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The Perfect Liar
A seemingly perfect marriage is threatened by the deadly secrets husband and wife keep from each other, for fans of B.A. Paris and Paula Hawkins.
Susannah, a young widow and single mother, has remarried well: to Max, a charismatic artist and popular speaker whose career took her and her fifteen-year-old son out of New York City and to a quiet Vermont university town. Strong-willed and attractive, Susannah expects that her life is perfectly in place again. Then one quiet morning she finds a note on her door: I KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
Max dismisses the note as a prank. But days after a neighborhood couple comes to dinner, the husband mysteriously dies in a tragic accident while on a run with Max. Soon thereafter, a second note appears on their door: DID YOU GET AWAY WITH IT?
Both Susannah and Max are keeping secrets from the world and from each other —secrets that could destroy their family and everything they have built. The Perfect Liar is a thrilling novel told through the alternating perspectives of Susannah and Max with a shocking climax that no one will expect, from the bestselling author of The Headmaster’s Wife.
Susannah, a young widow and single mother, has remarried well: to Max, a charismatic artist and popular speaker whose career took her and her fifteen-year-old son out of New York City and to a quiet Vermont university town. Strong-willed and attractive, Susannah expects that her life is perfectly in place again. Then one quiet morning she finds a note on her door: I KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
Max dismisses the note as a prank. But days after a neighborhood couple comes to dinner, the husband mysteriously dies in a tragic accident while on a run with Max. Soon thereafter, a second note appears on their door: DID YOU GET AWAY WITH IT?
Both Susannah and Max are keeping secrets from the world and from each other —secrets that could destroy their family and everything they have built. The Perfect Liar is a thrilling novel told through the alternating perspectives of Susannah and Max with a shocking climax that no one will expect, from the bestselling author of The Headmaster’s Wife.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
311 people are currently reading
7643 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Christopher Greene
8 books415 followersThomas Christopher Greene is the author of 7 books, six critically acclaimed novels including the international bestseller, The Headmaster's Wife, and the collection of tiny true stories, Notes From the Porch. He is the founder of the Vermont College of Fine Arts and served as president for 13 years. His fiction has been translated into thirteen languages. He makes his home in Montpelier, Vermont and can be found online on instagram and facebook @thomaschristophergreene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 729 reviews
March 27, 2019
I know who you are.
Those five simple words—forming a single ominous line in a note, taped to a front door—set the tone. Thomas Christopher Greene draws readers in with a compulsively readable and magnificently manipulative storyline that teeters on the rudimentary line drawn between literary and contemporary fiction. This being the third of his books I’ve read and what I would consider the darkest and most suspense-heavy yet.
Max and Susannah—along with her fifteen-year-old son—have relocated to a small town in Vermont. Making a name for himself in the art world has afforded Max opportunities, the biggest being a professorship and the use of a gorgeous home for his family. Flying high in their new glossy life, thrown off-course when they're hit with the turbulence the note's insinuation creates. Anxiety rampant, and desperation to keep things under wraps, leads to some morally questionable moves. Just as Max relaxes, thinking he handled the situation, another note pops up, followed by a third.
The short chapters, twist riddled plot and engaging flow of the author’s words set a frantic pace. Although, not every twist is what I would call unpredictable. In fact, readers are made privy to some of the foreseeable decisions—unpredictably replaced by gall. Part of the fun comes from the shock value Max’s despicable actions lend to the story and the ease in which he manages to justifies them.
Readers are led to contemplate, who of the two—Max or Susannah—is the perfect liar? Is it the dutiful wife who, despite her misgivings, stands by her husband’s side? Or, is it the husband willing to go to any length to keep his secrets from reaching the light of day?
Chances are—whichever side you land on—you have no idea what’s in store or who in fact will prove to be the best liar. Until the end that is. The most fitting descriptor for the conclusion: adjective, ten letters, 4 syllables—un·ex·pect·ed.
*Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing a review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
January 10, 2019
3.5 stars
Entertaining psychological thriller constructed around a skillful game of cat and mouse between husband and wife.
Max and Susannah have a seemingly perfect marriage--but their marriage is built on a web of lies.
Max, a rising star in the art world, has a secret past that he has worked hard to bury. However, the more famous he becomes, the greater the chance of exposure. Max is willing to quash any threat, no matter what it takes. Susannah, Max’s loyal wife, has secrets of her own. When someone leaves an anonymous note on their front door threatening to expose their lies, their world starts to crumble. As their layers of deceit begin to slowly unravel, their marriage begins to disintegrate leading to the ultimate betrayal.
