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Faculty of Liars
Elizabeth Harker is the English wife of the next President of one of the most prestigious Universities in New England.
But the day her husband's new role is announced, she discovers the news in the bed of her unnamed lover, a man with whom she has had a torrid affair and who also works at the University, whilst keeping a careful distance from her husband. Now Elizabeth realises that as the wife of the incoming President, all eyes will be on her and the University system is quick to remind her that her behaviour reflects not only on her marriage but on the university itself. Then on the day of inauguration, she discovers whilst on camera, that her lover has been brutally murdered on campus. Immediately Elizabeth is plunged into despair. The stakes, if anyone discovers the affair, are too jeopardising to contemplate. But when she discovers her lover left a message on her voicemail in the moments before he is murdered, she is faced with two terrifying questions.
How can she escape this unscathed?
Who murdered her lover and why?
As events unfold, Elizabeth begins to realise she is at the centre of a very dangerous web where she can trust no one and worst of all, that in death, the man she betrayed her husband with, may cause the downfall of everything she so desperately wants.
But the day her husband's new role is announced, she discovers the news in the bed of her unnamed lover, a man with whom she has had a torrid affair and who also works at the University, whilst keeping a careful distance from her husband. Now Elizabeth realises that as the wife of the incoming President, all eyes will be on her and the University system is quick to remind her that her behaviour reflects not only on her marriage but on the university itself. Then on the day of inauguration, she discovers whilst on camera, that her lover has been brutally murdered on campus. Immediately Elizabeth is plunged into despair. The stakes, if anyone discovers the affair, are too jeopardising to contemplate. But when she discovers her lover left a message on her voicemail in the moments before he is murdered, she is faced with two terrifying questions.
How can she escape this unscathed?
Who murdered her lover and why?
As events unfold, Elizabeth begins to realise she is at the centre of a very dangerous web where she can trust no one and worst of all, that in death, the man she betrayed her husband with, may cause the downfall of everything she so desperately wants.
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Published August 6, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of *Faculty of Liars* before publication. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
*Faculty of Liars* is a seductive and unsettling dark-academia thriller about murder, infidelity and the lengths to which a powerful institution will go to protect its reputation. Set within the polished but deeply secretive world of an elite New England university, the novel explores what happens when personal betrayal becomes entangled with institutional corruption.
Elizabeth Harker should be celebrating. Her husband has been selected as president of one of America’s most prestigious universities, placing them at the centre of an influential and privileged academic community. From the outside, Elizabeth appears to have everything: status, security and a husband whose career has reached an extraordinary new level.
However, Elizabeth is hiding a secret that could destroy both their marriage and her husband’s carefully cultivated public image. On the day she learns of his appointment, she is in the arms of another man.
The affair has already placed Elizabeth in a morally and emotionally complicated position, but the situation becomes far more dangerous on the day of her husband’s inauguration. Moments before she is due to step onto a stage and deliver a speech before an international audience, she is told that her lover has been brutally murdered.
Elizabeth is therefore forced to perform the role expected of her while privately absorbing the death of someone she cannot openly mourn. She cannot explain the true nature of their relationship without exposing the affair, humiliating her husband and threatening the future that has just opened before them. Her grief must remain hidden, even as questions surrounding the murder begin to grow.
This was one of the strongest aspects of the novel. Elizabeth is not simply investigating the death of someone she knew; she is trying to understand what happened while pretending that his death has no personal significance to her. Every reaction has to be controlled. She must constantly consider how much emotion she can safely show and whether even asking the wrong question will reveal more than she intends.
Elizabeth is a flawed and morally complicated protagonist. Her affair makes it difficult to view her solely as a victim, but her mistakes do not lessen the danger she faces. She is intelligent, observant and increasingly aware that the university community surrounding her is governed by rules that have little to do with truth or justice.
Her position as the new president’s wife places her close to power while denying her any meaningful control over it. She is expected to support her husband, preserve appearances and avoid creating embarrassment. Although she is welcomed into the institution’s most privileged spaces, she gradually realises that her access is conditional and that she will be protected only for as long as protecting her benefits the university.
The academic setting is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The university initially appears immaculate, distinguished and intellectually impressive. Behind that façade, however, are rivalries, affairs, ambition and people who understand that prestige can be used as a shield against accountability.
