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A Lie for a Lie
A gripping YA mystery about seventeen-year-old Kendra, an amateur photographer who discovers her father is leading a double life.
Kendra Sullivan loves taking pictures. But when a photograph reveals that her father is leading a double life, she sets out to investigate the situation. Before long, Kendra discovers her father's second family, which he has hidden for years. Kendra's knowledge soon turns into power; she is torn between exposing her father and destroying her family as she's known it, or looking deeper for the truth and suffering that outcome. This emotionally charged mystery pushes the boundaries between truth and deception, and the consequences one faces when dealing with life-changing information.
Kendra Sullivan loves taking pictures. But when a photograph reveals that her father is leading a double life, she sets out to investigate the situation. Before long, Kendra discovers her father's second family, which he has hidden for years. Kendra's knowledge soon turns into power; she is torn between exposing her father and destroying her family as she's known it, or looking deeper for the truth and suffering that outcome. This emotionally charged mystery pushes the boundaries between truth and deception, and the consequences one faces when dealing with life-changing information.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
February 6, 2017
Unpolished, under-developed, blunt storytelling, and with one-dimensional (nonsensical) characters. Very superficial mystery, and very rushed in less than 210 pages!
RTC to come.
RTC to come.
October 14, 2017
3.75⭐️
If you want a quick, mystery with twists and turns to finish in a day this is the book for you.
If you want a quick, mystery with twists and turns to finish in a day this is the book for you.
November 3, 2016
A Lie for a Lie does not disappoint. Within the first 2 paragraphs, the novel transported me back to high school, reminding me of the emotional dualism so common to that time in one's life... The feeling of freedom and of powerlessness, the intense want to be both independent and taken care of by one's parents, the excitement of a new crush and the pain that follows when things don't go as planned.
MacCready is a gifted writer. Her work is character-centered with a strong, exciting plot line. The main character is unique and believable, working through both current and past trauma in a real way. The author's writing normalizes feelings of anxiety and depression in teens, while focusing on a smart female main character who has to deal with multiple crises at a very young age.
Whether you're an adult or a teenager, you'll enjoy this book. A Lie for a Lie is a quick read with a gripping plot-- a true page turner.
MacCready is a gifted writer. Her work is character-centered with a strong, exciting plot line. The main character is unique and believable, working through both current and past trauma in a real way. The author's writing normalizes feelings of anxiety and depression in teens, while focusing on a smart female main character who has to deal with multiple crises at a very young age.
Whether you're an adult or a teenager, you'll enjoy this book. A Lie for a Lie is a quick read with a gripping plot-- a true page turner.
September 6, 2016
A Lie For a Lie is certainly a plot-driven mystery—I wanted to figure out what was going on with Kendra's father, but after I finished, I realized the book is actually more about the characters—that good people can do not-so-good things when put in a bad situation. Everyone is multi-dimensional, even the ones who seem pretty straightforward get thrown a curve ball at the end—one character in particular surprised me (no spoilers here). My family has a cabin in Maine and the author does a great job of describing the coastal area.
A Lie For A Lie was a quick read and a subtle reminder that parents are human and make mistakes too.
A Lie For A Lie was a quick read and a subtle reminder that parents are human and make mistakes too.
June 5, 2017
If I hadn't read this book, my life wouldn't be altered. This was book was boring, and I felt like the story was dragged on. There was little suspense; and the only time I felt a little suspense was when her dad caught her on film breaking into skippers house.
My favorite thing about this book, is the ending when her and Jilly bond. It's just something that I think is cute and it's helping Kendra get her life around.
My favorite thing about this book, is the ending when her and Jilly bond. It's just something that I think is cute and it's helping Kendra get her life around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2017
This was a fast read since it's only 200 pages but for an adult reader it was entirely predictable. I guessed a "huge reveal" so early in the story that it wasn't a shock at all when it happened. It's not the author's fault, but I felt somewhat misled by the summary on the cover that says "...when a photograph reveals something unexpected, she sets out to investigate the situation." This is somewhat true because the story revolves around her investigating an incident, but I thought this was going to be like the main character discovers something fishy going on in the background of a photo she took and wants to solve the mystery... but in reality she saw "the incident" happening in real life and took a picture of it for proof. Again, not the author's fault, but it somewhat misleads readers.