As many other reviewers have noted, this is an addictive read. However, my enthusiasm waned after the reveal of the first big twist-- It felt like there was a shift in the tone as the suspense died down. Perhaps it was because the characters seemed a little too comfortable which lessened the tautness of their narratives? While I had a lot of fun reading this, there were too many loose threads and I was a little let down by the ending. I found the outcome predictable and given the devious nature of the characters, I was hoping that the author would take Max and Susannah’s deception to another level.
The narrative alternates between Max and Susannah’s chapters, often recounting past events. I loved the playful snarky tone of Max’s chapters but I didn’t find Susannah’s voice to be as compelling. I was greatly confused by the chapter between Max and Max W. I don’t know why this one couldn’t have occurred between Phil and Max W. as I often had to reread to determine which Max was which. I had a theory that would have made this ok, but I was wrong, so this chapter just left me confused.
My biggest gripe is that If all it took was doing a minimal google search to uncover a HUGE secret, then why hadn’t more people caught on?
On the upside, both characters are intriguing, the plot kept me interested, and Thomas Christopher Greene has a knack for drawing in the reader. I will definitely be reading more by this author! Overall, I had a lot of fun going back and forth trying to determine just who was the “perfect liar?”
I received and ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
Entertaining psychological thriller constructed around a skillful game of cat and mouse between husband and wife.
Max and Susannah have a seemingly perfect marriage--but their marriage is built on a web of lies.
Max, a rising star in the art world, has a secret past that he has worked hard to bury. However, the more famous he becomes, the greater the chance of exposure. Max is willing to quash any threat, no matter what it takes. Susannah, Max’s loyal wife, has secrets of her own. When someone leaves an anonymous note on their front door threatening to expose their lies, their world starts to crumble. As their layers of deceit begin to slowly unravel, their marriage begins to disintegrate leading to the ultimate betrayal.
As many other reviewers have noted, this is an addictive read. However, my enthusiasm waned after the reveal of the first big twist-- It felt like there was a shift in the tone as the suspense died down. Perhaps it was because the characters seemed a little too comfortable which lessened the tautness of their narratives? While I had a lot of fun reading this, there were too many loose threads and I was a little let down by the ending. I found the outcome predictable and given the devious nature of the characters, I was hoping that the author would take Max and Susannah’s deception to another level.
The narrative alternates between Max and Susannah’s chapters, often recounting past events. I loved the playful snarky tone of Max’s chapters but I didn’t find Susannah’s voice to be as compelling. I was greatly confused by the chapter between Max and Max W. I don’t know why this one couldn’t have occurred between Phil and Max W. as I often had to reread to determine which Max was which. I had a theory that would have made this ok, but I was wrong, so this chapter just left me confused.
My biggest gripe is that If all it took was doing a minimal google search to uncover a HUGE secret, then why hadn’t more people caught on?
On the upside, both characters are intriguing, the plot kept me interested, and Thomas Christopher Greene has a knack for drawing in the reader. I will definitely be reading more by this author! Overall, I had a lot of fun going back and forth trying to determine just who was the “perfect liar?”
I received and ARC of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2019
All consuming and wonderfully crafted story
I was hooked from the beginning and it just became more intense as the the author laid out all the clues that would lead to the haunting conclusion.
The more I read, the more invested I was in the characters and it just became unputdownable at some point. The kind of addictive writing that causes you to stay up past your bedtime
There are anonymous notes, like ticking time bombs, left on the door of the happily married couple- Susannah and Max. One sentence notes that sent chills down their spines and even gave me a sense of fear . So many questions! Who is sending them? This will cause someone to make some calculated and shocking decisions. He actually did it!!! I was shocked (more than once).
This one has some intense and unexpected moments. Don't miss it if you enjoy unpredicatble thrillers.
I was hooked from the beginning and it just became more intense as the the author laid out all the clues that would lead to the haunting conclusion.
The more I read, the more invested I was in the characters and it just became unputdownable at some point. The kind of addictive writing that causes you to stay up past your bedtime
There are anonymous notes, like ticking time bombs, left on the door of the happily married couple- Susannah and Max. One sentence notes that sent chills down their spines and even gave me a sense of fear . So many questions! Who is sending them? This will cause someone to make some calculated and shocking decisions. He actually did it!!! I was shocked (more than once).
This one has some intense and unexpected moments. Don't miss it if you enjoy unpredicatble thrillers.
