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Dead Girls Can't Lie
Best friends tell each other the truth – don't they?
When North Stone's best friend Kelly Orton is found hanging lifeless in a tree, North knows for certain it wasn't suicide. Kelly had everything to live for – a loving boyfriend, a happy life, and most importantly of all, Kelly would never leave North all by herself.
The girls have been friends since childhood, devoted to each other, soul sisters, or at least that's what North has always believed. But did Kelly feel the same way, or was she keeping secrets from her 'best friend' – deadly secrets...
When the police refuse to take North's suspicions seriously, she sets out to investigate for herself. But her search soon takes her to a glamorous world with a seedy underbelly, and before long North is out of her depth and getting ever closer to danger. Determined to find the truth, she soon wishes that dead girls could lie, because the truth is too painful to believe...
When North Stone's best friend Kelly Orton is found hanging lifeless in a tree, North knows for certain it wasn't suicide. Kelly had everything to live for – a loving boyfriend, a happy life, and most importantly of all, Kelly would never leave North all by herself.
The girls have been friends since childhood, devoted to each other, soul sisters, or at least that's what North has always believed. But did Kelly feel the same way, or was she keeping secrets from her 'best friend' – deadly secrets...
When the police refuse to take North's suspicions seriously, she sets out to investigate for herself. But her search soon takes her to a glamorous world with a seedy underbelly, and before long North is out of her depth and getting ever closer to danger. Determined to find the truth, she soon wishes that dead girls could lie, because the truth is too painful to believe...
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2017
114 people are currently reading
746 people want to read
About the author
Carys Jones
16 books235 followersCarys Jones is a thriller writer based in Shropshire where she lives with her husband, daughter and dog.
When she’s not writing she can often be found either walking round the local woodland or catching up on all things Disney related.
Carys also writes speculative thrillers with Harvill, Vintage as Carys Green. Always on My Mind is out now and The Other You will be released in March 2026.
Her favourite authors are Megan Abbott, Amy Engel and Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Carys is represented by Liza DeBlock at Greenstone Literary.
For more information about Carys please visit www.carys-jones.com or follow her online; @CarysJAuthor
When she’s not writing she can often be found either walking round the local woodland or catching up on all things Disney related.
Carys also writes speculative thrillers with Harvill, Vintage as Carys Green. Always on My Mind is out now and The Other You will be released in March 2026.
Her favourite authors are Megan Abbott, Amy Engel and Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Carys is represented by Liza DeBlock at Greenstone Literary.
For more information about Carys please visit www.carys-jones.com or follow her online; @CarysJAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
June 26, 2022
I’ve read two of these authors books before and I enjoyed both.
I enjoyed this one too. It didn’t blow me away, but the plot was good and tight and shocking enough.
What I see lots is authors using the same scenario though…..
Police doesn’t believe the persons been killed or murdered so the friend/sister/whoever takes it upon themselves to “sort it out, prove it, self investigate “. I just think for me, I’m a little bit tired of that and looking for more fresh ideas?
I enjoyed the experience and I’d recommend it.
It’s 3* but my 3* mean I liked it, enjoyed it nothing really outstanding.
I enjoyed this one too. It didn’t blow me away, but the plot was good and tight and shocking enough.
What I see lots is authors using the same scenario though…..
Police doesn’t believe the persons been killed or murdered so the friend/sister/whoever takes it upon themselves to “sort it out, prove it, self investigate “. I just think for me, I’m a little bit tired of that and looking for more fresh ideas?
I enjoyed the experience and I’d recommend it.
It’s 3* but my 3* mean I liked it, enjoyed it nothing really outstanding.
July 28, 2017
North Stone and Kelly Orton had been best friends since they were very very young and had always considered themselves to be soul sisters. When North gets the news that Kelly was found hanging from a tree on a jogging path from an apparent suicide North knows that there is no way Kelly killed herself. Kelly was a fun a vibrant person whom everyone loved with a great boyfriend and no way she'd leave her best friend behind without a word.
The police are not listening to North's pleas to investigate further into Kelly's death with all clues pointing to the suicide so North decides to take matters into her own hands and investigate Kelly's death. With what little information the police have given about Kelly's death and a few leads into her past few months North sets out to prove her theory and ends up putting herself directly in the path of danger in her search for the truth.
Dead Girls Can't Lie by Carys Jones is one of those books that after I was finished I was truly disappointed that I didn't care for it as much as I had thought I was going to when picking it up. Shortly after starting this mystery/thriller read though two distinct things happened that brought the entire book down for me from then on out.
First, I was never convinced of this amazing friendship between North and Kelly. The book takes the reader back and forth with flashes from the girls past and North's investigation in current time and truth be told the more I read I just disliked North and wondered about the friendship overall. Parts of it had me thinking North seemed just rather kind of creepy or in the very least needing a bit of help to deal with her own issues instead of focusing on Kelly.
Then the other thing that had me a bit disconnected during the read was it seemed shockingly obvious what the outcome would be at the end and then unfortunately I was right. I wanted to scream where's the twists, where are the turns? Perhaps with a shocking ending I would have at least felt happy to have continued on but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I'm chalking this one up as to the it just wasn't for me as there are others enjoying it but I couldn't say the same unfortunately.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
The police are not listening to North's pleas to investigate further into Kelly's death with all clues pointing to the suicide so North decides to take matters into her own hands and investigate Kelly's death. With what little information the police have given about Kelly's death and a few leads into her past few months North sets out to prove her theory and ends up putting herself directly in the path of danger in her search for the truth.
Dead Girls Can't Lie by Carys Jones is one of those books that after I was finished I was truly disappointed that I didn't care for it as much as I had thought I was going to when picking it up. Shortly after starting this mystery/thriller read though two distinct things happened that brought the entire book down for me from then on out.