For library Readers' Advisory purposes: I don't recall much cursing and there was underage drinking in this story.
For library Readers' Advisory purposes: I don't recall much cursing and there was underage drinking in this story.
June 11, 2017
I'm just going to be honest: I don't have a lot of thoughts for this book, other than I that I got nothing from it. Dry characters, boring plot, overly-condensed storyline...and the main character was so unbelievably naive and unlikable that I wanted to throw the book across the room multiple times. I hate being so negative, but I mean, wow. The only reason to read this book is because you could easily fly through it in one day (it's 200 pages, double spaced).
*This book was sent to me by Henry Holt for an honest review.
*This book was sent to me by Henry Holt for an honest review.
January 16, 2017
I don't know about anyone else, but this entire book was absolutely fantastic!! It might be one of the best books I've read in a very long time.
The story line kept you on your feet and the character development was astounding. I finished this book only after a few days, but I wish I had made it last!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good writing, fast-paced action, or vibrant characters.
The story line kept you on your feet and the character development was astounding. I finished this book only after a few days, but I wish I had made it last!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good writing, fast-paced action, or vibrant characters.
April 12, 2017
Grappling with an anxiety disorder isn't easy, but Kendra Sullivan is learning to cope and summer promises to be filled with fun and adventure, friends and first love, when she stumbles on a mystery that calls into question everything she believed to be true about her mostly contented life on the coast of Maine. Camera in hand, she sets off to unearth family secrets and try to set things back to right. You'll find yourself rooting for this sensitive and plucky protagonist who finds the wherewithal to navigate the tumult of high pressure romance while having to grow up quickly to some of the harsher realities of life. Clear your night and put on your most comfy pjs. A Lie for a Lie will keep you reading straight through to the end.
May 24, 2017
This was such a unique and cute story I loved it.
August 11, 2016
A Lie For A Lie was predictable. Was it good? Yes. Was it original? No, not really.
After reading the first page or so, I already knew what was going to happen in the book. Yes, the whole book, not just the main plot. I easily guessed what Kendra was going to discover, who she was going to end up with, and just about everything else.
That being said, the book was enjoyable to read. It was short and well paced, and I do happen to like most of the characters (all the ones I'm assuming readers are supposed to like). Kendra was an interesting multi-dimensional character that overcame a lot in the story, and in my opinion, really achieved her desired "break-out summer"... even if it is nothing like the summer she planned.
Each of the characters in A Lie For A Lie was unique, and each brought an interesting aspect to the story, even if I was able to guess their role from the moment they were introduced.
I would recommend this book for younger teen readers, who like a little bit of mystery and characters that overcome an obstacle that is holding them back. The book wasn't quite for me, but I do feel like it is a book many people would like.
After reading the first page or so, I already knew what was going to happen in the book. Yes, the whole book, not just the main plot. I easily guessed what Kendra was going to discover, who she was going to end up with, and just about everything else.
That being said, the book was enjoyable to read. It was short and well paced, and I do happen to like most of the characters (all the ones I'm assuming readers are supposed to like). Kendra was an interesting multi-dimensional character that overcame a lot in the story, and in my opinion, really achieved her desired "break-out summer"... even if it is nothing like the summer she planned.
Each of the characters in A Lie For A Lie was unique, and each brought an interesting aspect to the story, even if I was able to guess their role from the moment they were introduced.
I would recommend this book for younger teen readers, who like a little bit of mystery and characters that overcome an obstacle that is holding them back. The book wasn't quite for me, but I do feel like it is a book many people would like.
June 18, 2017
The good thing I can say about this book is that it kept my interest. It was an easy and quick read. This is good since many books can't hold my interest long and I find myself not completing them. However, I was far more interested in the main character's love life than I was in the mystery aspect of the story. In fact, there actually was no mystery. If this is what the author was going for then it didn't work. I was disappointed by the ending. The ending really fell flat. As I approached the end of the book, I could tell there weren't many pages left and I didn't know how the author would wind up the story. I was expecting some major revelation that never came. Everything in the book from her love life to the situation with her family was completely predictable and ordinary.