April 3, 2021
Men fear death, she told herself, while women fear something far worse: losing their minds. And fear, when you got right down to it, was the most natural thing in the world.
This story would have worked out much better for me if it had no sex at all and just more exciting aspects to it. Since it's such a short book, half of the pages consisted of the sex Susannah and Max had. Aside from that, there were, of course, the secrets they kept from each other and the daily lives they lived.
It’s amazing how powerful the imagination, especially when you are pretending to be something you are not, becomes an escape from the trivia of life.
Susannah thinks she has it all now. After being widowed in her 20s, she's settled into a new life with her son and her new husband, Max, a famous and quite rich painter who has given her the opportunity to start over. While she begins adjusting to the latest weather, less traffic, and peaceful life that Vermont offers, Max is busy making speeches and talking about what art is while also teaching at a university. The two think their life is settled and set to remain well until Susannah finds a folded letter taped on the door with big and blocky letters saying: I know who you are. Panicking, she lets Max know about this, but he takes it as a joke and a prank, dismissing it like it's nothing. But then, a second note and later a third note arrive. A couple they newly became friends also comes to dinner one night, only for the husband to tragically die the next day. Unknown what to think and do, Max and Susannah both know that they both have secrets from each other. Although married and able to trust each other, there are things one cannot tell the other because of how deeply affecting it can be for the relationship, managing to destroy the relationship and everything they have been able to build together and individually.
Told through third perspective while shifting narratives between Susannah and Max, The Perfect Liar succeeds in captivating the reader into the thrilling world but fails in addressing the actual thrilling parts.
I really believe sometimes we are born into the wrong identity and have to start over, ourselves, when we are old enough to do it.
I had never heard of Thomas Christopher Greene before hearing about this book. I had seen it at Barnes & Noble when I was buying books (currently, I'm on a book buying ban, but we're not going to talk about that). Initially, I was impressed with what this book offered. I was actually thrilled to read this when I read its synopsis. I was going to either try and read it in one sitting at B&N while waiting for my mom to finish her 2-hour shopping spree, but I also wanted to buy it, take it home, and start reading it from beginning to end. Noticing it was small and short, I thought of reading it in one sitting. Then I kept seeing positive reviews for this by my friends here, and I had finally thought I found a book I would enjoy. Luckily, my library finally had it when I went. In the end, I’m so glad I didn’t spend my money on this book.
The Perfect Liar did not succeed in making me thrilled and feeling a sense of suspense and shock. I was bored throughout the whole thing, wishing it to end and wondering if I should skim or not. Admittedly, I quickly read this and didn't notice how fast I was reading. I began reading one page after another, not seeing that I was turning page by page quicker than usual. That feeling was great, but the sense of having to read a book I was feeling frustrated and annoyed about destroyed that good feeling.
I noticed the author not only writers thrillers but also romance, which makes sense as to why there were sex scenes and built up tension scenes contained here. Honestly, I knew nothing about it. In my opinion, they were not necessary. They dragged the plot instead of bringing it up, and having to read about how much Max wanted to feel Susannah inside of him after becoming hard for standing behind her was discomforting and unwanted. I honestly meant to skip those vulgar scenes, but I kept reading them as I laughed, because, well, scenes like those have me cracking up because of how hilariously discomforting they are.
Susannah has got to be one of the dullest characters I have ever come across reading. I can truly understand why she and Max were actually "perfect" for each other, as both seem to share very similar tastes and preferences when it came to the bed. She not only became a private partner of her therapist for six years, but she couldn't stop mentioning how handsome and sexy Max was, how jealous it made her feel because it grabbed every other woman's attention, and how she wished she could be the only one to have him. There were no admirable attributes and no good personality traits about her. The only thing I found fondly of her was how she coped with her anxiety, which was by running and doing any or some form of exercise. Running helped her keep herself calm and be able to set her mind steady, but even then, during her running sessions, there were times where she would settle on other thoughts and not be able to dismiss her.
She was a hard drinker, quite the smoker too, and all I could think about when she would always tell us where her pack of cigarettes were and that she needed a smoke to be let out was that it's bad. She clearly knew this, but I guess her lungs were very healthy, as we know that she's got quite the figure, the energy, and the ability to remain stable and young. There was nothing to like about Susannah. It felt like the author tried adding too much to her character by having the readers question which character had more secrets hidden, she or Max, but it got to the point where the answers were given because of the suspense that was never actually there. It may not make sense, but there was no thrill to this, and that gave the "complex twists" away.