The novel captures the hypocrisy of an institution that presents itself as principled and progressive while quietly prioritising its own survival. The university is more than simply the setting of the murder. It becomes a character in its own right: wealthy, influential and practised in containing scandals before they threaten the people at the top.
I particularly enjoyed the contrast between the language of academic excellence and the reality of personal corruption. The people surrounding Elizabeth are highly educated and socially polished, yet intelligence does not make them honest. In some cases, it simply makes them more capable of manipulating the truth and protecting themselves.
The story also examines how power operates through reputation rather than physical force. Elizabeth is not always directly threatened, but she is repeatedly made aware of what she could lose. Her marriage, social position and future all depend upon keeping certain secrets hidden. Silence becomes a form of currency, and almost every character appears to know something that could damage someone else.
The murder gradually exposes fractures within the university community. The victim’s death cannot be understood in isolation because his relationships, ambitions and knowledge connected him to people who have strong reasons to avoid scrutiny. What initially appears to be a crime arising from a private affair develops into something much larger.
The title is particularly appropriate because deception exists at every level of the story. Elizabeth is lying to her husband. Her colleagues and acquaintances conceal their own relationships and motives. The institution presents a carefully edited version of itself to the outside world. Even apparent acts of loyalty may be attempts to control the narrative.
The novel raises interesting questions about whether a person who has lied can still be trusted when they claim to have uncovered the truth. Elizabeth’s secrecy inevitably makes her vulnerable. If she reports her suspicions, she risks exposing the affair. If she remains silent, she may allow the person responsible for the murder to escape.
I found Elizabeth compelling precisely because she is not entirely innocent. Her decisions have consequences, and she is forced to confront the damage caused by her own dishonesty while also recognising that others are guilty of far more serious acts. The novel does not ask the reader to excuse the affair, but it also refuses to suggest that her infidelity means she deserves what follows.
Her marriage is another important element of the story. Her husband’s new role requires them to present a united and successful partnership, even as Elizabeth privately questions what remains of their relationship. The pressure to maintain that image becomes increasingly suffocating as the investigation develops.
The novel is strongest when exploring the relationship between personal and institutional betrayal. Elizabeth has betrayed her husband, but the university may have betrayed everyone who trusted it to act honestly. The contrast forces her to consider the difference between an individual mistake and a system deliberately designed to conceal wrongdoing.
The pacing is measured at first, allowing the university environment, Elizabeth’s marriage and the affair to be established before the mystery expands. The tension grows steadily as she begins to understand that her lover’s death may not have resulted from a straightforward personal conflict.
The chapters become increasingly absorbing as Elizabeth notices inconsistencies and starts questioning the people around her. There is a constant sense that she is being observed and assessed. Because she cannot openly explain her interest in the victim, even ordinary enquiries carry risk.
I enjoyed the atmosphere more than the action. This is not a thriller built entirely around chases or physical confrontation. Much of the suspense comes from conversations in elegant rooms, carefully worded warnings and the awareness that almost everyone is performing a role.
The dark-academia elements are effective without becoming overly dependent on descriptions of old buildings or intellectual references. The setting contributes directly to the plot because the university’s hierarchy, wealth and culture of secrecy make the cover-up possible.
The exploration of gender and power is also handled well. Elizabeth is close enough to the university leadership to witness its workings but is frequently treated as an extension of her husband rather than as an independent person. Her expected role is decorative and supportive, making it easier for others to underestimate her.
At times, I did find Elizabeth’s decisions frustrating. Her determination to preserve the affair’s secrecy leads her to take risks and withhold information that might have helped her. However, her behaviour remains understandable because the consequences of exposure are so significant.
Some of the supporting characters could have been developed more fully. The university contains several suspicious and powerful figures, but not all of them feel equally distinct. A few occasionally seem designed mainly to represent possible motives or reinforce the institution’s corruption.
The plot contains a number of twists and revelations. Most fit naturally within the themes of ambition, reputation and institutional loyalty, although a few later developments require some suspension of disbelief. The story becomes increasingly dramatic as the connections between the affair, the murder and the university’s hidden scandals are exposed.
