
RATING: 4.25/5 STARS
This was a creepy treat and I loved it. Think THE HOUSEMAID but darker, more gothic, and infused with luscious writing. The romance is queer and messy (favorite combo). There is a spooky lake, a haunted House with a capital H, and a good twist. Going on my bookshelf with my CG Drews collection, for sure.
This was a creepy treat and I loved it. Think THE HOUSEMAID but darker, more gothic, and infused with luscious writing. The romance is queer and messy (favorite combo). There is a spooky lake, a haunted House with a capital H, and a good twist. Going on my bookshelf with my CG Drews collection, for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“They are perfect for each other, obsessed in a way that feels eternal, their sins roped like viscera about each other’s throats. To be loved like that is a beautiful kind of horror all in itself.”
📚
Wren Ott will do whatever it takes to escape her past. Homeless after a failed marriage, she jumps at a lifeline: a live-in nannying position at hulking, secluded, New England-situated Cresswell House. Upon arrival, she finds the lady of the manor, Cadence Cresswell, aimless, moody, and aloof, while her husband, Lucien, is merciless and frequently absent. But Wren is no fool: she needs this job, she sees right through Lucien, and she’s determined to protect Cadence and her infant charge before Lucien destroys them.
This Is How You Lie is a lush, grisly fairy tale: gruesome, dark, dirty, and steeped in horrific deeds and unremitting tension. Rich in macabre sensory detail and gothic to its decadent, rotten core, the relentless narrative weaves a mesmerizing chronicle of shocking truths, clashing perspectives, and covetous objectives brought to life by stunning prose: sumptuous and sharp as a blade, weaving a malevolent fever dream oozing darkness and decay.
The characters are layered — riddled with inherent faults, distinctive ambitions, insidious rumors, and nefarious obsessions — while shadows and mystery pervade every nook and crevice, drawing the reader into a suffocating, insanity-laced account of ravenous hunger and unfettered rage, stark loneliness and lavish waste, and violent obsession and calculated betrayal. An immersive, addictive, and appalling multi-level haunting and a feral, monstrous story of survival, desperation, guilt, and beauty cloaking rot. A nightmarish journey of blood and water, tooth and nail — wretched and twisted, visceral and disturbing, filled with greed, revenge, despair, and scars, along with dusty secrets and festering lies, gilded cages and traumatic memories, buried histories and vicious games. Another captivating and inimitable novel from CG Drews.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an eARC of this gothic thriller (scheduled for publication on March 16, 2027) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
📚
Wren Ott will do whatever it takes to escape her past. Homeless after a failed marriage, she jumps at a lifeline: a live-in nannying position at hulking, secluded, New England-situated Cresswell House. Upon arrival, she finds the lady of the manor, Cadence Cresswell, aimless, moody, and aloof, while her husband, Lucien, is merciless and frequently absent. But Wren is no fool: she needs this job, she sees right through Lucien, and she’s determined to protect Cadence and her infant charge before Lucien destroys them.
This Is How You Lie is a lush, grisly fairy tale: gruesome, dark, dirty, and steeped in horrific deeds and unremitting tension. Rich in macabre sensory detail and gothic to its decadent, rotten core, the relentless narrative weaves a mesmerizing chronicle of shocking truths, clashing perspectives, and covetous objectives brought to life by stunning prose: sumptuous and sharp as a blade, weaving a malevolent fever dream oozing darkness and decay.
The characters are layered — riddled with inherent faults, distinctive ambitions, insidious rumors, and nefarious obsessions — while shadows and mystery pervade every nook and crevice, drawing the reader into a suffocating, insanity-laced account of ravenous hunger and unfettered rage, stark loneliness and lavish waste, and violent obsession and calculated betrayal. An immersive, addictive, and appalling multi-level haunting and a feral, monstrous story of survival, desperation, guilt, and beauty cloaking rot. A nightmarish journey of blood and water, tooth and nail — wretched and twisted, visceral and disturbing, filled with greed, revenge, despair, and scars, along with dusty secrets and festering lies, gilded cages and traumatic memories, buried histories and vicious games. Another captivating and inimitable novel from CG Drews.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an eARC of this gothic thriller (scheduled for publication on March 16, 2027) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This Is How You Lie by C.G. Drews
⭐️ 3.5/5 stars
If you love a creepy Gothic thriller with a dark fairy-tale atmosphere, This Is How You Lie might be right up your alley!