On the other hand, Max, had his secrets stored, hidden, and not shared. Knowing his past but having it hidden didn't add anything better, and Greene announcing who the mystery was, who the note writer was, felt too unrealistic. It can be quite a shocker, admittedly, but it felt unnecessary as well. It was as if the author just ran out of ideas, so he decided to make this the big twist and reveal of the story. The thing is, there were more revels to be made where it got to the point where the overall plot dragged and made zero sense. The plot took a different turn, and it felt like I wasn't reading The Perfect Liar anymore but instead it was a book where Susannah and Max have some fights, one of them realizes they were wrong, and then made up for it by kissing and then moving on to fucking.
Max was also bland, but less than Susannah. He had more to offer in his premise and view than her and he actually displayed himself like that, at least to the readers. He was dumbfounded, honestly direct, and an idiot. There was nothing I could feel for him but disgust. In the beginning, actually. When first met with Susannah, Max tended to be very direct. They did not know each other at all, and seeing how Max treated her, in the beginning, was disgusting. It's not like he abused her or harassed her, but at the same time, it felt like she felt harassed in a way. Not only that, but it felt like I was also living in a cringefest while having to read through those pages. Moving on, they took every step forward way too quickly. The pair should have made wiser decisions as to how they were going to move on with their relationship, but of course, not everything goes as we wish it did.
Another thing that irked me about Max was how upset he got when he noticed Susannah had a card with the detective's name, implying they had met, which was true. The guy blasted as if this was such a big crime as if having the number of the detective was wrong. Of course, he would freak out though, since he knew that she was still suspicious of him and his past. I mean, thanks to that, Max showed his other true colors, and Susannah was finally not too blind to see she was with someone who had the capability of hurting her even though he’s the man she had built a new life with and thought was the one. Of course, though, not all couples end the perfect way they started.
Everything was perfect, and full of perfect people, except for the two of them, who looked the part, but were sliding backward into their true, deep imperfections, where they belonged. They were at a loss for words.
I believe the author ran out of ideas for this. In all honesty, this should have been a longer novel, and it could've exceeded in better expectations, progressing better and not dragging as much as it did. But then, Thomas managed to captivate me into this. I mean, the fact that I was so frustrated, annoyed and bored yet continued to read and finish this in the same day as started says something. Even if the book is small, it can take me days to read, being a type of book where 20 or so pages are the amount I read every day.
Another reason why I believe this could have been better if it was longer was that the author spent many chapters adding too much background information about both Susannah and Max, which let us know how they got to their current position and why. Of course, with their secrets, there was more to be said and revealed, but it felt like it was too much that, in the end, it was as if the author felt like he needed to find a way to finish the book.
Thomas Christopher Greene isn't a bad writer, but his writing was not for me. Since the start, I could feel like I wouldn't dig (yes, I wouldn't dig it) his writing style and format. His sentences felt too long. They were surely grammatically correct, but they could have used some improvement in making them shorter. Not only that, sometimes it felt like the word and was overused in every sentence. His writing is easy to follow, simple, and well-mannered. There is foul language as well, used by all Max, Susannah, and her fifteen-year-old son, Freddy, which gave some humor.
It is with unapologetic and insincere despair that I have to say that this was indeed one of the worst thrillers I've ever read. Sincerely, I'd love to get into the genre more and appreciate it more. It seems like I've never been the type of reader to settle on one subject only and read books regarding that particular one, but I'd like for that to change over time. As I keep reading, I've meant to read much more hyped and popular thrillers to see for myself what all the hype is about, as well as understand the subject matter more.
You could imagine things into being. You don’t only reflect reality through art, you also get to create it, which is what he told his students over and over. Max’s was living proof of that.
February 22, 2019
"The scariest monsters are the ones that lurk within our souls"
- Edgar Allan Poe
3.5 Twisty, love is blind stars ⭐️ for The Perfect Liar
After being widowed in her 20s with a young son, Susannah meets Max at a work party. Max lies about who he is to gain access to the exclusive event. He is handsome, charismatic and knows how to read/work people. He instantly charms his way into Susannah's heart and they are married within six months of that fateful meeting.
Susannah and Max are in love and happy. Max's career has taken off and the family relocates to a small town in Vermont where he will be a visiting professor. Everything is going their way. All seems perfect - until the first note arrives.