First, I was never convinced of this amazing friendship between North and Kelly. The book takes the reader back and forth with flashes from the girls past and North's investigation in current time and truth be told the more I read I just disliked North and wondered about the friendship overall. Parts of it had me thinking North seemed just rather kind of creepy or in the very least needing a bit of help to deal with her own issues instead of focusing on Kelly.
Then the other thing that had me a bit disconnected during the read was it seemed shockingly obvious what the outcome would be at the end and then unfortunately I was right. I wanted to scream where's the twists, where are the turns? Perhaps with a shocking ending I would have at least felt happy to have continued on but unfortunately that wasn't the case. I'm chalking this one up as to the it just wasn't for me as there are others enjoying it but I couldn't say the same unfortunately.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
August 18, 2017
3.5 Stars
Kelly Orton is found hanging from a large tree in the woods surrounding their small town. But this isn't a murder mystery ... or is it?
Kelly's best friend, North Stone, is adamant that there is no way Kelly would take her own life. Kelly and North had been best friends since they were young children. North's parents had taken a trip and never returned. Her grandparents, who raised her, have also passed. Kelly knew how much North felt abandoned ... would Kelly really have left North without saying anything?
Police refuse to believe this is anything other than a suicide, so North takes it upon herself to investigate. And what North finds is that maybe she didn't know Kelly as well as she thought. Kelly was keeping secrets....
*Determined to find the truth, she soon wishes that dead girls could lie, because the truth is too painful to believe... *
The book bounces back and forth from today to when the girls were growing up. They say opposites attract and they certainly did here. Kelly is the risk taker, always pushing North into doing things outside her comfort zone. There's no doubt the girls loved each other, but was there a touch of obsession there as well?
Even now, as North looks for something, anything that could have happened, her first thought is always ... what would Kelly have done? Throw in severe insomnia, night terrors, and hallucinations, North is a basket case. Why can't North grieve and try to get past Kelly's death?
This is a character driven book filled with every emotion one can imagine.
Many thanks to the author / Aria / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Kelly Orton is found hanging from a large tree in the woods surrounding their small town. But this isn't a murder mystery ... or is it?
Kelly's best friend, North Stone, is adamant that there is no way Kelly would take her own life. Kelly and North had been best friends since they were young children. North's parents had taken a trip and never returned. Her grandparents, who raised her, have also passed. Kelly knew how much North felt abandoned ... would Kelly really have left North without saying anything?
Police refuse to believe this is anything other than a suicide, so North takes it upon herself to investigate. And what North finds is that maybe she didn't know Kelly as well as she thought. Kelly was keeping secrets....
*Determined to find the truth, she soon wishes that dead girls could lie, because the truth is too painful to believe... *
The book bounces back and forth from today to when the girls were growing up. They say opposites attract and they certainly did here. Kelly is the risk taker, always pushing North into doing things outside her comfort zone. There's no doubt the girls loved each other, but was there a touch of obsession there as well?
Even now, as North looks for something, anything that could have happened, her first thought is always ... what would Kelly have done? Throw in severe insomnia, night terrors, and hallucinations, North is a basket case. Why can't North grieve and try to get past Kelly's death?
This is a character driven book filled with every emotion one can imagine.
Many thanks to the author / Aria / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 1, 2017
How close are best friends? Are they as close as they would like to think they are? We are told that North and Kelly have been best friends since they were two years old, so their friendship goes back a long, long way. Now in their 30's they are torn apart when Kelly is found dead hanging from a tree, a supposed suicide. But there is no way that North will except that Kelly committed suicide, she does not believe that Kelly would ever take her own life and hounds the police to look into her death from a different perspective. The police are sure this is a suicide and continue to treat it as such.
I do not like giving low ratings but I did not enjoy this book. I felt nothing for any of the characters and found North to be obsessive to the point where she just became very irritating. Her obsession with Kelly was way to over the top to be believable and it all seemed too contrived. From 20% in I was sure I knew where the story was going and my assessment was correct. It was all very predictable and unrealistic and I really only finished the book as I was hoping that I would be wrong and that some great twist would occur, sadly this was not the case.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I do not like giving low ratings but I did not enjoy this book. I felt nothing for any of the characters and found North to be obsessive to the point where she just became very irritating. Her obsession with Kelly was way to over the top to be believable and it all seemed too contrived. From 20% in I was sure I knew where the story was going and my assessment was correct. It was all very predictable and unrealistic and I really only finished the book as I was hoping that I would be wrong and that some great twist would occur, sadly this was not the case.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2017
*2.5 Stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
North, 32, just lost her best friend, Kelly. Everyone keeps telling her it was a suicide but she cannot believe that and want to get to the bottom of it, at all cost.
From the synopsis alone, I thought I would love it. I was greatly disappointed. The writing style was simple and easy to follow. My problem was the characters, which were very very very annoying.
North was supposed to be smart, I found her aggravating in so many ways, especially when she kept talking about Kelly as if she was a perfect, flawless snowflake, the queen of the universe who everybody loved. She says it constantly and it drove me mad.
See, the story includes North’s flashbacks where she thinks back to her life with Kelly. I hated Kelly. I wanted to slap the shit out of her. She was selfish, pushy, judgemental and so much more.
The flashbacks were also super boring, but honestly, I found the entire story to be pretty boring. I had a LOT of trouble concentrating...
All in all, it wasn’t for me, but I’m betting many people would really like it.
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
North, 32, just lost her best friend, Kelly. Everyone keeps telling her it was a suicide but she cannot believe that and want to get to the bottom of it, at all cost.
From the synopsis alone, I thought I would love it. I was greatly disappointed. The writing style was simple and easy to follow. My problem was the characters, which were very very very annoying.
North was supposed to be smart, I found her aggravating in so many ways, especially when she kept talking about Kelly as if she was a perfect, flawless snowflake, the queen of the universe who everybody loved. She says it constantly and it drove me mad.