I suspected some elements before they were confirmed, but the novel still kept me interested because the larger question was not only who committed the murder. It was also how many people knew the truth, who helped conceal it and whether Elizabeth would be willing to destroy her own life in order to reveal it.
The final section brings together the different personal and institutional secrets in a tense and satisfying way. The resolution reinforces the idea that powerful organisations rarely depend upon one dishonest individual. Their protection comes from networks of people who each benefit from remaining silent.
Overall, *Faculty of Liars* is a compelling and intelligent psychological thriller with an excellent dark-academia setting, a morally complicated protagonist and a strong examination of institutional power. The combination of murder, infidelity and university politics gives the novel a distinctive and sophisticated atmosphere.
Although the pacing is occasionally slow and some of the later twists are more dramatic than entirely convincing, the central premise is strong and Elizabeth’s impossible position kept me invested. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of how respected institutions manufacture their own version of the truth and how easily reputation can become more important than justice.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy dark academia, elite institutions, morally grey women, secret affairs and psychological thrillers in which almost every character has something to hide.
*Faculty of Liars* is a seductive and unsettling dark-academia thriller about murder, infidelity and the lengths to which a powerful institution will go to protect its reputation. Set within the polished but deeply secretive world of an elite New England university, the novel explores what happens when personal betrayal becomes entangled with institutional corruption.
Elizabeth Harker should be celebrating. Her husband has been selected as president of one of America’s most prestigious universities, placing them at the centre of an influential and privileged academic community. From the outside, Elizabeth appears to have everything: status, security and a husband whose career has reached an extraordinary new level.
However, Elizabeth is hiding a secret that could destroy both their marriage and her husband’s carefully cultivated public image. On the day she learns of his appointment, she is in the arms of another man.
The affair has already placed Elizabeth in a morally and emotionally complicated position, but the situation becomes far more dangerous on the day of her husband’s inauguration. Moments before she is due to step onto a stage and deliver a speech before an international audience, she is told that her lover has been brutally murdered.
Elizabeth is therefore forced to perform the role expected of her while privately absorbing the death of someone she cannot openly mourn. She cannot explain the true nature of their relationship without exposing the affair, humiliating her husband and threatening the future that has just opened before them. Her grief must remain hidden, even as questions surrounding the murder begin to grow.
This was one of the strongest aspects of the novel. Elizabeth is not simply investigating the death of someone she knew; she is trying to understand what happened while pretending that his death has no personal significance to her. Every reaction has to be controlled. She must constantly consider how much emotion she can safely show and whether even asking the wrong question will reveal more than she intends.
Elizabeth is a flawed and morally complicated protagonist. Her affair makes it difficult to view her solely as a victim, but her mistakes do not lessen the danger she faces. She is intelligent, observant and increasingly aware that the university community surrounding her is governed by rules that have little to do with truth or justice.
Her position as the new president’s wife places her close to power while denying her any meaningful control over it. She is expected to support her husband, preserve appearances and avoid creating embarrassment. Although she is welcomed into the institution’s most privileged spaces, she gradually realises that her access is conditional and that she will be protected only for as long as protecting her benefits the university.
The academic setting is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The university initially appears immaculate, distinguished and intellectually impressive. Behind that façade, however, are rivalries, affairs, ambition and people who understand that prestige can be used as a shield against accountability.
The novel captures the hypocrisy of an institution that presents itself as principled and progressive while quietly prioritising its own survival. The university is more than simply the setting of the murder. It becomes a character in its own right: wealthy, influential and practised in containing scandals before they threaten the people at the top.
I particularly enjoyed the contrast between the language of academic excellence and the reality of personal corruption. The people surrounding Elizabeth are highly educated and socially polished, yet intelligence does not make them honest. In some cases, it simply makes them more capable of manipulating the truth and protecting themselves.
The story also examines how power operates through reputation rather than physical force. Elizabeth is not always directly threatened, but she is repeatedly made aware of what she could lose. Her marriage, social position and future all depend upon keeping certain secrets hidden. Silence becomes a form of currency, and almost every character appears to know something that could damage someone else.
The murder gradually exposes fractures within the university community. The victim’s death cannot be understood in isolation because his relationships, ambitions and knowledge connected him to people who have strong reasons to avoid scrutiny. What initially appears to be a crime arising from a private affair develops into something much larger.