"I KNOW WHO YOU ARE"
Anxiety runs rampant and we begin to see that all is not what it appears within this family. There are desperate actions taken to assure their security. Just when Max think he can relax, another note appears, shortly followed by a third. Who is responsible? What do they want?
We begin to see that there is much more than meets the eye with this family. Lies seem to come as easily as the intake of breath. So who exactly is The Perfect Liar? Is it Max - the man who will go to any lengths to get what he wants and keep it? Or is it Susannah - the seemingly dutiful wife with her own secrets and demons to hide?
The story had an addictive quality to it with its frantic pace and short chapters. The author is definitely imaginative - unfortunately you have to really suspend your belief to fall in line with some of the twists the plot takes. Some of it proved too much of a stretch for me. I enjoyed the book overall and I definitely liked the aspect of a wolf in sheep's clothing and not all being what is seems despite my inability to fall in line with some of the plot points.
Thank you to Thomas Christopher Greene, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this book.
3.5 Twisty, love is blind stars ⭐️ for The Perfect Liar
After being widowed in her 20s with a young son, Susannah meets Max at a work party. Max lies about who he is to gain access to the exclusive event. He is handsome, charismatic and knows how to read/work people. He instantly charms his way into Susannah's heart and they are married within six months of that fateful meeting.
Susannah and Max are in love and happy. Max's career has taken off and the family relocates to a small town in Vermont where he will be a visiting professor. Everything is going their way. All seems perfect - until the first note arrives.
"I KNOW WHO YOU ARE"
Anxiety runs rampant and we begin to see that all is not what it appears within this family. There are desperate actions taken to assure their security. Just when Max think he can relax, another note appears, shortly followed by a third. Who is responsible? What do they want?
We begin to see that there is much more than meets the eye with this family. Lies seem to come as easily as the intake of breath. So who exactly is The Perfect Liar? Is it Max - the man who will go to any lengths to get what he wants and keep it? Or is it Susannah - the seemingly dutiful wife with her own secrets and demons to hide?
The story had an addictive quality to it with its frantic pace and short chapters. The author is definitely imaginative - unfortunately you have to really suspend your belief to fall in line with some of the twists the plot takes. Some of it proved too much of a stretch for me. I enjoyed the book overall and I definitely liked the aspect of a wolf in sheep's clothing and not all being what is seems despite my inability to fall in line with some of the plot points.
Thank you to Thomas Christopher Greene, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an arc of this book.
November 20, 2018
2.5*
After being widowed in her 20’s, Susannah is bringing up her son Freddy on her own. Into her life waltzes Max. And oh, he’s everything she could want in a man! Handsome, caring and only has eyes for her. The topper? He will fit into her 'artsy' world perfectly.
Sure, they met under less than honest circumstances, but maybe she can just shove that little issue aside. When other odd, unexplainable incidents continue popping up, Susannah does her best to squash her fears and trust the man she loves.
The question now… how many warning signs can you ignore? How long do you deny the obvious truth?
Soon enough, Susannah is fearing for her life and her son Freddy.
I was so excited to read this novel. The premise sounded right up my alley for thrillers! Sadly, it started un-raveling right from the start. The story-line seemed disjointed, jumping back and forth too much. There were parts of the story that just didn’t add up. I always do my best to suspend belief when I read a thriller. This one was just too much of a stretch, even for my vivid imagination.
I noticed reviews are extremely mixed for this book. It’s a love it, or.... well you get the picture. Unfortunately I fell into the latter category. If this book piqued you interest enough to read, I hope it works out better for you!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Thomas Christopher Greene for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
After being widowed in her 20’s, Susannah is bringing up her son Freddy on her own. Into her life waltzes Max. And oh, he’s everything she could want in a man! Handsome, caring and only has eyes for her. The topper? He will fit into her 'artsy' world perfectly.
Sure, they met under less than honest circumstances, but maybe she can just shove that little issue aside. When other odd, unexplainable incidents continue popping up, Susannah does her best to squash her fears and trust the man she loves.
The question now… how many warning signs can you ignore? How long do you deny the obvious truth?
Soon enough, Susannah is fearing for her life and her son Freddy.
I was so excited to read this novel. The premise sounded right up my alley for thrillers! Sadly, it started un-raveling right from the start. The story-line seemed disjointed, jumping back and forth too much. There were parts of the story that just didn’t add up. I always do my best to suspend belief when I read a thriller. This one was just too much of a stretch, even for my vivid imagination.