November 5, 2016
I read A Lie for a Lie in a weekend. The main character, Kendra Sullivan, pulled me into her story with the opening sentence. Who doesn’t have a life-altering experience etched into their brains that they relive over and over again? Like Kendra, I wanted to understand her dad’s deceit. Author, Robin McCready, artfully left clues throughout. Still, the ending was a surprise that had me thinking for days.
The coast of Maine setting added another rich layer to the story. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a fast paced mystery with distinctively flawed characters.
The coast of Maine setting added another rich layer to the story. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a fast paced mystery with distinctively flawed characters.
March 3, 2022
2.5 to 3 Stars... (ALERT: Some Spoilers)
I thought this was going to be a mystery/thriller, but unfortunately there was nothing thrilling about this book. It is basically a contemporary that focuses on 2 things:
1. Kendra's father cheating (not a spoiler)
2. Kendra's crush on Will.
Don't get me wrong, the book still held my attention for the most part, but I didn't like the ending. Also, it was really interesting that Kendra thought her dad was so very wrong for cheating on her mother, but she didn't see anything wrong with going after Will who was still in a relationship with Nicole. Was I supposed to cheer for Kendra or feel sorry for her and her situation when she was basically a cheater/mistress herself pointing fingers? Nope, I thought Kendra was a hypocrite and didn't like her.
Also, it was so clear from the beginning what type of guy Will was and I did not like how Kendra didn't want Bo as long as Will was in the picture, but after she realized Will was a cheating jerk (the irony), she is quick to say hey Bo, you can be my back up now. Yep---no.
The ending was really odd to me and it just made me feel like the whole family is very strange. Had the ending been better, then perhaps I would have rated this a half star higher.
Anyway, the story as a contemporary, had potential and I liked the fact that it didn't drag on---it didn't need to be any longer than what it was. I just would have liked it if the whole Kendra/Will/Bo thing had been omitted and for her father's affair to be more "serious" to her mother.
Content: no actual sex, but lots of kissing, touching breasts, groping, etc.
Language: There is some, but no f-bombs.
I thought this was going to be a mystery/thriller, but unfortunately there was nothing thrilling about this book. It is basically a contemporary that focuses on 2 things:
1. Kendra's father cheating (not a spoiler)
2. Kendra's crush on Will.
Don't get me wrong, the book still held my attention for the most part, but I didn't like the ending. Also, it was really interesting that Kendra thought her dad was so very wrong for cheating on her mother, but she didn't see anything wrong with going after Will who was still in a relationship with Nicole. Was I supposed to cheer for Kendra or feel sorry for her and her situation when she was basically a cheater/mistress herself pointing fingers? Nope, I thought Kendra was a hypocrite and didn't like her.
Also, it was so clear from the beginning what type of guy Will was and I did not like how Kendra didn't want Bo as long as Will was in the picture, but after she realized Will was a cheating jerk (the irony), she is quick to say hey Bo, you can be my back up now. Yep---no.
The ending was really odd to me and it just made me feel like the whole family is very strange. Had the ending been better, then perhaps I would have rated this a half star higher.
Anyway, the story as a contemporary, had potential and I liked the fact that it didn't drag on---it didn't need to be any longer than what it was. I just would have liked it if the whole Kendra/Will/Bo thing had been omitted and for her father's affair to be more "serious" to her mother.
Content: no actual sex, but lots of kissing, touching breasts, groping, etc.
Language: There is some, but no f-bombs.