See, the story includes North’s flashbacks where she thinks back to her life with Kelly. I hated Kelly. I wanted to slap the shit out of her. She was selfish, pushy, judgemental and so much more.
The flashbacks were also super boring, but honestly, I found the entire story to be pretty boring. I had a LOT of trouble concentrating...
All in all, it wasn’t for me, but I’m betting many people would really like it.
July 18, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Whilst I felt that the writing could have been more engaging and convincing, this was an OK read with a fairly good plot. The consistent gloomy atmosphere was perfect for the book. Loved all the flashbacks and thought the star symbolism was a strong one. The writing style as I highlighted was the bit that didn't work for me and personally I thought this would have been a better psychological thriller if it had more depth. Overall, it was quite good.
July 15, 2017
North's best friend has been found hanging in the woods. Suicide is the supposed ruling of death. The thing though is that North doesn't believe that for one minute as her best friend Kelly would never do that, just end her life. It seems like someone else believes her too as she has been receiving text messages telling her that Kelly didn't kill herself. Who is sending her the messages and why won't the police believe her? I kept thinking during the book that the characters were in their late teens to twenties as they came across quite young but had to remind myself that they were both in their 30's. North came across a lot younger than Kelly but seemed like they were around the same age in parts of the book. During the book, North decides to do some sleuthing and investigating on her own as if the police aren't going to find out what happened to Kelly; then it is up to her. Along the way, we learn that North suffers insomnia and displays some signs of craziness. Also, North works at the conservatory and has a start of a love interest which she takes to Monaco to help solve the murder. I have to admit when the truth about what happened to Kelly was discovered, I figured half of it but the real identity of the killer surprised me and the ending twist. If you are looking for a New Adult edgy murder mystery, then Dead Girls Can't Lie by Carys Jones is the read for you.
July 7, 2017
Another book, another really good thriller about friendship. How well do we really know about our friends? North Stone believes she knows everything about her best friend Kelly so when she is found hanged by a tree on a popular jogging route she refuses to believe her friend had taken her own life. The despite all the evidence pointing to suicide.
It becomes quite obvious who the killer probably is quite early on however the trick with this book is how North can get to the truth and then prove the truth. That's where the bulk of the story is. North, however is no stranger to tragedy as her parent disappeared at sea when she was young. The book effortlessly weave the past with the present with snippets of events in the friends lives that tie in with that part of the current happenings.
It's quite taut, taking place over a short period of time. It doesn't drag a bit. The secondary characters are there for support but don't really have a lot to do or say beyond offering support/calling her mad. This is a story of friendship and the 2 women and only finding the truth matters.
I enjoyed it, it's a great beach read for us crime/mystery fans. A big thumbs up
Free arc from netgalley
August 10, 2017
When North’s best friend Kelly is found hanging from a tree on a well-known jogging route, the police are quick to rule the incident a suicide. But North doesn’t believe her friend took her own life. Kelly had no business being on that route as she didn’t jog, she had everything to live for and most importantly North is convinced her friend would never leave her alone. Best friends since the age of two, they did everything together but how well did North know Kelly? And is lack of sleep making her paranoid?
North hasn’t had an easy life. She lost her parents quite early on and Kelly has always been a constant in her life. The two girls are very different. Kelly is adventurous and up for anything, wanting to live life to the fullest. North is a planner and takes her courage from Kelly, who regularly drags her out of her comfort zone. So when Kelly is found dead, North feels incredibly lost.
There’s a solid plot as North not only tries to figure out what truly happened to Kelly but also finds strength within herself to stand on her own two feet. Through flashbacks, we get a great insight into this wonderful friendship which really brings home why North’s loss cuts so deep. Overall, I feel this needed a bit more depth and a lot more tension to really hit the mark as a psychological thriller but Dead Girls Can’t Lie was an enjoyable read that held my interest until the end.
North hasn’t had an easy life. She lost her parents quite early on and Kelly has always been a constant in her life. The two girls are very different. Kelly is adventurous and up for anything, wanting to live life to the fullest. North is a planner and takes her courage from Kelly, who regularly drags her out of her comfort zone. So when Kelly is found dead, North feels incredibly lost.
There’s a solid plot as North not only tries to figure out what truly happened to Kelly but also finds strength within herself to stand on her own two feet. Through flashbacks, we get a great insight into this wonderful friendship which really brings home why North’s loss cuts so deep. Overall, I feel this needed a bit more depth and a lot more tension to really hit the mark as a psychological thriller but Dead Girls Can’t Lie was an enjoyable read that held my interest until the end.
August 15, 2017
Thank you to Aria and Netgalley for a copy of the eARC in exchange for a fair review.
North has just found out her best friend Kelly has been found on a jogging trail hanging from a tree and the police believe that it was a suicide but North knows that isn't true. Kelly used to tell her that if she was ever found hanging from a tree on a jogging trail by a dog walker that it was murder, not suicide.
North has had trouble in the past so most people believe that she has gone over the edge with her determination to prove that Kelly didn't kill herself, but she knows that Kelly would fight for the truth if it was her, and so she sets out to find the truth.
North learns that Kelly was pregnant and it wasn't her boyfriend Dean's baby, everyone else uses that as the excuse to justify the suicide. However, that just cements North's convictions and she begins to dig deeper knowing that the yacht is the key to what happened to her she makes plans to go visit the yacht and find the truth.
Soon it seems that she in over her head, lucking Elijah from work has been keeping her company and helping her uncover the truth. But the crew is afraid, and the only person it willing to talk to her and she is told that it isn't uncommon for girls to leave the yacht early and just disappear.
I am torn in my feelings for this book, the mystery was a bit pat, but I loved the characters and I loved North's determination to do right by her friend no matter the cost. I couldn't stop reading the book at all I finished it in one sitting.