The story follows Wren, a young woman who accepts a job as a nanny for a 14-month-old boy whose extraordinarily wealthy parents seem to have very little interest in actually raising him. The position is practically a 24/7 commitment, and Wren soon finds herself immersed in the strange dynamics of the Creswell household.
There’s Cadence, the young mother whose erratic behavior and dramatic mood swings suggest something is terribly wrong. There’s Lucian Creswell, the imposing man of the house, whom Wren instinctively distrusts. And thankfully, there’s a cute chef to provide a little distraction from all the unsettling behavior!
What I appreciated most about this novel was the atmosphere. With such a small cast of characters, much of the tension comes from the setting itself. The imposing mansion, the eerie lake, and the winding road leading to the property all contribute to an overwhelming sense of isolation and dread. It almost feels like stepping into a dark fairy tale where you know something terrible is waiting around the corner.
There are some genuinely grotesque moments, but I would describe this as more creepy than outright horrifying. The suspense builds nicely, and there are several surprising twists along the way. A few revelations seemed to come out of nowhere, and I noticed some minor plot holes, but neither significantly diminished my enjoyment.
Ultimately, I had a good time with this one, even if it didn’t completely blow me away. If your TBR is already overflowing, I wouldn’t necessarily tell you to move this to the top of the pile. But if you can’t get enough of atmospheric Gothic thrillers, this is certainly one worth considering.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me a widget of this book!
⭐️ 3.5/5 stars
If you love a creepy Gothic thriller with a dark fairy-tale atmosphere, This Is How You Lie might be right up your alley!
The story follows Wren, a young woman who accepts a job as a nanny for a 14-month-old boy whose extraordinarily wealthy parents seem to have very little interest in actually raising him. The position is practically a 24/7 commitment, and Wren soon finds herself immersed in the strange dynamics of the Creswell household.
There’s Cadence, the young mother whose erratic behavior and dramatic mood swings suggest something is terribly wrong. There’s Lucian Creswell, the imposing man of the house, whom Wren instinctively distrusts. And thankfully, there’s a cute chef to provide a little distraction from all the unsettling behavior!
What I appreciated most about this novel was the atmosphere. With such a small cast of characters, much of the tension comes from the setting itself. The imposing mansion, the eerie lake, and the winding road leading to the property all contribute to an overwhelming sense of isolation and dread. It almost feels like stepping into a dark fairy tale where you know something terrible is waiting around the corner.
There are some genuinely grotesque moments, but I would describe this as more creepy than outright horrifying. The suspense builds nicely, and there are several surprising twists along the way. A few revelations seemed to come out of nowhere, and I noticed some minor plot holes, but neither significantly diminished my enjoyment.
Ultimately, I had a good time with this one, even if it didn’t completely blow me away. If your TBR is already overflowing, I wouldn’t necessarily tell you to move this to the top of the pile. But if you can’t get enough of atmospheric Gothic thrillers, this is certainly one worth considering.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for sending me a widget of this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wren is the nanny for the Cresswells, a wealthy couple with a huge estate out in the countryside. The little boy is adorable and she has no trouble with him, but his parents are another story. Lucien is rarely home, and when he is, the mood in the house becomes dark and oppressive. His delicate wife, Cadence, is always on edge and rarely shows interest in Lucien Junior. They have terrible fights that frighten the baby and infuriate Wren. She becomes very close and protective of the little boy and vows to do whatever it takes to ensure no harm comes to him. But Wren has secrets, and if she’s not careful, she will be exposed. And there just may be deadly consequences.