September 26, 2018
The book, A Lie for A Lie, is both a heart breaking story and an emotional roller coaster. Kendra Sullivan, a seventeen year old girl, loves taking photos. She has been in love with photography ever since she was a little girl until she finds out her dad has her dad has been hiding something. As she starts to investigate, she learns to uncover more than she thinks she should. Along with the schemes her dad is pulling, she also has to deal with high school puppy love. Kendra has hard feelings for a guy named Will who goes to her school, but he already has a girlfriend. As you go through the story, you'll realize he isn't the guy she thought he was. Kendra goes through many obstacles and doesn't know what to do so she relies on those around her to help. This book is appropriate for teens our age because it shows what some of us go through whether it's in high school or our own families. I absolutely loved this book for many reasons. This book has an unexpected ending, along with many twists and turns. I recommend this book to anyone who loves solving mysteries and emotional endings.
May 3, 2019
Check out this review and others at my blog Too Many Books!
I had such high expectations for this book, and I have to say that I was just completely disappointed. Everything just felt so disjointed, like there were no actual explanations for why things were occurring like they did. Like, Kendra's anxiety from a boat crash was used for every single decision that she made, except that now she wanted to just do the opposite. It was like nothing in the past ten years since the accident had any impact on her life at all. As someone who does have panic attacks, while her feelings during them were portrayed well enough, there was just about no other reasoning going on here. The entire plot was just kind of a letdown too. I kept on wanting things to get better, and while I was invested in seeing how it was going to work out, there were just so many issues moving between the points that I was unable to follow. This was not a mystery book either. There literally was no mystery is the whole book. Overall, I just was kind of annoyed and wanted something much better than what I ended up getting out of this book.
I had such high expectations for this book, and I have to say that I was just completely disappointed. Everything just felt so disjointed, like there were no actual explanations for why things were occurring like they did. Like, Kendra's anxiety from a boat crash was used for every single decision that she made, except that now she wanted to just do the opposite. It was like nothing in the past ten years since the accident had any impact on her life at all. As someone who does have panic attacks, while her feelings during them were portrayed well enough, there was just about no other reasoning going on here. The entire plot was just kind of a letdown too. I kept on wanting things to get better, and while I was invested in seeing how it was going to work out, there were just so many issues moving between the points that I was unable to follow. This was not a mystery book either. There literally was no mystery is the whole book. Overall, I just was kind of annoyed and wanted something much better than what I ended up getting out of this book.
February 11, 2021
A lot of people seem to hate this book. Yikes.
Um...it’s not bad as far as mysteries go? I’m not big on misterios but the description captivated my attention.
Before I say my summarized thoughts on this book, I want to preface this by saying I didn’t read past chapter six. I just wasn’t into it.
It was kind of a boring read in my opinion. As someone who suffers from Sever anxiety, I didn’t find this main character relatable at all even as she talks about her anxiety and panic attacks. It’s just missing some sort of element and because of this I cannot connect with her on like the one thing we have in common.
Also, the way she freaks out about her parents cheating just seems kind of blehhhh. Like seeing your father kissing another woman is kind of bad and kind of a big deal, but I feel like it was overdramatized...obviously to make it interesting it needs to be. But it wasn’t done in a way where I was also like “oh my god, what is she gonna do?” Type thing. I was just kind of like, “girl, whatever. Just figure it out already...”
No hate. Just my thoughts
Um...it’s not bad as far as mysteries go? I’m not big on misterios but the description captivated my attention.
Before I say my summarized thoughts on this book, I want to preface this by saying I didn’t read past chapter six. I just wasn’t into it.
It was kind of a boring read in my opinion. As someone who suffers from Sever anxiety, I didn’t find this main character relatable at all even as she talks about her anxiety and panic attacks. It’s just missing some sort of element and because of this I cannot connect with her on like the one thing we have in common.
Also, the way she freaks out about her parents cheating just seems kind of blehhhh. Like seeing your father kissing another woman is kind of bad and kind of a big deal, but I feel like it was overdramatized...obviously to make it interesting it needs to be. But it wasn’t done in a way where I was also like “oh my god, what is she gonna do?” Type thing. I was just kind of like, “girl, whatever. Just figure it out already...”
No hate. Just my thoughts
September 3, 2019
The main character of this novel isn’t the best of people. But she’s gifted (cursed?) with a boundless curiosity, active desire and a burning need to uncover the truth about her family. She’s also given to deceiving herself, in a way a lot of women do, about her significant other. Does Kendra take after her father when she goes after another girl’s boyfriend or her mother when she gives into the comforting delusion that the object of her dreams is going to break up with that other woman any day now?