The title is particularly appropriate because deception exists at every level of the story. Elizabeth is lying to her husband. Her colleagues and acquaintances conceal their own relationships and motives. The institution presents a carefully edited version of itself to the outside world. Even apparent acts of loyalty may be attempts to control the narrative.
The novel raises interesting questions about whether a person who has lied can still be trusted when they claim to have uncovered the truth. Elizabeth’s secrecy inevitably makes her vulnerable. If she reports her suspicions, she risks exposing the affair. If she remains silent, she may allow the person responsible for the murder to escape.
I found Elizabeth compelling precisely because she is not entirely innocent. Her decisions have consequences, and she is forced to confront the damage caused by her own dishonesty while also recognising that others are guilty of far more serious acts. The novel does not ask the reader to excuse the affair, but it also refuses to suggest that her infidelity means she deserves what follows.
Her marriage is another important element of the story. Her husband’s new role requires them to present a united and successful partnership, even as Elizabeth privately questions what remains of their relationship. The pressure to maintain that image becomes increasingly suffocating as the investigation develops.
The novel is strongest when exploring the relationship between personal and institutional betrayal. Elizabeth has betrayed her husband, but the university may have betrayed everyone who trusted it to act honestly. The contrast forces her to consider the difference between an individual mistake and a system deliberately designed to conceal wrongdoing.
The pacing is measured at first, allowing the university environment, Elizabeth’s marriage and the affair to be established before the mystery expands. The tension grows steadily as she begins to understand that her lover’s death may not have resulted from a straightforward personal conflict.
The chapters become increasingly absorbing as Elizabeth notices inconsistencies and starts questioning the people around her. There is a constant sense that she is being observed and assessed. Because she cannot openly explain her interest in the victim, even ordinary enquiries carry risk.
I enjoyed the atmosphere more than the action. This is not a thriller built entirely around chases or physical confrontation. Much of the suspense comes from conversations in elegant rooms, carefully worded warnings and the awareness that almost everyone is performing a role.
The dark-academia elements are effective without becoming overly dependent on descriptions of old buildings or intellectual references. The setting contributes directly to the plot because the university’s hierarchy, wealth and culture of secrecy make the cover-up possible.
The exploration of gender and power is also handled well. Elizabeth is close enough to the university leadership to witness its workings but is frequently treated as an extension of her husband rather than as an independent person. Her expected role is decorative and supportive, making it easier for others to underestimate her.
At times, I did find Elizabeth’s decisions frustrating. Her determination to preserve the affair’s secrecy leads her to take risks and withhold information that might have helped her. However, her behaviour remains understandable because the consequences of exposure are so significant.
Some of the supporting characters could have been developed more fully. The university contains several suspicious and powerful figures, but not all of them feel equally distinct. A few occasionally seem designed mainly to represent possible motives or reinforce the institution’s corruption.
The plot contains a number of twists and revelations. Most fit naturally within the themes of ambition, reputation and institutional loyalty, although a few later developments require some suspension of disbelief. The story becomes increasingly dramatic as the connections between the affair, the murder and the university’s hidden scandals are exposed.
I suspected some elements before they were confirmed, but the novel still kept me interested because the larger question was not only who committed the murder. It was also how many people knew the truth, who helped conceal it and whether Elizabeth would be willing to destroy her own life in order to reveal it.
The final section brings together the different personal and institutional secrets in a tense and satisfying way. The resolution reinforces the idea that powerful organisations rarely depend upon one dishonest individual. Their protection comes from networks of people who each benefit from remaining silent.
Overall, *Faculty of Liars* is a compelling and intelligent psychological thriller with an excellent dark-academia setting, a morally complicated protagonist and a strong examination of institutional power. The combination of murder, infidelity and university politics gives the novel a distinctive and sophisticated atmosphere.
Although the pacing is occasionally slow and some of the later twists are more dramatic than entirely convincing, the central premise is strong and Elizabeth’s impossible position kept me invested. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of how respected institutions manufacture their own version of the truth and how easily reputation can become more important than justice.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy dark academia, elite institutions, morally grey women, secret affairs and psychological thrillers in which almost every character has something to hide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2026
I hated the narrator and her point of view.