I made the unfortunate mistake of not recognizing the author from a previous book I read. I’m not a fan of their writing style. At all. You cannot escape the overwrought, flowery, horribly affected writing because it’s on nearly every page. Besides sounding like bad adolescent poetry, it’s too distracting from the narrative. The plot itself is decent, although what’s supposed to be a shocking twist wasn’t surprising if you paid attention. Which, granted, is hard to do when you’re just trying to get through it. The struggle is real.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the free advance reading copy of this book
I made the unfortunate mistake of not recognizing the author from a previous book I read. I’m not a fan of their writing style. At all. You cannot escape the overwrought, flowery, horribly affected writing because it’s on nearly every page. Besides sounding like bad adolescent poetry, it’s too distracting from the narrative. The plot itself is decent, although what’s supposed to be a shocking twist wasn’t surprising if you paid attention. Which, granted, is hard to do when you’re just trying to get through it. The struggle is real.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the free advance reading copy of this book
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh I don’t want to write this. I was sure that there could never be a book that CG Drews wrote that I wasn’t head over heels obsessed with. That’s a silly expectation to put on an author’s work but their writing just speaks to me in a dark and twisted and beautiful way. I had a good time reading This is How You Lie, but I wasn’t left with that gobsmacked, open-mouthed, open-minded feeling that I have after I finished each of their other books. I do love their foray into adult horror, and I especially loved the psychological horror that was You Did Nothing Wrong. But This is How You Lie felt like more of a traditional thriller with murder mystery elements. And there’s nothing wrong with that! In fact, it could help broaden their audience. I was just expecting something a little different. A bit more haunting and a bit darker. You should definitely pick this up if you like thrillers because there were some good twists and turns. But if you’re expecting to feel extremely unsettled like in YDNW, I personally did not. Worth the read, and I’m thankful I was able to receive an early copy of a new book by one of my favorite authors.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
The Turn of the Screw meets Rebeca in this twisty, gothic horror novel from the author of Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn. The book begins with nanny Wren Ott arriving at the Cresswell mansion where she will be taking care of the infant son of Lucien and Cadence. The primary characters of Lucien and Wren both have plenty of secrets and we discover more about each of them at a slow burn pace, with the earthy, ephemeral prose that is the style of the author. We end part one on a cliffhanger and begin part two by going back in time to discover the story of Lucien and Elizabeth, his mysterious first wife. We end back in the present timeline with plenty of twists and secrets revealed, plus lots and lots of blood.
This almost seemed like a retelling of Turn of the Screw, or Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware, for the first half, but with plenty of differences to make things interesting and somewhat unexpected. However, I really enjoyed the second part of the story the most, where we first meet Elizabeth and see how she and Lucien fell in love and the clear toxicity of that relationship between two very, very damaged people. I also loved the way Cresswell Mansion was a character all its own.
If you are a fan of gothic horror, and this author’s prior works, I think you’ll really love this book. A perfect read for stormy nights or spooky season for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Turn of the Screw meets Rebeca in this twisty, gothic horror novel from the author of Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn. The book begins with nanny Wren Ott arriving at the Cresswell mansion where she will be taking care of the infant son of Lucien and Cadence. The primary characters of Lucien and Wren both have plenty of secrets and we discover more about each of them at a slow burn pace, with the earthy, ephemeral prose that is the style of the author. We end part one on a cliffhanger and begin part two by going back in time to discover the story of Lucien and Elizabeth, his mysterious first wife. We end back in the present timeline with plenty of twists and secrets revealed, plus lots and lots of blood.
This almost seemed like a retelling of Turn of the Screw, or Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware, for the first half, but with plenty of differences to make things interesting and somewhat unexpected. However, I really enjoyed the second part of the story the most, where we first meet Elizabeth and see how she and Lucien fell in love and the clear toxicity of that relationship between two very, very damaged people. I also loved the way Cresswell Mansion was a character all its own.
