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The Last Lie

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Everyone lies…but some lies are deadly.

For Claire Daniels, life is good. She has everything she’s ever wanted – a career she loves, friends she can rely on and a husband who dotes on her. All she needs is to start a family of her own and things will be even better than good.

They’ll be perfect.

For Alfie, it couldn’t be more different. His life with Claire is built on a lie. A lot of lies. And she can never find out.

Because Alfie has plans for her. Plans which must never come to light. But lies have a way of taking on a life of their own, and when his do, the consequences threaten to destroy everything.

For him and Claire.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

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About the author

Alex Lake

14 books894 followers
Alex Lake is a British novelist who was born in the North West of England. After Anna, the author’s first novel written under this pseudonym, was a No.1 bestselling ebook sensation and a top-ten Sunday Times bestseller. The author now lives in the North East of the US.

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5 stars
1,245 (24%)
4 stars
2,060 (40%)
3 stars
1,323 (26%)
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310 (6%)
1 star
87 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews
Profile Image for Ken.
2,562 reviews1,375 followers
March 27, 2019
Just like the other Alex Lake novel that I’d previously read, the solution was pretty easy to spot early on. As with ‘Killing Kate’ I had a whole lot of fun following the journey through to the conclusion.

The story jumps between married couple Alfie and Claire, they seem to be happily suited and are just missing a baby of their own to become the perfect family.
Claire is desperate to full pregnant whilst Alfie wants no such thing...

I felt so sorry for Claire as her hopes were dashed with every pregnancy test proving negative, you have to suspend your disbelief slightly for the lengths Alfie would go to keep he’s secret.
It was quite gripping to see how far the lie could stretch, I was just waiting for him to hopefully slip up.

I liked the way the story progressed through the second act and was wrapped up nicely.
I found this to be highly enjoyable and will definitely pick up Lake’s next release.
Profile Image for 8stitches 9lives.
2,853 reviews1,724 followers
December 2, 2018
Unfortunately, the first word that sprung to mind when ruminating over this book in the hours after finishing it was patronising. It felt a lot like I was been treated like an imbecile, and the author spelt everything out when it should've been left to the reader to use their powers of deduction to work out the clues given the genre. This constant explaining of even really obvious points was incredibly irksome and interrupted the flow of the writing making it very disjointed. Not only that, but the author went on to repeat these points multiple times over the course of the novel as though the reader had the memory of a goldfish and needed reminding over and over. I also guessed the twist very early on, and the characters were superficial and lacking in depth. That said, I would read another book by Lake but only because the previous titles were well written and had none of the issues mentioned here.

Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
182 reviews10 followers
January 4, 2019
Wow this book was absolutely brilliant. It had me hooked from start to finish. I loved every page and there was never a dull moment. I figured on quite early what was happening as the author made it pretty obvious but it didn’t change anything for me. Normally if you figure things out early on it can make the story dull but this definitely wasn’t the case with this. It was thoroughly well written with great characters. I have read every Alex Lake book and I’ve always loved them. I already cannot wait until the next one. A great book to start 2019. I definitely recommend this.
Profile Image for Julie Parks.
Author 1 book81 followers
December 7, 2018
I LOVED this. I mean who doesn't love a good husband-against-wife plot these days? The marriage that's supposedly perfect on the outside but, oh so broken on the inside.

The first part of the book dragged a bit and was super predictable, but then things turn around and you realize the author's purposefully set it up like that so that you would be completely thrown off your horse during the second part.

This seemed like a typical Mr. and Mrs. Smith scenario at first but I must say I couldn't guess who will tell THE LAST LIE until the very last chapter.



Also, I think the husband character could've been developed more - more villain-y. There were times when, in the light of what they both were going through, I considered if she had actually met her match. But then again...that ending!

Big thanks to NetGalley for this cope in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,895 reviews120 followers
December 27, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

Having read one of the author's previous books, Copy Cat and loved it, as soon as I saw that this book was available to download I jumped at the chance to get a copy and dove right in as soon as it landed on my Kindle!

I absolutely LOVED this story - I finished this book a little before midnight on the day I started it and I had to do my review straight away - my head was buzzing, it is one of those books that you want to see how it ends but feel genuinely saddened that it's over!

I loved the storyline for this, there were twists and turns and it had me guessing more than once, it is all worked through very well with no loose ends - I found it completely addictive!

I was really finding myself emotionally involved with the characters too when I was reading the story, I loathed Alfie and loved Claire! They were very well developed and superb in their own way. I loved the writing style and it made for a brilliant read.