I will say initially I was wondering if the twist would be something different, I know vague but I hate spoilers and I realized if I typed out what I was going to say that I would steal that wondering from you and I just can't do that! Ha sorry, I am bad...
July 20, 2017
this is a great book. when Norths best friend Kelly is found dead hanging from a tree she knows that she didnt kill herself. nobody believes her so she sets out to find out what really happened.. at any cost. thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and author for the chance to read and review this book
August 16, 2017
When I saw this title on Netgalley, I was immediately intrigued. A young woman refuses to believe her friend has committed suicide and does whatever she can to find out how she really died. The concept behind Dead Girls Can’t Lie is quite promising, however, there are elements of the novel that just didn’t work for me.
North Stone’s best friend Kelly, has hung herself in a local park. It seems like an open and shut case of suicide, however North refuses to believe it. After losing her parents and grandparents, Kelly is the only constant in North’s life and North knows without a doubt that Kelly would never leave her. When the police refuse to investigate North’s claim, she sets out on her own to uncover the truth surrounding Kelly’s death. As she descends further into the glamorous world of the European elite, she uncovers truths that rock her to her core. What secrets did Kelly have? And why did she feel like she couldn’t tell North the truth?
The plot of this novel is well constructed. The narrative moves from flashbacks of North and Kelly’s childhood to the present, as North conducts her investigation. Jones’ writing flows smoothly and the transitions between time periods are clear for the reader. The flashbacks definitely help to set up the context surrounding North and Kelly’s relationship.
Despite the context in the flashbacks, I didn’t feel any real connection to either of the girls. In the flashbacks, it seems as though Kelly took advantage of North, and used her to get out of trouble on more than one occasion. She doesn’t seem to be the great friend North says she is. North is emotionally reliant on Kelly and seems to latch on to her to overcome her own personal issues.
I know this novel is marketed as a mystery/thriller, however, I found the thrills to be lacking. The outcome of the plot is quite evident from the beginning of the novel and there are few other twists and turns to be had along the way. I found that I kept waiting for some big surprise to happen and it just never materialized in this one.
Big thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for an ARC of this novel. It was my pleasure to provide a review!
North Stone’s best friend Kelly, has hung herself in a local park. It seems like an open and shut case of suicide, however North refuses to believe it. After losing her parents and grandparents, Kelly is the only constant in North’s life and North knows without a doubt that Kelly would never leave her. When the police refuse to investigate North’s claim, she sets out on her own to uncover the truth surrounding Kelly’s death. As she descends further into the glamorous world of the European elite, she uncovers truths that rock her to her core. What secrets did Kelly have? And why did she feel like she couldn’t tell North the truth?
The plot of this novel is well constructed. The narrative moves from flashbacks of North and Kelly’s childhood to the present, as North conducts her investigation. Jones’ writing flows smoothly and the transitions between time periods are clear for the reader. The flashbacks definitely help to set up the context surrounding North and Kelly’s relationship.
Despite the context in the flashbacks, I didn’t feel any real connection to either of the girls. In the flashbacks, it seems as though Kelly took advantage of North, and used her to get out of trouble on more than one occasion. She doesn’t seem to be the great friend North says she is. North is emotionally reliant on Kelly and seems to latch on to her to overcome her own personal issues.
I know this novel is marketed as a mystery/thriller, however, I found the thrills to be lacking. The outcome of the plot is quite evident from the beginning of the novel and there are few other twists and turns to be had along the way. I found that I kept waiting for some big surprise to happen and it just never materialized in this one.
Big thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for an ARC of this novel. It was my pleasure to provide a review!
September 6, 2017
Jones has once again brought us a wonderfully written thriller.
When North Stone's best friend, Kelly, is found hanged in the local woods, North is adamant that she was murdered, unfortunately, she's the only one who feels this way.
North has a history of heartache following the disappearance of her parents at sea when she was younger so when she tries to voice her opinion that there has been foul play, no one thinks much of it and stick with the
A tightly paced novel that takes place over a short period of time in the present, but delicately takes us back to the building of the relationship between North and Kelly through a series of flashbacks.
For me, this book was about the friendships that define us. They can be all consuming as we grow up and the lasting effects of these relationships are so deeply felt that you can never really get over them if they end for any reason.
North and Kelly had known each other forever, they were true soul mates, closer than some sisters, or so North thought.
I absolutely love it when an author lets us know the culprit fairly early on, it makes for such an intriguing read as to whether they will be brought to justice and Jones pulls this off really well. As North starts to tries to prove that she isn't just a heartbroken, sleep deprived crazy lady, the tension starts to mount and the flashbacks show that perhaps all isn't as it seemed at the start.
North made me quite emotional, she is quite a deep character with such a lot going on and with no support, I had a few moments with a lump in my throat.
Kelly was a little harder to like, but perhaps that's because I liked North so much and Kelly seemed to take advantage of her as they were growing up.
All in all, Dead Girls Can't Lie is a taut and emotional thriller that will keep you hooked and turning the pages.
When North Stone's best friend, Kelly, is found hanged in the local woods, North is adamant that she was murdered, unfortunately, she's the only one who feels this way.
North has a history of heartache following the disappearance of her parents at sea when she was younger so when she tries to voice her opinion that there has been foul play, no one thinks much of it and stick with the
A tightly paced novel that takes place over a short period of time in the present, but delicately takes us back to the building of the relationship between North and Kelly through a series of flashbacks.
For me, this book was about the friendships that define us. They can be all consuming as we grow up and the lasting effects of these relationships are so deeply felt that you can never really get over them if they end for any reason.
North and Kelly had known each other forever, they were true soul mates, closer than some sisters, or so North thought.
I absolutely love it when an author lets us know the culprit fairly early on, it makes for such an intriguing read as to whether they will be brought to justice and Jones pulls this off really well. As North starts to tries to prove that she isn't just a heartbroken, sleep deprived crazy lady, the tension starts to mount and the flashbacks show that perhaps all isn't as it seemed at the start.