If you are a fan of gothic horror, and this author’s prior works, I think you’ll really love this book. A perfect read for stormy nights or spooky season for sure.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eArc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm really not sure how to write any kind of review with meaning without giving away the entire book and it absolutely essential that you go in blind to get the full effect.
I did not see the twist coming at all, I will say that. It left me staring at the page and going backward and forward a few pages trying to figure out just what I was reading and if I was understanding it properly. I do mean that in a good way because I love a good twist.
The characters in this story were very interesting and complex. My favourite character was Wren. She was easily the most complicated character of them all an dshe was doing her best to understand difficult situations and navigate difficult waters. I also enjoyed Cadence and Declan, which is saying something because I did not think I would like Cadence. Lucien was... Lucien. I wish him the future he deserves.
This is a good book for someone looking for something dark, haunting and unexpected. It is a slow burn, so be patient and it will be very much worth it in the end. As usual, CG Drews writes another book that I completely enjoyed and will buy as soon as I am able to.
I did not see the twist coming at all, I will say that. It left me staring at the page and going backward and forward a few pages trying to figure out just what I was reading and if I was understanding it properly. I do mean that in a good way because I love a good twist.
The characters in this story were very interesting and complex. My favourite character was Wren. She was easily the most complicated character of them all an dshe was doing her best to understand difficult situations and navigate difficult waters. I also enjoyed Cadence and Declan, which is saying something because I did not think I would like Cadence. Lucien was... Lucien. I wish him the future he deserves.
This is a good book for someone looking for something dark, haunting and unexpected. It is a slow burn, so be patient and it will be very much worth it in the end. As usual, CG Drews writes another book that I completely enjoyed and will buy as soon as I am able to.
October 11, 2026
This is how you…disappoint me.
Unfortunately this was just fine. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t “bad” by any means, but it wasn’t what I’ve come to expect from this author and that’s on me!
Drew’s sophomore adult novel feels more like a run-of-the-mill thriller than the horror readers have come to associate with them. The characters are horrible but their biggest flaw is that they’re uninteresting.
C. G. Drew’s flowery writing style that I normally adore and relish feels out of place and the unreliable narrator that they did so well in You Did Nothing Wrong doesn’t work in this narrative. The twists come from a mile away, the characters feel flat and the child neglect was just never really addressed.
If you like thrillers, which I do from time to time, then give it a shot! It’s not a bad one, just not what I was hoping for. Maybe you’ll love it and you can read more from Drew’s (they truly are such a voice in the horror genre)
Thanks St. Martins Press for the e-arc, all opinions are my own
Unfortunately this was just fine. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t “bad” by any means, but it wasn’t what I’ve come to expect from this author and that’s on me!
Drew’s sophomore adult novel feels more like a run-of-the-mill thriller than the horror readers have come to associate with them. The characters are horrible but their biggest flaw is that they’re uninteresting.
C. G. Drew’s flowery writing style that I normally adore and relish feels out of place and the unreliable narrator that they did so well in You Did Nothing Wrong doesn’t work in this narrative. The twists come from a mile away, the characters feel flat and the child neglect was just never really addressed.
If you like thrillers, which I do from time to time, then give it a shot! It’s not a bad one, just not what I was hoping for. Maybe you’ll love it and you can read more from Drew’s (they truly are such a voice in the horror genre)
Thanks St. Martins Press for the e-arc, all opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I couldn't get into this. I DNF'd at about 25%, and was unimpressed. I don't care for the author's writing style or characterizations. I think it's time to admit that I just don't care for this author's style! If you like wordiness and "purple prose," it may be more up your alley. Thank you to NetGalley for the free review copy. Again, this book wasn't to my taste, but I'm sure there are folks who will like it! Just not me, unfortunately.