Five stars from me for this one, I was hooked right from the first few paragraphs and read it in a day, really was a book I didn't want to put down and the ending - perfect!
Profile Image for Unidentified.
111 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2018
My first thriller I've picked up in a long time and although I hadn't researched or heard much about it to begin with and went in with an open mind I was sorely disappointed. The story is explanatory rather than descriptive and instead of letting the story unfold for the readers it has to be explained through dialogue that often seem pointless and interjected. Furthermore a new set of characters were introduced, with their own POV, only a few chapters before the ending. The twist of this story had potential but was poorly executed, and fell flat just as they were about to take off and get interesting. All in all I feel like it was a bad waste of time that I could have spend better.
Profile Image for Effy.
171 reviews66 followers
September 23, 2022
My whole review could easily be encapsulated in one sentence. "You" meets "Gone Girl". (I don't know if it's just me but I really got such vibes.)
• A marriage that looks immaculate on the outside, but has skeletons in the closet on the inside? ✔
• A twisted, patronising, sinister psychopath who doesn't feel for another human being other than himself, and gets a kick out of taking others' lives? ✔
• A wife who vanishes into thin air? ✔
• A problematic couple trying to outsmart one another? ✔
Claire and Alfie's story had me hooked from start to finish. At first, the third person narration alternating between Claire's and Alfie's point of view respectively put me off. The longer I ruminated over the book, the more difficult it got not to follow the characters' journey through to the conclusion.
Alfie's character resembled a caricature. I felt like his wretchedness was exaggerated, and I had to suspend my disbelief multiple times.
Claire was a more well-rounded heroine. I found it compelling to read about a character navigating a path through despair, betrayal and vengeance, and witness what grief can do to a person. I liked the story's turn of events towards the middle part of the novel when Claire went from the victim to the victimizer, taking the matter into her own hands the moment her hopes were dashed. I enjoyed the moment when tables were turned.
The only thing I didn't like was the fact that the solution was too obvious and easy to spot. In my humble opinion, it should have been left to the reader to work out how the pieces of the puzzle fit together. I guessed the major plot twist early on without letting that be a hindrance to my enjoyment of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Erin (from Long Island, NY).
581 reviews207 followers
July 12, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun, back stabbing, can't trust anybody story! From the beginning, certain things were obvious- the author let you know right off the bat.. But the characters were well formed (i especially enjoyed Claire's progression) & i was completely drawn in! The whole premise may be a little far fetched, but not in an absolutely ridiculous or impossible way. The author just pushed "normal" people's attitudes & behaviors.. but it went down easy for me! & the ending was great! Imo this was an easy read. Not much to see through or figure out... Perfect for when you want to turn your mind off & just enjoy eavesdropping on someone elses life.
Profile Image for Kate.
1,632 reviews396 followers
January 3, 2019
I read this in one big greedy gulp! I'm not a big fan of psycho thrillers (on the contrary) but I've enjoyed all of Alex Lake's novels and this is possibly my favourite. I could see where it was going and I did work it out but that didn't detract from my enjoyment in the least. 4.5 stars rounded up. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
Profile Image for Adele Shea.
722 reviews19 followers
December 9, 2018
If you're looking for a book about lies, affairs, murder and deceit then look no further than Alex Lakes, The Last Lie.
A really enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Marc Bougharios.
600 reviews
June 23, 2019
A fisrt by Alex Lake, although I have a copy of Killing Kate. If all of Lake's books are like this one, then he is one of my favorite new authors.

There is no such thing as the perfect marriage. Alfie and Claire are living a good life in a good home. They both love each other very much, but Alfie has sinister plans for his wife. He is not the loving husband that Claire thought he was. But his plans are messed up when something happens. In the end, lies have a way of catching up to you.

I can't really say much about this novel without spoiling it, but I can say that I finished it in one day. I flew through The Last Lie. I'm a sucker for twisty domestic thrilers and this sure sucked me in. I felt like I was a part of Alfie and Claire's marriage and I was witnessing it break from the sidelines. Lake does such a wonderful job with the point of views. We get point of views from Alfie, Claire and the detectives.

It's always interesting to see how every author crafts their domestic thrillers because every writer has a different way of writing them. I can say that I've read my fair share of domestic thrillers, but this has to be one of my favorites by far. I knew what the twist would be at the end of the novel, but it made it even more entertaining to read because I didn't know what would happen at the end.

This is one dark, twisted domestic thriller and it really delivers! Stay tuned for my next Alex Lake read!
Profile Image for Jayne.
1,029 reviews675 followers
November 21, 2024


NO LIES:
I always enjoy books with unlikeable and deeply flawed protagonists....