North made me quite emotional, she is quite a deep character with such a lot going on and with no support, I had a few moments with a lump in my throat.
Kelly was a little harder to like, but perhaps that's because I liked North so much and Kelly seemed to take advantage of her as they were growing up.
All in all, Dead Girls Can't Lie is a taut and emotional thriller that will keep you hooked and turning the pages.
September 21, 2017
I said I was not going to read another Carys Jones book unless it came recommended by a friend. I said that! I didn't do that. The cover art and blurb for this book pulled me in, so I gave it a shot.
This book dragged for me. North was obsessive to the point of being annoying. I also had the hardest time reconciling the fact that North and Kelly were in their 30's...definitely immature in ways.
This book dragged for me. North was obsessive to the point of being annoying. I also had the hardest time reconciling the fact that North and Kelly were in their 30's...definitely immature in ways.
September 14, 2017
Suicide or murder?
Carys Jones tells the tale of best friends, North Stone and Kelly Orton who have been best friends since the age of two. Therefore why was Kelly found hanging from a tree on a well-known jogging route? Why would she leave North all alone in the world?
As you can imagine the police treat the incident as a simple suicide but was it suicide or murder? Therefore North decides to investigate and goes on her own personal quest to discover the truth at whatever the cost.
The storyline fluctuates between the past and presents so we learn that both North and Kelly have had to deal with extreme hardships in their family backgrounds. I think that this could be why they may have developed such a close friendship. Well...at least North, in particular, relied upon Kelly. Their personalities were rather like chalk and cheese.
I felt that 'Dead Girls Can't Lie' would certainly appeal to me as I love psychological thrillers. However, I felt that there could have been more depth and layers in the plot. Nonetheless, it was an easy read and would make a great holiday read.
By Galadriel.
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
Carys Jones tells the tale of best friends, North Stone and Kelly Orton who have been best friends since the age of two. Therefore why was Kelly found hanging from a tree on a well-known jogging route? Why would she leave North all alone in the world?
As you can imagine the police treat the incident as a simple suicide but was it suicide or murder? Therefore North decides to investigate and goes on her own personal quest to discover the truth at whatever the cost.
The storyline fluctuates between the past and presents so we learn that both North and Kelly have had to deal with extreme hardships in their family backgrounds. I think that this could be why they may have developed such a close friendship. Well...at least North, in particular, relied upon Kelly. Their personalities were rather like chalk and cheese.
I felt that 'Dead Girls Can't Lie' would certainly appeal to me as I love psychological thrillers. However, I felt that there could have been more depth and layers in the plot. Nonetheless, it was an easy read and would make a great holiday read.
By Galadriel.
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
October 4, 2017
Review originally posted on Rambling Lisa's Book Reviews
I was very excited to be asked to take part in this blog tour given I have read Carys’ last book, Last Witness.
How far would you go for someone you love? Would you risk your life to prove that there was something more to their death than people want to believe? If you answered ‘Yes!’ to this question then you and North have something in common. When her best friend committed suicide North was sure that this was not the case, nothing made sense about the situation.
North keeps going when everyone seems to be against her, except for a workmate. She needs to prove to the police and Kelly’s partner that this is not cut and dry. She ends up questioning their relationship, being threatened and doing things that she would never have normally done all because she loves her friend and wants her avenged.
If you have read anything by Carys Jones before then you know that she has a knack of drawing you into the story and has you hanging on every word. If you haven’t read anything by her then, why not?! Sort this out now and start here with Dead Girls Can’t Lie.
I was very excited to be asked to take part in this blog tour given I have read Carys’ last book, Last Witness.
How far would you go for someone you love? Would you risk your life to prove that there was something more to their death than people want to believe? If you answered ‘Yes!’ to this question then you and North have something in common. When her best friend committed suicide North was sure that this was not the case, nothing made sense about the situation.
North keeps going when everyone seems to be against her, except for a workmate. She needs to prove to the police and Kelly’s partner that this is not cut and dry. She ends up questioning their relationship, being threatened and doing things that she would never have normally done all because she loves her friend and wants her avenged.
If you have read anything by Carys Jones before then you know that she has a knack of drawing you into the story and has you hanging on every word. If you haven’t read anything by her then, why not?! Sort this out now and start here with Dead Girls Can’t Lie.
September 11, 2017
This novel is described as a thriller, but it's more of an exploration into the mind of a girl whose past has skewed her sense of truth. Not so much a whodunnit as a howdunnit - how does North distinguish her fertile imagination from reality and prove what she has always been convinced is true. More difficult, is can she expose the culprit to everyone's satisfaction when all those around her - but one - believes she is wrong and her mind is twisted by grief?
In this well written novel the author made me feel North's frustration, and enjoyed the flashbacks of her friendship with Kelly which illustrated their mutual dependence, or was it North's need for Kelly which made their bond so strong?
In this well written novel the author made me feel North's frustration, and enjoyed the flashbacks of her friendship with Kelly which illustrated their mutual dependence, or was it North's need for Kelly which made their bond so strong?
June 2, 2023
a really fast read, but I was a bit disappointed by the abrupt end. It kinda felt like we followed North’s journey for nothing, because yes we now know things but not what happens after. Also for me, Kelly and North relationship was really toxic, it seemed like Kelly was just using North.
Apart from that it was a good read !
Apart from that it was a good read !
August 23, 2017
Dead Girls Can't Lie
When you're best friends, you tell each other everything. You know each other inside out and don't have any secrets...or do you?
When North's best friend Kelly is found hanging in the woods, North refuses to believe that Kelly committed suicide and chose to die. When no one listens to her concerns, North investigates things herself and starts to discover things are not what she thought they were.