How is one so obsessed that they cannot get through the tasks in a day.
The American accents were atrocious and she mispronounced words as an American.
I did not like anyone, but as I kept falling asleep I guess maybe they could have redeemed themselves.
I have no idea who the lover is or who killed him.
Will I go back and listen to this again to see if I learn something? No way Jose.
The header on this review sais it was of an advance vlcopy from net galley. It was not. It was an audiobook through Audible.
How is one so obsessed that they cannot get through the tasks in a day.
The American accents were atrocious and she mispronounced words as an American.
I did not like anyone, but as I kept falling asleep I guess maybe they could have redeemed themselves.
I have no idea who the lover is or who killed him.
Will I go back and listen to this again to see if I learn something? No way Jose.
The header on this review sais it was of an advance vlcopy from net galley. It was not. It was an audiobook through Audible.
July 27, 2026
Faculty of Liars was an interesting read for me and one I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about. There were elements I really enjoyed, particularly the layers of deception and Elizabeth’s determination to uncover the truth, but as a thriller it didn’t quite give me the tension and urgency I personally look for.
The story is told in first person by Elizabeth Harker, but she frequently addresses her lover directly as “you”, almost as though she’s continuing a conversation with him in her mind. I really liked this aspect of the writing. It gives her narration an intimate, almost confessional quality, particularly as she’s having to keep so much of what she’s experiencing hidden.
This wasn’t the kind of thriller where I found myself constantly trying to work out who had done what. Instead, I felt as though I hitched a ride with Elizabeth as she searched for answers, gradually uncovering the truths and deceptions surrounding her.
And there is a LOT of deception!
This was probably the element I enjoyed most. I liked discovering just how deeply rooted everything was within the university and how many people were wrapped up in its secrets. At times, it really felt like Elizabeth against an entire institution.
Although the university setting is central to the story, I never really felt immersed in academia. The focus is much more on the leadership team, power, reputation and politics behind closed doors. At times, it gave me an almost White House-style feeling rather than an educational one. Either way, the setting worked particularly well as a backdrop for a story about power, betrayal and just how far an institution might go to protect itself.
I also really liked Elizabeth. She’s smart, determined and willing to take risks to get to the truth, and there were moments when I genuinely worried for her safety.
Ultimately, this felt more like a slow-burn mystery than a thriller for me. I wasn’t desperately turning the pages, but I did want to know what Elizabeth would uncover and just how far the deception extended.
Faculty of Liars was an interesting read with a protagonist I enjoyed following and was filled with secrets, power and betrayal. I can see this working particularly well for readers who enjoy slower-burn mysteries and stories centred around powerful institutions and the secrets they keep.
Thank you to R. L. Heber, Point Blank/Oneworld Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Faculty of Liars ahead of publication.
The story is told in first person by Elizabeth Harker, but she frequently addresses her lover directly as “you”, almost as though she’s continuing a conversation with him in her mind. I really liked this aspect of the writing. It gives her narration an intimate, almost confessional quality, particularly as she’s having to keep so much of what she’s experiencing hidden.
This wasn’t the kind of thriller where I found myself constantly trying to work out who had done what. Instead, I felt as though I hitched a ride with Elizabeth as she searched for answers, gradually uncovering the truths and deceptions surrounding her.
And there is a LOT of deception!
This was probably the element I enjoyed most. I liked discovering just how deeply rooted everything was within the university and how many people were wrapped up in its secrets. At times, it really felt like Elizabeth against an entire institution.
Although the university setting is central to the story, I never really felt immersed in academia. The focus is much more on the leadership team, power, reputation and politics behind closed doors. At times, it gave me an almost White House-style feeling rather than an educational one. Either way, the setting worked particularly well as a backdrop for a story about power, betrayal and just how far an institution might go to protect itself.
I also really liked Elizabeth. She’s smart, determined and willing to take risks to get to the truth, and there were moments when I genuinely worried for her safety.
Ultimately, this felt more like a slow-burn mystery than a thriller for me. I wasn’t desperately turning the pages, but I did want to know what Elizabeth would uncover and just how far the deception extended.
Faculty of Liars was an interesting read with a protagonist I enjoyed following and was filled with secrets, power and betrayal. I can see this working particularly well for readers who enjoy slower-burn mysteries and stories centred around powerful institutions and the secrets they keep.