And THE LAST LIE was no exception.

This pacey and entertaining book was character-driven and never missed a beat.

I especially enjoyed the character of the mendacious and wickedly evil husband.

I listened to the audiobook read by Laura Kirman. who did a fabulous job with the narration.

One of my favorite Alex Lake books.

4.5 STARS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Laura Wonderchick.
1,610 reviews183 followers
December 30, 2018
Quick enticing read that had me thinking one way but sure flipped around on me. I enjoyed this one a lot.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,324 reviews571 followers
January 6, 2019
It seems like any time I sit down with an Alex Lake book, I know I need to shut out the world for a few hours and read it non stop. The Last Lie was no exception, I have no idea what was going on around me for the past 3 hours while I was completely hooked on Alfie and Claire's story. Although looking around I appear to be safe and sound at home, so probably didn't miss much in the real world!

Although due to the level of intensity I felt with the story, I do feel slightly discombobulated as I feel as though I as alongside Claire and Alfie every step of the way. At times I had my own theories as to what the main outcome was, and I was frustratingly close to being able to guess, but outcome and the finer points and motivations still were outside my reach.

Having read most of this authors books, this has the sort of themes I have come to expect but with a whole new story and excellent writing that grasps you by the throat and won't let you go until you have reached the end.

Alex Lake is incredibly talented, and I was completely absorbed by the story - which was written in three main parts.

The first part and only one I'm commenting on, had us seeing Claire and Alfie's marriage from both of their points of view, and as a result were aware of all sorts of information that acted as hooks, but also key points for later in the book.

On paper they look like a couple incredibly happy and in love, but as fans of psychological thrillers especially know, its what happens in private that can be fascinating, and discovering you don't know your partner as well as you think you do is always rather enlightening.

The Last Lie is an addictive and compulsive read that had me hooked early on and that I utterly enjoyed. every second of.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Madeline.
193 reviews27 followers
January 18, 2019
The Author Let Go of the Reins!

The story held my interest for the first half. Then this ride began to veer off course and the characters became less realistic. One main character suddenly became a very revengeful person and seemed to lose her identity in ways that just didn’t jibe with who she was. The other character continued to be a psychopathic sociopath but since he had always been this way, it was difficult to swallow that no one ever noticed in his entire life that he was a bit off. By the time the book reached its conclusion I think the jockey had lost the reins, the horse jumped over the fence and as far as I know, is still running. We all know that authors can take liberties, but since I don’t want to give some of the not- meant- to -be -humorous parts away, if you read this for fun, I think you had better get ready for a few chuckles.
Profile Image for Julie Lacey.
2,024 reviews131 followers
December 2, 2018
This book will have you hooked from the first few chapters.
Claire and Alfie appear to be the perfect couple to their friends and for Claire, life is good except she is desperate to start a family.
We then read a chapter from Alfies’s perspective and realise he doesn’t want children and doesn’t like Claire very much.
He is what I would call, a weasel, and I just wanted Claire to work her way through all his lies. He is so selfish but is a brilliant manipulator.
Something happens and the story is turned completely on it’s head and I loved the way the story ended.
I can’t say too much more as I don’t want to spoil it, but if you like a good psychological thriller, then you’ll love this book.
Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Profile Image for Donna.
2,370 reviews
December 13, 2020
Just a few pages into the story, we learn that husband Alfie is not a nice guy. He hates his wife Claire but she is rich and he has plans for that money. Claire is totally taken in by the tender, loving persona that Alfie shows her. If only she knew his thoughts. She wants a baby but Alfie doesn't and he didn't tell her about the vasectomy he got. Let's see how he gets out of this one.

It's a good cat and mouse story. If ever a character needed a slapdown, it's Alfie. He's a character you pray gets exactly what he deserves. I liked the first half of the book better because I figured out much of what was happening, although there were still a couple of surprises. I liked the ending.
Profile Image for Nicole.
889 reviews330 followers
May 14, 2022
Alex Lake is a thriller author I don't hear many people talk about but I've read a couple of their books now and I always really enjoy them.

This one starts off as a pretty standard domestic thriller but it turns dark pretty quickly.

I really enjoyed the writing style. It's very easy to read.

I was hooked really quickly into the story. I was constantly guessing throughout the book.

I did manage to guess the ending which was a shame but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

I liked the short chapters and alternating perspectives. It made for a very fast paced and enjoyable read.