I really enjoyed this book, I would highly recommend that you give Dead Girls Can't Lie a go. I really liked the storyline and the depth of the characters, there are also some deep emotions running through this book. It's edgy, emotional, and even if the storyline isn't for you, the characters will more than make up for that. For me, it was a genuine page turner that I highly recommend. 4 solid stars from purplebookstand!
When you're best friends, you tell each other everything. You know each other inside out and don't have any secrets...or do you?
When North's best friend Kelly is found hanging in the woods, North refuses to believe that Kelly committed suicide and chose to die. When no one listens to her concerns, North investigates things herself and starts to discover things are not what she thought they were.
I really enjoyed this book, I would highly recommend that you give Dead Girls Can't Lie a go. I really liked the storyline and the depth of the characters, there are also some deep emotions running through this book. It's edgy, emotional, and even if the storyline isn't for you, the characters will more than make up for that. For me, it was a genuine page turner that I highly recommend. 4 solid stars from purplebookstand!
July 19, 2017
Dead Girls can't lie is an Adult Fiction book about a woman named North Stone. North had always been best friends with Kelly Orton and was shocked when Kelly was found dead, having hung herself in a tree. North doesn't believe that it was a suicide since she had so much to live for. Despite having nothing to suggest that this was anything other than a suicide, North goes off on her own to prove that her friend was murdered.
I went into this knowing no more than what was in the synopsis because I did not want to be spoiled. I think this is usually the best way to go into mystery books. The first chapter did not pull me into the story. Overall, I was never hooked into the story until the very end. The writing was nothing special in my opinion. I was sometimes confused by the story being told partially in the past. I don't think this was a bad idea, it was just executed poorly.
The main character, North, bothered me. At times she was very independent and other times she was completely helpless without Kelly. One thing that also bothered me about her was that she never slept. I understand that she was meant to have Insomnia, but even times where she would go for days without sleeping she seemed very lucid. I just found it to be unrealistic. I did have problems with any of the other characters, and I have to say I really liked a few of them. They all had very distinct personalities.
The POV did not change at all throughout the book. It was 3rd person through the entire thing. It is not a big deal, but I felt like adding another POV could have really improved the story. Dean ,Kelly's ex boyfriend, would have been a really good one to add.
Some of the things that happened seemed a little too convenient. I won't give examples for the sake of spoilers, but it, overall, seemed unrealistic.
The ending was the best part of this book, it is what saved it from getting one star.
Rating: ⭐⭐
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this knowing no more than what was in the synopsis because I did not want to be spoiled. I think this is usually the best way to go into mystery books. The first chapter did not pull me into the story. Overall, I was never hooked into the story until the very end. The writing was nothing special in my opinion. I was sometimes confused by the story being told partially in the past. I don't think this was a bad idea, it was just executed poorly.
The main character, North, bothered me. At times she was very independent and other times she was completely helpless without Kelly. One thing that also bothered me about her was that she never slept. I understand that she was meant to have Insomnia, but even times where she would go for days without sleeping she seemed very lucid. I just found it to be unrealistic. I did have problems with any of the other characters, and I have to say I really liked a few of them. They all had very distinct personalities.
The POV did not change at all throughout the book. It was 3rd person through the entire thing. It is not a big deal, but I felt like adding another POV could have really improved the story. Dean ,Kelly's ex boyfriend, would have been a really good one to add.
Some of the things that happened seemed a little too convenient. I won't give examples for the sake of spoilers, but it, overall, seemed unrealistic.
The ending was the best part of this book, it is what saved it from getting one star.
Rating: ⭐⭐
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2017
They synopsis and the author drew me in right away. I had read a couple of other books by Carys Jones in the last few months and she easily made the list of Jump on this book now for authors I watch out for. She’s a fantastic writer who makes suspense filled novels feel easy to read and immerse yourself into so you can enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes from being creeped out by her character’s less than ethical deeds.
This one I’m still trying to figure out how I feel.
When I first started reading something about the main character’s (North) dialogue and actions felt like she was an older teen or at least close to that. Not so far in you discover she’s actually in her early 30s but I could never shake that her mindset, the way she was described and acted, was easily a decade or more younger.
Another problem I had was the story moves back and forth between present and past in order to show more of the life between the best friends since the story revolves around the alleged suicide of one of them. It would’ve been easier to distinguish when it had gone into the past if Jones had uses a different font, style or even a whole new chapter for those sections so you could mentally switch gears easier as well. Eventually you get used to knowing what time period you’re in but I would’ve liked a clearer definition from the start.
In the end though the most disappointing thing was that it felt as if you could read the first few chapters then skip to the last few chapters and still get the whole story without feeling like you are missing anything important. Her normal ability to add build up and suspense to keep you guessing just wasn't here, it was like her heart wasn't into this one.
It feels like Jones is having an off day with this one so hopefully her next will find her showcasing that amazing talent I know she has.
This one I’m still trying to figure out how I feel.
When I first started reading something about the main character’s (North) dialogue and actions felt like she was an older teen or at least close to that. Not so far in you discover she’s actually in her early 30s but I could never shake that her mindset, the way she was described and acted, was easily a decade or more younger.
Another problem I had was the story moves back and forth between present and past in order to show more of the life between the best friends since the story revolves around the alleged suicide of one of them. It would’ve been easier to distinguish when it had gone into the past if Jones had uses a different font, style or even a whole new chapter for those sections so you could mentally switch gears easier as well. Eventually you get used to knowing what time period you’re in but I would’ve liked a clearer definition from the start.
In the end though the most disappointing thing was that it felt as if you could read the first few chapters then skip to the last few chapters and still get the whole story without feeling like you are missing anything important. Her normal ability to add build up and suspense to keep you guessing just wasn't here, it was like her heart wasn't into this one.
It feels like Jones is having an off day with this one so hopefully her next will find her showcasing that amazing talent I know she has.