October 2, 2026
ahhh I absolutely loved this book! cg drew is an auto buy author for me & when I got arc, I squealed.
this was so twisty, and creepy. I loooved haunting of bly manor, and this book had the almost exact vibe.
this was so twisty, and creepy. I loooved haunting of bly manor, and this book had the almost exact vibe.
October 19, 2026
The writing, the imagery, the characters, 10/10. I inhaled this book. I went in blind and kept thinking “ok I see where this is going” and I was bamboozled.
This definitely leans more horror than it does thriller/mystery. There are mysterious plot points, but the focus is really on the psychological issues these characters have.
It only lost me a little bit at the end from a few unrealistic events, but the book was extremely addictive and fast paced and I had so much fun reading. I highly recommend if you love CG Drew’s other work!
This definitely leans more horror than it does thriller/mystery. There are mysterious plot points, but the focus is really on the psychological issues these characters have.
It only lost me a little bit at the end from a few unrealistic events, but the book was extremely addictive and fast paced and I had so much fun reading. I highly recommend if you love CG Drew’s other work!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This Is How You Lie by C.G. Drews
What a deliciously dark, haunting, and beautifully written Gothic thriller! I absolutely could not put this book down!
Wren desperately needs a job, but even more importantly, she needs to stay hidden from her husband. Taking a position as a nanny in a sprawling mansion seems like the perfect opportunity to keep a low profile. Her charge is one-year-old Lucien, whom she affectionately calls Fox. I loved watching their relationship develop. At first, Fox is such a quiet, pensive little boy, but slowly he begins to open up to Wren. Their growing bond is so touching, and you can feel how deeply she comes to love and protect him.
Then there is Cadence, Fox's mother. She seems to have absolutely no maternal instincts, almost as though she is a shadow of herself. She appears frightened of her husband, the elusive and mysterious Lucien Sr. And Lucien? Oh, what a dark and intriguing character! As the story unfolds, we begin to learn more about his past, and what a story it is! And then there is his first wife, Elizabeth. Oh boy, what a character SHE is!
But perhaps the most fascinating character of all is the house itself!
This enormous mansion, surrounded by an eerie, almost haunted lake, seems to breathe with secrets. The lake appears to have a life of its own, almost as though it is calling to Wren, invading her dreams and haunting her with the smell of rotting reeds.
C.G. Drews has such an extraordinary gift for descriptive writing. You don't just read about this house; you FEEL it. You can almost hear it breathing, feel its darkness, and imagine yourself wandering through its shadowy rooms. The atmosphere is so vivid, so unsettling, and so wonderfully Gothic that the house practically becomes a living, breathing character.
And the twists and turns! Just when you think you understand these characters, another secret emerges. Who are they really? What are they hiding? Who can possibly be trusted?
I was completely captivated! Every time I put this book down, it seemed to call me back, much like that mysterious lake calling to Wren. I simply HAD to know what happened next!
Dark, atmospheric, haunting, and filled with secrets, this is Gothic suspense at its finest. C.G. Drews is an incredibly talented storyteller, and I thoroughly enjoyed every chilling moment!
A wonderfully creepy, unforgettable read!
Thank you St. Martins Press, C.G. Drews, Netgalley for an advanced copy of this awesome book.
What a deliciously dark, haunting, and beautifully written Gothic thriller! I absolutely could not put this book down!
Wren desperately needs a job, but even more importantly, she needs to stay hidden from her husband. Taking a position as a nanny in a sprawling mansion seems like the perfect opportunity to keep a low profile. Her charge is one-year-old Lucien, whom she affectionately calls Fox. I loved watching their relationship develop. At first, Fox is such a quiet, pensive little boy, but slowly he begins to open up to Wren. Their growing bond is so touching, and you can feel how deeply she comes to love and protect him.
Then there is Cadence, Fox's mother. She seems to have absolutely no maternal instincts, almost as though she is a shadow of herself. She appears frightened of her husband, the elusive and mysterious Lucien Sr. And Lucien? Oh, what a dark and intriguing character! As the story unfolds, we begin to learn more about his past, and what a story it is! And then there is his first wife, Elizabeth. Oh boy, what a character SHE is!