Thank you to R. L. Heber, Point Blank/Oneworld Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Faculty of Liars ahead of publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Faculty of Liars is one of those books that might not necessarily have come across my radar had I not been introduced to it for a blog tour but I’m really glad I did as I loved delving into this dark academia slow burn thriller.
We follow Elizabeth on the morning of the news that her husband has been announced as the President of a very prestigious research university and how this will ultimately change their lives. She isn’t however at her husband’s side – she is at the side of her lover and who also happens to work at the same university. Knowing that her life will change and she will be facing more scrutiny, she knows that she will have to end their affair despite her obvious feelings for him. Things are taken out of her hands however when he is found murdered and Elizabeth hears this whilst onstage delivering a speech for her husband’s inauguration.
Elizabeth is quite a complex character but you can’t help but feel sorry for her as she has to deal with her grief and mourning in private alongside navigating her new status and role within the university. Knowing that she needs to know what happened, she begins to investigate and soon discovers it isn’t just her that is keeping a big secret - did she really know the man that she loved?
I really enjoyed how this was written, it was almost like being privy to a private conversation that Elizabeth is having the deeper she delves. The further we get into the story, the more deception we come across – I love to be surprised in books and I definitely was in this instance. What originally started off as a slow burn thriller, ramps up the pace and kept me reading when I should have been sleeping!
I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
We follow Elizabeth on the morning of the news that her husband has been announced as the President of a very prestigious research university and how this will ultimately change their lives. She isn’t however at her husband’s side – she is at the side of her lover and who also happens to work at the same university. Knowing that her life will change and she will be facing more scrutiny, she knows that she will have to end their affair despite her obvious feelings for him. Things are taken out of her hands however when he is found murdered and Elizabeth hears this whilst onstage delivering a speech for her husband’s inauguration.
Elizabeth is quite a complex character but you can’t help but feel sorry for her as she has to deal with her grief and mourning in private alongside navigating her new status and role within the university. Knowing that she needs to know what happened, she begins to investigate and soon discovers it isn’t just her that is keeping a big secret - did she really know the man that she loved?
I really enjoyed how this was written, it was almost like being privy to a private conversation that Elizabeth is having the deeper she delves. The further we get into the story, the more deception we come across – I love to be surprised in books and I definitely was in this instance. What originally started off as a slow burn thriller, ramps up the pace and kept me reading when I should have been sleeping!
I’m looking forward to reading more from the author.
August 14, 2026
Faculty of Liars is an intriguing thriller set within an academic institution where reputation and prestige are paramount - and where it seems those within it will go to any lengths to protect it.
Elizabeth Harker is married to the incoming President of a prestigious US university - but for the last twelve months has been having an affair with a member of staff. On the day of her husband's inauguration, her lover is found dead on campus. As Elizabeth seeks to get to the truth of what happened - whilst trying to ensure her own secrets remain just that - she discovers an institution full of secrets and lies, and people who are determined to ensure its reputation remains untarnished.
Elizabeth is a fascinating protagonist - whilst some of her behaviour both before and after the death is morally questionable, her determination to get to the truth as she battles the often sexist expectations of her role as President's wife, where image is everything, is admirable. As someone who grew up with a father working in academia, the university setting and the political machinations don't seem all that far from the truth.
This is more of a slow burn of a thriller but I found myself invested in Elizabeth's quest for the truth and the difficult position she found herself in. With a strong setting and a supporting cast who all seem to have something to hide there was plenty to keep me guessing until everything came together at the end.
Elizabeth Harker is married to the incoming President of a prestigious US university - but for the last twelve months has been having an affair with a member of staff. On the day of her husband's inauguration, her lover is found dead on campus. As Elizabeth seeks to get to the truth of what happened - whilst trying to ensure her own secrets remain just that - she discovers an institution full of secrets and lies, and people who are determined to ensure its reputation remains untarnished.
Elizabeth is a fascinating protagonist - whilst some of her behaviour both before and after the death is morally questionable, her determination to get to the truth as she battles the often sexist expectations of her role as President's wife, where image is everything, is admirable. As someone who grew up with a father working in academia, the university setting and the political machinations don't seem all that far from the truth.