July 29, 2017
Firstly, thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In a brief outline of the plot, we see North Stone - a woman who has seen more than her fair share of despair and grief - coming to terms with the suicide of her best friend, Kelly. However, North refuses to accept that Kelly would do that and so she starts to dig around Kelly's life to find out the answers to the secrets she never knew Kelly had kept.
So, while I found this novel went on a quite a steady pace, doing enough to keep you wanting to read on, I wouldn't exactly call it a thriller. I can't say there were any moments when I felt the urge to bite my nails or sit on the edge of my seat. It's more intriguing and interesting than thrilling. I also have to say that I can't really come to terms with the ending - for me it left more questions than answers. Hence the reason for only four stars.
Finally, on a personal note, while many people would find the name "North" quirky and unusual - which I'm guessing the author was counting on - I found it rediculous and quite annoying. I'll admit that, if I'd met this girl in real life, I'd not like her just because she had a stupid name. (Cue the backlash!)
In a brief outline of the plot, we see North Stone - a woman who has seen more than her fair share of despair and grief - coming to terms with the suicide of her best friend, Kelly. However, North refuses to accept that Kelly would do that and so she starts to dig around Kelly's life to find out the answers to the secrets she never knew Kelly had kept.
So, while I found this novel went on a quite a steady pace, doing enough to keep you wanting to read on, I wouldn't exactly call it a thriller. I can't say there were any moments when I felt the urge to bite my nails or sit on the edge of my seat. It's more intriguing and interesting than thrilling. I also have to say that I can't really come to terms with the ending - for me it left more questions than answers. Hence the reason for only four stars.
Finally, on a personal note, while many people would find the name "North" quirky and unusual - which I'm guessing the author was counting on - I found it rediculous and quite annoying. I'll admit that, if I'd met this girl in real life, I'd not like her just because she had a stupid name. (Cue the backlash!)
July 16, 2017
I have to admit I was not a huge fan of Wrong Number, but I'm always willing to give an author another try.
I would have liked to have had more information on the characters, Kelly came off as someone just using North as a get out of trouble card. I didn't see a real friendship here.
There was too much wrong with this story to make me care about any of them. I thought it was quite shallow and it did not hold my attention or make me want to know what happened.
I would have liked to have had more information on the characters, Kelly came off as someone just using North as a get out of trouble card. I didn't see a real friendship here.
There was too much wrong with this story to make me care about any of them. I thought it was quite shallow and it did not hold my attention or make me want to know what happened.
December 13, 2017
This thriller was ok. North's best friend Kelly has committed suicide. The story is of North's conviction that Kelly would never kill herself. She sets out to prove Kelly was murdered. I did get bored halfway through the book and skipped some pages to get to the predictable ending.
May 12, 2018
Wasn’t for me *No Spoilers*
What an unusual storyline. I found this book hard to invest in, I didn't really connect with the characters and it wasn't my best read, I just wanted more than I found in the book I guess, it just wasn't for me.
What an unusual storyline. I found this book hard to invest in, I didn't really connect with the characters and it wasn't my best read, I just wanted more than I found in the book I guess, it just wasn't for me.
August 28, 2018
A big thumbs down on this one. A thriller with no thrills. A whodunit it with no twists and a tiresome lead character.
August 25, 2017
I always get so excited when an author I have read before comes out with a new work. I was thrilled to find out that Carys Jones, the author of Wrong Number and Last Witness was coming out with a new book this month. The synopsis hooked me right away:
Best friends tell each other the truth – don’t they?
When North Stone’s best friend Kelly Orton is found hanging lifeless in a tree, North knows for certain it wasn’t suicide. Kelly had everything to live for – a loving boyfriend, a happy life, and most importantly of all, Kelly would never leave North all by herself.
The girls have been friends since childhood, devoted to each other, soul sisters, or at least that’s what North has always believed. But did Kelly feel the same way, or was she keeping secrets from her ‘best friend’ – deadly secrets…
When the police refuse to take North’s suspicions seriously, she sets out to investigate for herself. But her search soon takes her to a glamorous world with a seedy underbelly, and before long North is out of her depth and getting ever closer to danger. Determined to find the truth, she soon wishes that dead girls could lie, because the truth is too painful to believe…
This one had K.A Tucker, He Will Be My Ruin, vibes (which was a book I had BINGE read a few months ago) written all over it. Now that I have finished Dead Girls Can’t Lie, my feelings are a bit mixed.
WHAT I LIKED:
The Writing: What can I say? I am a sucker for the writing style of Carys Jones. I find her work easily digestible and captivating. I never have a problem losing myself in the story. Her transitions are effortless and her narrative voice is strong. Regardless of any issues, I would have with the actual plot or with the characters, her writing style would have me coming back for more.
The Plot: I am always a sucker for anything that comes down to a betrayal or a double life. Watching North desperately try to get to the bottom of what happened to her friend had me entertained.
WHAT I STRUGGLED WITH:
Although I really liked the general concept of the book, I found that the book lacked any sort of “edge”. It felt like a lighter version of a thriller and, for me, I think my thrillers to be very dark and gritty.
Overall, if you are looking for something very dark and twisted, then this will leave you disappointed. However, if you like a lighter, well-written mystery, then I believe you have found your next read!
Best friends tell each other the truth – don’t they?
When North Stone’s best friend Kelly Orton is found hanging lifeless in a tree, North knows for certain it wasn’t suicide. Kelly had everything to live for – a loving boyfriend, a happy life, and most importantly of all, Kelly would never leave North all by herself.