But perhaps the most fascinating character of all is the house itself!
This enormous mansion, surrounded by an eerie, almost haunted lake, seems to breathe with secrets. The lake appears to have a life of its own, almost as though it is calling to Wren, invading her dreams and haunting her with the smell of rotting reeds.
C.G. Drews has such an extraordinary gift for descriptive writing. You don't just read about this house; you FEEL it. You can almost hear it breathing, feel its darkness, and imagine yourself wandering through its shadowy rooms. The atmosphere is so vivid, so unsettling, and so wonderfully Gothic that the house practically becomes a living, breathing character.
And the twists and turns! Just when you think you understand these characters, another secret emerges. Who are they really? What are they hiding? Who can possibly be trusted?
I was completely captivated! Every time I put this book down, it seemed to call me back, much like that mysterious lake calling to Wren. I simply HAD to know what happened next!
Dark, atmospheric, haunting, and filled with secrets, this is Gothic suspense at its finest. C.G. Drews is an incredibly talented storyteller, and I thoroughly enjoyed every chilling moment!
A wonderfully creepy, unforgettable read!
Thank you St. Martins Press, C.G. Drews, Netgalley for an advanced copy of this awesome book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🥀 This Is How You Lie - ARC Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗓️ March 16, 2027
The Housemaid + The Haunting of Bly Manor + Rebecca = This Is How You Lie
Thank you to @paperfury @ st martins press @ McMillan and @ Netgalley for the opportunity to read this gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
📗 What if the most dangerous thing in a haunted house isn't a ghost, but the people who insist they love you? In This Is How You Lie, CG Drews invites readers into a mansion where the atmosphere reeks of decay, desire curdles into obsession, and every character seems to have something to hide. This is gothic fiction at its most psychologically unsettling: a story about damaged people, destructive attachments, and the terrifying possibility that the monster in the house might be entirely human. If you love your thrillers lushly written, morally messy, and soaked in dread, prepare to distrust absolutely everyone.
This Is How You Lie promises a gothic reading experience in which the house, the lake, the relationships, and the characters' own stories all become sources of unease. Its greatest literary strength is the way it connects physical decay to emotional damage, turning the traditional haunted estate into a space where obsession and secrecy feel almost tangible. The hauntingly lush prose and ambiguous relationships may occasionally overwhelm readers who prefer restraint, and the pacing may not satisfy everyone, but those are risks inherent in its feverish approach to gothic horror.
I loved it, and oh, my, that ending! 🫣🤯 I've loved Drews' prose from the first book of theirs I read, so I'm not at all surprised that I loved their prose here. Drews also excels at bringing the atmosphere to life and ripping emotions out of your soul. The sense of unease had me so wildly unsettled, in the best way. I had so many theories, but I don't think a single one was right. I feel like Drews could write a grocery list and I would happily read it over and over.
Ultimately, this is a book for readers who want their beautiful things to be a little rotten, their love stories to carry a hint of menace, and their mysteries to leave them questioning not just what happened, but why they ever trusted the people telling the story. If you're a regular thriller reader, the twists and revelations may not be quite as surprising for you as they were me.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🗓️ March 16, 2027
The Housemaid + The Haunting of Bly Manor + Rebecca = This Is How You Lie
Thank you to @paperfury @ st martins press @ McMillan and @ Netgalley for the opportunity to read this gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and freely given.
📗 What if the most dangerous thing in a haunted house isn't a ghost, but the people who insist they love you? In This Is How You Lie, CG Drews invites readers into a mansion where the atmosphere reeks of decay, desire curdles into obsession, and every character seems to have something to hide. This is gothic fiction at its most psychologically unsettling: a story about damaged people, destructive attachments, and the terrifying possibility that the monster in the house might be entirely human. If you love your thrillers lushly written, morally messy, and soaked in dread, prepare to distrust absolutely everyone.