The story is ostensibly a YA novel but it has adult themes and resonates with the older crowd very easily. Kendra finds it hard to forgive her family for their foibles but they’re her kin. What can she do? Divorce them?
The novel is tough, tender, silly and serious by turns and strikes a comfortable balance even while it’s dealing with uncomfortable themes.
The story is ostensibly a YA novel but it has adult themes and resonates with the older crowd very easily. Kendra finds it hard to forgive her family for their foibles but they’re her kin. What can she do? Divorce them?
The novel is tough, tender, silly and serious by turns and strikes a comfortable balance even while it’s dealing with uncomfortable themes.
September 25, 2023
It was okay. I would have liked it, if it focused more on the aftermath of the reveal more. I liked how at the end her and jilly were close and if it would have focused more on that aspect, rather than the lack luster romance with Will and all the high-school drama, I would have enjoyed the book way more.
I'm not a fan of the way the romances were handled, it was obvious we were supposed to dislike Will, so everything came out forced to me.
The main character Ken, is pretty selfish and I kinda dislike her character. Bo is to good for her and obviously the one she was going to end up with because Will sucked.
Even tho, I have these problems with the book it wasn't enough to completely take me out of it, it is a quick read with little substance. But not the worst thing I've read. It had potential.
I'm not a fan of the way the romances were handled, it was obvious we were supposed to dislike Will, so everything came out forced to me.
The main character Ken, is pretty selfish and I kinda dislike her character. Bo is to good for her and obviously the one she was going to end up with because Will sucked.
Even tho, I have these problems with the book it wasn't enough to completely take me out of it, it is a quick read with little substance. But not the worst thing I've read. It had potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2017
Reading this book felt like an emotional battering ram. I know I was supposed to feel tense intrigue, but mostly I just felt like more plot and character development wouldn't be remiss.
Every character is incredibly flat. There was "the liar," "the cheater," "the overwrought artist," "the wronged party who also had a secret," "the psychologically damaged heroine who just needed answers." Cookie cutters should have come with these characters.
Which brings me to the culmination of events- or lack thereof. After the tedium of the so-called secrets and obsession of the MC, everything was forced, delivered at top speed, and then glossed over in a happy-ish ending.
The best part of this entire book was the length. Had it been any longer, this reader would have been much more inclined to a scathing review instead of the indifference it so richly deserves.
Every character is incredibly flat. There was "the liar," "the cheater," "the overwrought artist," "the wronged party who also had a secret," "the psychologically damaged heroine who just needed answers." Cookie cutters should have come with these characters.
Which brings me to the culmination of events- or lack thereof. After the tedium of the so-called secrets and obsession of the MC, everything was forced, delivered at top speed, and then glossed over in a happy-ish ending.
The best part of this entire book was the length. Had it been any longer, this reader would have been much more inclined to a scathing review instead of the indifference it so richly deserves.
May 22, 2017
I read this book with an open mind but based on first impressions alone, I knew this one wasn't going to be a favorite. I thought the story opened really quickly and not enough backstory was given nor was there much of an introduction to the main characters, as a result I felt no attachment to ANY of the characters, in fact I disliked all of them. Besides being unlikeable, the characters were also one dimensional and shallow. In terms of plot, this one was really weak and tried to be surprising and have a twist, but it all fell flat for me.
*I was sent this book for free, unsolicited from the publisher, this in no way affects my thoughts on the book.
*I was sent this book for free, unsolicited from the publisher, this in no way affects my thoughts on the book.
March 6, 2022
- i felt like the cover and description/summary made it seem more ominous and thrilling and action filled than it actually was...