The girls have been friends since childhood, devoted to each other, soul sisters, or at least that’s what North has always believed. But did Kelly feel the same way, or was she keeping secrets from her ‘best friend’ – deadly secrets…
When the police refuse to take North’s suspicions seriously, she sets out to investigate for herself. But her search soon takes her to a glamorous world with a seedy underbelly, and before long North is out of her depth and getting ever closer to danger. Determined to find the truth, she soon wishes that dead girls could lie, because the truth is too painful to believe…
This one had K.A Tucker, He Will Be My Ruin, vibes (which was a book I had BINGE read a few months ago) written all over it. Now that I have finished Dead Girls Can’t Lie, my feelings are a bit mixed.
WHAT I LIKED:
The Writing: What can I say? I am a sucker for the writing style of Carys Jones. I find her work easily digestible and captivating. I never have a problem losing myself in the story. Her transitions are effortless and her narrative voice is strong. Regardless of any issues, I would have with the actual plot or with the characters, her writing style would have me coming back for more.
The Plot: I am always a sucker for anything that comes down to a betrayal or a double life. Watching North desperately try to get to the bottom of what happened to her friend had me entertained.
WHAT I STRUGGLED WITH:
Although I really liked the general concept of the book, I found that the book lacked any sort of “edge”. It felt like a lighter version of a thriller and, for me, I think my thrillers to be very dark and gritty.
Overall, if you are looking for something very dark and twisted, then this will leave you disappointed. However, if you like a lighter, well-written mystery, then I believe you have found your next read!
July 8, 2017
North Stone has strong convictions that her friend, Kelly, didn't kill herself. The problem is that no one will listen to North. The case seems pretty cut and dry, and North has a checkered past that doesn't make her the most reliable witness. When North receives cryptic text messages supporting her beliefs, she is determined to uncover the truth at all costs.
The complex plot has many layers. Each character is developed a little more as each layer is peeled back. North soon decides to undertake the investigation on her own, leading her to discover things about her friend and herself that might've been best left uncovered. Periodic flashbacks occur in he story that are in place to explain certain scenes. The flashbacks mainly serve as a means to show how Kelly's attitude and determination from the past drive North out of her comfort zone to help her on her investigation into Kelly's death. The flashbacks often clarify situations that North is facing. The author does a great job developing North's character as she masterfully weaves the past together with the present.
North's investigation uncovers a tangled web of money, power, and suspicious activity that she feels Kelly was involved in. North is a very anxious person, and she is constantly on edge throughout the whole book. Her nerves are frayed. At several points in the book North questions her own sanity. There are various reasons for this, but it really amps up as her own life becomes threatened. There is plenty of suspense in this book, and a few plot twists that ratchet the tension up along the way, but North is relentless in her pursuit of truth and justice.
I would recommend this book to fans of thrillers and suspense. I received this as a free ARC from Aria on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The complex plot has many layers. Each character is developed a little more as each layer is peeled back. North soon decides to undertake the investigation on her own, leading her to discover things about her friend and herself that might've been best left uncovered. Periodic flashbacks occur in he story that are in place to explain certain scenes. The flashbacks mainly serve as a means to show how Kelly's attitude and determination from the past drive North out of her comfort zone to help her on her investigation into Kelly's death. The flashbacks often clarify situations that North is facing. The author does a great job developing North's character as she masterfully weaves the past together with the present.
North's investigation uncovers a tangled web of money, power, and suspicious activity that she feels Kelly was involved in. North is a very anxious person, and she is constantly on edge throughout the whole book. Her nerves are frayed. At several points in the book North questions her own sanity. There are various reasons for this, but it really amps up as her own life becomes threatened. There is plenty of suspense in this book, and a few plot twists that ratchet the tension up along the way, but North is relentless in her pursuit of truth and justice.
I would recommend this book to fans of thrillers and suspense. I received this as a free ARC from Aria on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2017
I was very excited to read this book because I love thrillers. It may be because I've read so many good ones recently, but this one didn't live up to my expectations.
The concept for the story was very good. North suspects that Kelly didn't kill herself. But at the same time, North has a history of mental problems due to insomnia, so she isn't taken seriously. Some of the things she did in her past are explained logically, demonstrating that she wasn't actually crazy, such as the car accident she got in as a teen. But some parts are forgotten and not explained, so her suspicions remain suspect.
There were so many red herrings as to who actually Kelly. There were a lot of possible suspects, but they weren't really explored or given a justified solution. Also, Elijah was constantly asking North if she was okay. I wanted to shout at him "Of course she's not okay! She just lost her last loved one!" It made me very suspicious of him and I became frustrated when he wouldn't leave it alone.
I also don't think there was a purpose in North's parents being lost at sea. I'm not sure why they were just presumed dead, rather than actually killed off in the story. I think their death just kept North hanging in this in-between of wondering if they were still alive, which gave her even more pain.
While I was disappointed in the outcome of the story, I did have an emotional response to many parts which connected me to the story. I was frustrated with Elijah and I felt sorry for North. The premise for the story was good, but I wish it was executed better.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The concept for the story was very good. North suspects that Kelly didn't kill herself. But at the same time, North has a history of mental problems due to insomnia, so she isn't taken seriously. Some of the things she did in her past are explained logically, demonstrating that she wasn't actually crazy, such as the car accident she got in as a teen. But some parts are forgotten and not explained, so her suspicions remain suspect.
There were so many red herrings as to who actually Kelly. There were a lot of possible suspects, but they weren't really explored or given a justified solution. Also, Elijah was constantly asking North if she was okay. I wanted to shout at him "Of course she's not okay! She just lost her last loved one!" It made me very suspicious of him and I became frustrated when he wouldn't leave it alone.
I also don't think there was a purpose in North's parents being lost at sea. I'm not sure why they were just presumed dead, rather than actually killed off in the story. I think their death just kept North hanging in this in-between of wondering if they were still alive, which gave her even more pain.
While I was disappointed in the outcome of the story, I did have an emotional response to many parts which connected me to the story. I was frustrated with Elijah and I felt sorry for North. The premise for the story was good, but I wish it was executed better.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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