This is more of a slow burn of a thriller but I found myself invested in Elizabeth's quest for the truth and the difficult position she found herself in. With a strong setting and a supporting cast who all seem to have something to hide there was plenty to keep me guessing until everything came together at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I found this to be a nuanced psychological thriller, there is a richness and depth to the storytelling with the author taking you on a journey with one of the main protagonists Elizabeth, a journey that delves deep into a murky world, where passion and power collide.
In someways it is a slow burner of a read which has an atmospheric air of suspense layered throughout, but all the while the tension slowly builds until it finally explodes.
I love the way the author structured the plot and built in the twists and turns, for all that there is a quality to the storytelling for me it was the characters which stood out, superbly well rounded with a real human quality packed with plenty of heart and emotion. There is a strength and determination to Elizabeth though not without flaws that make a compelling protagonist.
Throughout the book the author has a way of drawing you into this dark shady world where your never quite sure if everyone is who they say they are. The University setting plays well into the narrative. There are plenty of secrets to be revealed in this enclosed world.
I have to say I hadn’t seen the ending coming which is credit to the writing. At it’s heart this is a story about morality, power and control and just how far would you be willing to go.
This was a read which was deeply satisfying, the author drew me into this dark academic world.
In someways it is a slow burner of a read which has an atmospheric air of suspense layered throughout, but all the while the tension slowly builds until it finally explodes.
I love the way the author structured the plot and built in the twists and turns, for all that there is a quality to the storytelling for me it was the characters which stood out, superbly well rounded with a real human quality packed with plenty of heart and emotion. There is a strength and determination to Elizabeth though not without flaws that make a compelling protagonist.
Throughout the book the author has a way of drawing you into this dark shady world where your never quite sure if everyone is who they say they are. The University setting plays well into the narrative. There are plenty of secrets to be revealed in this enclosed world.
I have to say I hadn’t seen the ending coming which is credit to the writing. At it’s heart this is a story about morality, power and control and just how far would you be willing to go.
This was a read which was deeply satisfying, the author drew me into this dark academic world.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was kindly sent a free copy of this book as part of a book tour in exchange for an honest review. This was quite a slow paced read but the slow build up kept me invested and I finished it in a couple of days. I loved the multiple layers to the deception and our protagonists determination to uncover the truth. Despite her flaws, I found Elizabeth a likeable character and I was invested in her quest to find out the truth about her lovers death from the beginning. She came across as quite a strong woman and I was rooting for her to win against the bureaucracy and sexism she consistently faced. Although it’s told in the first person, the way Elizabeth constantly speaks as though still addressing her dead lover works really well and makes the narrative even more immersive. I loved the focus on the university and the power and politics involved in the running of those institutions - it felt scarily believable and the setting worked really well. 4.5 stars (rounded up to 5 on Goodreads)
Review of advance copy
A mysterious dark academia read. Elizabeth Harker is in bed with her lover when she receives a text telling her that her husband has just been accepted as President of the best university in New England.
Briefly, deciding to be the best wife possible Elizabeth makes a decision to drop the lover. Come Inauguration Day, and on stage making her speech, she is shocked to discover her lover has been murdered. As investigations continue she has to keep her affair secret as otherwise her husbands and her own life will be destroyed. This is going to take an enormous effort.
It’s not only Elizabeth that is keeping a secret, this book is chock full of them. You can see how a killer could get away with their crime when everyone closes ranks caring more about their own position rather than getting to the truth. A devious plot in this slow burn compelling novel. 3.5⭐️
Briefly, deciding to be the best wife possible Elizabeth makes a decision to drop the lover. Come Inauguration Day, and on stage making her speech, she is shocked to discover her lover has been murdered. As investigations continue she has to keep her affair secret as otherwise her husbands and her own life will be destroyed. This is going to take an enormous effort.
It’s not only Elizabeth that is keeping a secret, this book is chock full of them. You can see how a killer could get away with their crime when everyone closes ranks caring more about their own position rather than getting to the truth. A devious plot in this slow burn compelling novel. 3.5⭐️
August 9, 2026
Many thanks to Netgalley and Point Blank for the opportunity to read this book.