- the plot, which was the 'lie' and the 'plot-twist' wasn't shocking at all in my opinion and it felt kind of bland and generic. i mean you find out the lie within the first chapter and then it's just very, very predictable and anti-climatic, and is so neutral and boring and doesn't fit the cover and description of the book at all
- not to mention, it kind of sounds like an adult tried to write what they THINK teenagers act like and talk like
- i liked the storyline i guess it was ok but tbh i was just disappointed and uninterested because i was expecting more, i was expecting more shock. it was boring
- the plot, which was the 'lie' and the 'plot-twist' wasn't shocking at all in my opinion and it felt kind of bland and generic. i mean you find out the lie within the first chapter and then it's just very, very predictable and anti-climatic, and is so neutral and boring and doesn't fit the cover and description of the book at all
- not to mention, it kind of sounds like an adult tried to write what they THINK teenagers act like and talk like
- i liked the storyline i guess it was ok but tbh i was just disappointed and uninterested because i was expecting more, i was expecting more shock. it was boring
August 28, 2023
When Kendra spots her father at an outdoor concert with a woman not her mom, she can't believe it, but after calling him and seeing him answer, she's knocked completely off kilter. He says he's in Boston at a conference, but she knows that's a lie. It forces her to question her idyllic family life and exacerbates her panic attacks that began when she nearly drowned during a storm while on a boat when she was much younger.
What ensues is her trying to deal with her confusion and hurt by hooking up with a boy and getting very drunk one night. In the harsh hungover reality of the next morning, she must confront her father as well as her mother to discover sufficient truth to stabilize her life. What she learns is nothing she could have imagined and comes with an unexpected bonus.
What ensues is her trying to deal with her confusion and hurt by hooking up with a boy and getting very drunk one night. In the harsh hungover reality of the next morning, she must confront her father as well as her mother to discover sufficient truth to stabilize her life. What she learns is nothing she could have imagined and comes with an unexpected bonus.
November 4, 2020
If I could only use one word to describe this book, it would be predictable. Every plot "twist" was instantly recognizable which makes for a pretty poor mystery book. It also portrayed the most unrealistic teenage girl. As a teenage girl with anxiety, I don't know anyone who would spend every single night at the beach. The anxiety seems to be there just to make Kendra more "relatable" which just failed in my opinion. All the characters were super two dimensional, and every plot point felt forced along without any natural flow.
July 10, 2022
I didn't exactly have high expectations going into this book. My plan was to read it and put it in my box of books to get rid of, but here I am giving it 4 stars.
I will say that I would not put this book in the mystery category. Thats just not what it is. Maybe thriller, but not really.
The main character, Kendra, stumbles upon a family secret by chance and struggles with what to do with the information she has in her hands while also dealing with her own problems like growing apart, growing up and figuring out how to do it all without having an anxiety attack.
I will say that I would not put this book in the mystery category. Thats just not what it is. Maybe thriller, but not really.
The main character, Kendra, stumbles upon a family secret by chance and struggles with what to do with the information she has in her hands while also dealing with her own problems like growing apart, growing up and figuring out how to do it all without having an anxiety attack.
June 16, 2020
Not typical read for me these days but I was interested in the the thought process of the "modern teen girl." Honestly, not too different from the '70's/'80s teenage girl found in Judy Blume novels I read back in the say...but with a cell phone...
I will admit, as a writer of spy thrillers, the "family secret" could easily have veered closer to a Harlan Coben novel I recently read. Not sure if that's good or bad to be honest...
I will admit, as a writer of spy thrillers, the "family secret" could easily have veered closer to a Harlan Coben novel I recently read. Not sure if that's good or bad to be honest...
December 7, 2017
I mean...way too short for any sort of character development and honestly the resolution of the mystery was flipping weird...I was reading other reviews that were like "I guessed the twist" or "it was so generic" like what kind of weird lives are being led in the review section for this book for how it ended to be normal or easy to guess for people? No thanks. 2.5/5
November 12, 2019
It was a great story but very predictable. Cute but short love triangle that had so much potential. Just wished it wasn't so short. The story moved too fast, it didn't give time to process before the next scene happened
May 3, 2021
A (really) quick read but it almost felt like it was the B-story in a much longer piece. Also I kept feeling like it was leading up to a much bigger mystery that never happened.
January 28, 2022
A quick, intriguing and unique YA mystery!
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