This Is How You Lie promises a gothic reading experience in which the house, the lake, the relationships, and the characters' own stories all become sources of unease. Its greatest literary strength is the way it connects physical decay to emotional damage, turning the traditional haunted estate into a space where obsession and secrecy feel almost tangible. The hauntingly lush prose and ambiguous relationships may occasionally overwhelm readers who prefer restraint, and the pacing may not satisfy everyone, but those are risks inherent in its feverish approach to gothic horror.
I loved it, and oh, my, that ending! 🫣🤯 I've loved Drews' prose from the first book of theirs I read, so I'm not at all surprised that I loved their prose here. Drews also excels at bringing the atmosphere to life and ripping emotions out of your soul. The sense of unease had me so wildly unsettled, in the best way. I had so many theories, but I don't think a single one was right. I feel like Drews could write a grocery list and I would happily read it over and over.
Ultimately, this is a book for readers who want their beautiful things to be a little rotten, their love stories to carry a hint of menace, and their mysteries to leave them questioning not just what happened, but why they ever trusted the people telling the story. If you're a regular thriller reader, the twists and revelations may not be quite as surprising for you as they were me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ohhhh CG Drews, you've ruined me yet again. I think I need to start charging for therapy bills at this point.
Another lyrical and beautifully haunting novel full of broken characters and choking atmosphere that leaves you wondering what (if any of it) was ever real at all.
The Creswell estate is such a perfect setting for a novel like this, and the way Drews paints pictures of their scenery so clearly always impresses me. It's opulent and grand, while still managing to feel choking and claustrophobic. Which pretty much describes the whole vibe of the book in a nutshell!
I fear I can't ramble the way I usually do in these reviews since publication is so far away, but those who know Drews know that you can never, ever trust your narrator, and things are never what they seem to be. The twist in this one was glaringly obvious, and I believe many will feel the same way, but that in no way took away from the suspense of the specifics and the poetically horrific ways these characters ruin their own lives. Wren's desire to belong, to rebuild her life, is the driving force of her half of the narrative, and it comes through so clearly in everything she does. However, when the perspective flips and you get to see another person's (no spoilers!) version of the events, the distortion is so well done that it's impossible to tell who was telling the truth.
The secondary narrator is quite possibly my favorite character Drews has ever written, second maybe only to Evander. They're wonderful and rotten and pathetic and (possibly) crazy, and so so much fun to be in the mind of. I'll be thinking about them for a long, long while.
Thank you so very much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early glimpse at my favorite author's newest masterpiece in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Another lyrical and beautifully haunting novel full of broken characters and choking atmosphere that leaves you wondering what (if any of it) was ever real at all.
The Creswell estate is such a perfect setting for a novel like this, and the way Drews paints pictures of their scenery so clearly always impresses me. It's opulent and grand, while still managing to feel choking and claustrophobic. Which pretty much describes the whole vibe of the book in a nutshell!
I fear I can't ramble the way I usually do in these reviews since publication is so far away, but those who know Drews know that you can never, ever trust your narrator, and things are never what they seem to be. The twist in this one was glaringly obvious, and I believe many will feel the same way, but that in no way took away from the suspense of the specifics and the poetically horrific ways these characters ruin their own lives. Wren's desire to belong, to rebuild her life, is the driving force of her half of the narrative, and it comes through so clearly in everything she does. However, when the perspective flips and you get to see another person's (no spoilers!) version of the events, the distortion is so well done that it's impossible to tell who was telling the truth.
The secondary narrator is quite possibly my favorite character Drews has ever written, second maybe only to Evander. They're wonderful and rotten and pathetic and (possibly) crazy, and so so much fun to be in the mind of. I'll be thinking about them for a long, long while.