Elizabeth's husband has just become president of the university but she's with another man. On the day he takes his role her lover is found dead. Elizabeth needs to know what happened whilst keeping their affair a secret but much more is at play behind the scenes. Is there any way to find the truth.
This was a clever twist filled story but it didn't grip me as much as I had hoped. I enjoyed it and found the ending in keeping with the tone of the story. It was how you expected it to end given what we learn. The plot itself is well written and its one of those stories where everyone has a secret. Nobody is overtly likeable not even Elizabeth and yet I did want her to succeed. This is also one of these stories that you know could actualy happen. A good thriller but a little too easy to put down.
Elizabeth's husband has just become president of the university but she's with another man. On the day he takes his role her lover is found dead. Elizabeth needs to know what happened whilst keeping their affair a secret but much more is at play behind the scenes. Is there any way to find the truth.
This was a clever twist filled story but it didn't grip me as much as I had hoped. I enjoyed it and found the ending in keeping with the tone of the story. It was how you expected it to end given what we learn. The plot itself is well written and its one of those stories where everyone has a secret. Nobody is overtly likeable not even Elizabeth and yet I did want her to succeed. This is also one of these stories that you know could actualy happen. A good thriller but a little too easy to put down.
August 16, 2026
3* Seems like everyone's a liar and sells their soul in this university town. Some are killers, and others cover killing up. Is academia really this bloodthirsty?
There are no likeable characters in this book, including the narrator. Everyone seems to have opinions about the narrator, and the narrative of how and why things are done, with far more people involved in the (should be, but isn't emotive enough) event that starts the tale off.
Sadly, it ended up being a waste of my time, reading a book with an unsatisfying ending.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and One World Publications, for my reading pleasure.
There are no likeable characters in this book, including the narrator. Everyone seems to have opinions about the narrator, and the narrative of how and why things are done, with far more people involved in the (should be, but isn't emotive enough) event that starts the tale off.
Sadly, it ended up being a waste of my time, reading a book with an unsatisfying ending.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and One World Publications, for my reading pleasure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read Faculty of Liars before the publication date.
The author has used a monologue delivered by Elizabeth Harker, leaving the reader with only her thoughts, words and views.
Set in an American University where reputation is everything, it mixes politics and funding with big pharma.
As the story develops, it reveals that there is far more going on beneath the glossy surface of the establishment. Can Elizabeth play them at their own game?
The author has used a monologue delivered by Elizabeth Harker, leaving the reader with only her thoughts, words and views.
Set in an American University where reputation is everything, it mixes politics and funding with big pharma.
As the story develops, it reveals that there is far more going on beneath the glossy surface of the establishment. Can Elizabeth play them at their own game?
August 11, 2026
Truly gripping, with a fascinating inside look at how big academic institutions operate internally and how much work goes into the presentation of that work externally. Lots of smoke and mirrors. The first person narrative makes it personal and pacy, with a genuine plot twist at the end.
I really enjoyed it and actually think it would make a brilliant film or series - it has all the elements.
I really enjoyed it and actually think it would make a brilliant film or series - it has all the elements.
August 19, 2026
Elizabeth is the narrator and the most unlikable character I have ever read with not one redeeming quality. I was really hoping for a double murder. She has no good qualities. She is a complete hypocrite constantly whining about everyone lying to her but HELLO she lies for over a year. Her love seems like a manipulative a**hole
September 1, 2026
I haven’t finished the book yet. I’m listening via audible. However, the American accents are truly cartoonish and distracting. I wish the writer would have taken the time to use American slang rather than British sayings in an American voice.
This is certainly a slow burn and didn’t need to be an 8 hour book.
This is certainly a slow burn and didn’t need to be an 8 hour book.
Review of advance copy
An ideal summer page-turner, the kind you keep thinking about when you're supposed to be getting on with your day, but actually just want to go back to reading!!
August 16, 2026
Enjoyed the style, the slower pace and internal thoughts and monologues.
August 22, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
August 31, 2026
Still on the hunt for a dark academia I like 🫠
August 31, 2026
Just okay. I was expecting more from this one but it fell short.
September 9, 2026
Ugggghhhhhhh
September 14, 2026
Boring... Sometimes it kept my attention but mostly I just wanted to know when it would be over.
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