Overall, if you are someone who enjoys domestic suspense thrillers then I think you'll really enjoy this one. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Maggie61.
784 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2019
Claire and Alfie are the “it couple”. They have everything going for them. They have good jobs, money, and a marriage that everyone envies.
But there is one dark cloud in this picture; something missing. A baby. It isn’t like they haven’t tried To have a but it just isn’t happening for them and is starting to affect their relationship. And that isn’t the only dark cloud.
This is a delicious game of cat and mouse. But who’s the cat and who’s the mouse?
I read one of Alex Lake’s previous books “copycat” and loved it. This one did not disappoint. It’s an intriguing ride full of spins and turns and things aren’t always what they seem. 4 1/2,stars for me.
Profile Image for Izzie d.
4,297 reviews362 followers
November 19, 2019
Loved this book.
The male lead character is a real peach.
There were twists and turns but I also found some of the thoughts of the male lead funny.
A happy conclusion for some.
There is cheating but no intimate details. Its stated as happened or is off page.
Profile Image for Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf).
2,153 reviews42 followers
April 8, 2020
Claire Daniels is married to a cheating, lying sociopath, but she doesn't know. She thinks life is almost perfect. Her husband, Alfie has other ideas and has a plan for getting what he wants.

The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Claire and Alfie. I really failed to see exactly what made Claire so bad to Alfie, and he is just a complete weasel. It was really chilling to read how he behaved to Claire's face and to others and the disparity with what he really thought. The book seems really pedestrian for the first third and then it suddenly does a 180. I did work out what was going on but it was a fairly good read.



Profile Image for Caroline.
225 reviews
April 29, 2019
3.5
Read this superrrr fast but overall the story wasn't amazing. If you're one of those people who like to theorize and try to guess the twist, you definitely will with this one. I am not one of those people, and I guessed it!
I think I'm just getting sick of domestic thrillers.
Profile Image for Eve.
778 reviews52 followers
Read
February 19, 2019
Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Domestic drama, Contemporary

Claire Daniels has it all—a job she loves and a husband, Alfie who loves her. Or does he? What if Alfie had his own selfish reasons for getting married and he has lied about too many things?

Lots of events were predictible and repetitive. .

Sorry but I didn't enjoy this book. I wanted cleverly plotted mystery and most of all -- I expected more likeable and relatable characters. I guess this topic and the characters just weren't for me.
Profile Image for  Cookie M..
1,436 reviews161 followers
April 3, 2019
This was not your run of the mill, innocent woman terrorized by a psycho thriller. It has a lot of different strange flips and twists, and halfway through you will be counting on your fingers to keep track of who is stalking whom, and why.
I have read enough of these book now that I am starting to become very jaded. I mean, nobody is as dumb and innocent as a lot of women in these book. If you know some nutcase is following you, why are you leaving your office late at night by yourself? Why are you hanging out in pickup bars getting drunk out of your mind?
Thank heavens, in "The Last Lie" not every woman walks right into it. And not every woman needs to be rescued by a man, either.

I received this book free from Goodreads and Harper Collins Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Christina McDonald.
Author 11 books2,935 followers
Read
July 10, 2019
An enjoyable cat-and-mouse story between a husband and a wife, I thought The Last Lie was well written with great characters. While there weren't many guesses or twists (probably a testament to how many psych thrillers I read!), it didn't detract in any way from my enjoyment of the story. A quick, fun read.
Profile Image for Claire .
427 reviews64 followers
March 31, 2019
The author of this books ( who loves alliterative titles) writes original thrillers. This one kep my attention like After Anna did.
It is an ok book, with an original plot, but there is also a lot of room fornimprovement, esp. in cutting out what isn’t needed and makes parts boring
Profile Image for Johanna.
93 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2019
Enjoyed the start and the idea , but it just got stupid in the end.
Could have and should have been brilliant, but because confusing and stupid , skimmed through the last third if the book!
Disappointed Is an understatement
307 reviews
November 3, 2019
The twist and turns of this book kept me fussing the entire time. Claire was my favorite character. If you have read any of Alex Lake's other books you will really enjoy this one. A five star read.
Profile Image for Sam.
352 reviews121 followers
May 2, 2019
More of a 4.5 ⭐️ for me! I loved this book! I really thought it was going to be a typical domestic thriller, but it was very unique plot wise. I was hooked by reading through Alfie’s perspective, and more so because of the mystery surrounding his intentions and what was actually going on.

This was a great, face paced mystery. I would have loved a bit more character depth regarding Claire, but other than that, it was a great mystery read!

I may have to pick up Alex Lake’s other books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 517 reviews

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