Thank you so very much to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an early glimpse at my favorite author's newest masterpiece in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked this one, though it was a lot more psychological than action-packed- it definitely leans more horror than thriller. It centers on Wren, who takes a job as a nanny to a one-year-old boy because she’s desperate to make her own money and stay off the streets The pay is great and the home is luxurious, but the baby’s mother, Cadence, seems detached, with little interest in her son and terrible mood swings, while her ruthless husband, Lucien, is rarely around. The first half of the book is told in the current timeline, followed by a lengthy flashback section that answers some questions about how and why the characters ended up in their current predicaments, before switching back to the present.
Wren is hard to like (or to relate to, honestly), but her decisions make more sense as the author provides more clues about her background. The imagery in the writing was really fantastic and made the story extra creepy. There was one part that grossed me out enough that I had to skim through it, but kudos to the author for such vivid descriptions. There were a couple characters I came to understand a little better as the book went on, which I enjoyed- it’s often hard to change your mind about a character who has been painted a certain way for so much of a book. I thought the ending was okay- it purposely leaves the reader with some unanswered questions, and I would have preferred that things were tied up more neatly, but I do think it worked with the rest of the story.
Overall, this was an atmospheric and creepy read, and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy slower-burn psychological horror over fast-paced thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wren is hard to like (or to relate to, honestly), but her decisions make more sense as the author provides more clues about her background. The imagery in the writing was really fantastic and made the story extra creepy. There was one part that grossed me out enough that I had to skim through it, but kudos to the author for such vivid descriptions. There were a couple characters I came to understand a little better as the book went on, which I enjoyed- it’s often hard to change your mind about a character who has been painted a certain way for so much of a book. I thought the ending was okay- it purposely leaves the reader with some unanswered questions, and I would have preferred that things were tied up more neatly, but I do think it worked with the rest of the story.
Overall, this was an atmospheric and creepy read, and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy slower-burn psychological horror over fast-paced thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy
I don’t know where to start with this review. I honestly loved this book. The way C G Drews writes is just gorgeous. It flows to well, and it just feels magical or fantastical. Even though what’s being written about is horrific. It’s such a great contrast. C G’s writing isn’t going to be for everyone. I find it to be unique and captivating.
The story was shocking. I thought I had it figure out early on, and in a way, I did. The problem was, I somehow forgot how well C G Drews can create a convincing red haring. There are several twist and turns and confusion. The book kept me coming back for more. I kept voraciously reading, I couldn’t really put it down unless I absolutely had to.
Only problems I had was the perspective change that happens. At first I didn’t really understand why it happened, it took me out of the story for a bit. The more that perspective went, the more I got invested again and wanted to see what happened. I will say, that found this perspective to be a bit slow and I think some things could have been cut out. The pacing was a bit off, but I was still invested in the series.
I also, found the twist at the end to be so very good. Did I agree with the choices? No. Did I understand the choices? Yes. I just kind of wanted something… a little different, without giving anything away.
I’d highly recommend this book if you love C G Drews novels.
I don’t know where to start with this review. I honestly loved this book. The way C G Drews writes is just gorgeous. It flows to well, and it just feels magical or fantastical. Even though what’s being written about is horrific. It’s such a great contrast. C G’s writing isn’t going to be for everyone. I find it to be unique and captivating.
The story was shocking. I thought I had it figure out early on, and in a way, I did. The problem was, I somehow forgot how well C G Drews can create a convincing red haring. There are several twist and turns and confusion. The book kept me coming back for more. I kept voraciously reading, I couldn’t really put it down unless I absolutely had to.
Only problems I had was the perspective change that happens. At first I didn’t really understand why it happened, it took me out of the story for a bit. The more that perspective went, the more I got invested again and wanted to see what happened. I will say, that found this perspective to be a bit slow and I think some things could have been cut out. The pacing was a bit off, but I was still invested in the series.
I also, found the twist at the end to be so very good. Did I agree with the choices? No. Did I understand the choices? Yes. I just kind of wanted something… a little different, without giving anything away.
I’d highly recommend this book if you love C G Drews novels.
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