I noticed reviews are extremely mixed for this book. It’s a love it, or.... well you get the picture. Unfortunately I fell into the latter category. If this book piqued you interest enough to read, I hope it works out better for you!
A buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Thomas Christopher Greene for an ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2018
I was hooked on this book right away. How could you not want to find out why someone is leaving anonymous notes on a couple's door saying things like "I KNOW WHO YOU ARE"? Totally creepy, but it made for a really entertaining read.
The pacing in this book was excellent as the chapters were short and alternated between the husband, Max, and his wife, Susannah. As the story unfolds, you learn bit by bit about each of their pasts. The book definitely takes some interesting turns and while I wouldn't say they are all predictable, many of them are not really surprising. I don't really consider that a negative thing though because to me the book was so much more about these complex characters rather than a story solely based on catching the reader off guard. I just truly enjoyed seeing everything play out.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who is in the mood for a solid psychological thriller.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for sending me an advance copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
The pacing in this book was excellent as the chapters were short and alternated between the husband, Max, and his wife, Susannah. As the story unfolds, you learn bit by bit about each of their pasts. The book definitely takes some interesting turns and while I wouldn't say they are all predictable, many of them are not really surprising. I don't really consider that a negative thing though because to me the book was so much more about these complex characters rather than a story solely based on catching the reader off guard. I just truly enjoyed seeing everything play out.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who is in the mood for a solid psychological thriller.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for sending me an advance copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
January 19, 2019
3.5 stars
A perfect marriage between two imperfect people - both are artists, and both have secrets.
Susannah, a young mother and widower met Max W, an artist and popular speaker, at a party. They soon married and eventually they moved to Vermont when Max gets a job there. Max, Susannah and Freddy like it in Vermont. Life is easy there. They are comfortable and happy until one day a note appears on their door. A note which reads I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. An honest person might think "I know who I am too! I'm Max or I'm Susannah" but each of them has a secret. Both are nervous - but Max is extremely nervous. He begins to wonder just who knows his secret, who out there is taunting him, who wants to ruin his reputation, his marriage, his life? Soon another note arrives. Suspicion grows. Tension mounts as the reader is left to wonder, how Max and Susannah will react when/if his/her secrets are revealed.
I found this to be a fast-easy read. It came with a few twists and turns which made for an interesting read which didn't require much thought. This was pure escapism reading for me. I found the couple’s secrets to be more interesting than the identity of the note sender. Overall, I found this to be quite enjoyable and it was fun to try and figure out just who was the "perfect" liar? Who was the note sender? Will their secrets ever be exposed? Who had the bigger secret?
Thank you to St. Marin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
A perfect marriage between two imperfect people - both are artists, and both have secrets.
Susannah, a young mother and widower met Max W, an artist and popular speaker, at a party. They soon married and eventually they moved to Vermont when Max gets a job there. Max, Susannah and Freddy like it in Vermont. Life is easy there. They are comfortable and happy until one day a note appears on their door. A note which reads I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. An honest person might think "I know who I am too! I'm Max or I'm Susannah" but each of them has a secret. Both are nervous - but Max is extremely nervous. He begins to wonder just who knows his secret, who out there is taunting him, who wants to ruin his reputation, his marriage, his life? Soon another note arrives. Suspicion grows. Tension mounts as the reader is left to wonder, how Max and Susannah will react when/if his/her secrets are revealed.
I found this to be a fast-easy read. It came with a few twists and turns which made for an interesting read which didn't require much thought. This was pure escapism reading for me. I found the couple’s secrets to be more interesting than the identity of the note sender. Overall, I found this to be quite enjoyable and it was fun to try and figure out just who was the "perfect" liar? Who was the note sender? Will their secrets ever be exposed? Who had the bigger secret?
Thank you to St. Marin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 11, 2018
2.25 Stars* (rounded down)
Susannah thinks she has met the perfect man and is immediately swept off of her feet. Could it be? When Max W. meets Susannah there is an intense attraction and and a whirlwind romance. Mere months later they are married.
Susannah had no plans to get remarried after losing her first husband Joseph but
Max W., fulfilled something in her she thought she’d never find. Now she and Max, her successful Professor/Artist husband and her son Freddy, live the quiet life in Burlington VT. Max however, is not who he seems. He has been keeping secrets about his identity for decades and it seems as though someone is on to him. Notes are found outside of Max’s and Susannah’s house, The first states: “I Know Who You Are.” Max is scared - and he knows that he must do whatever it takes to keep his identity safe, no matter what it takes.
The premise of “The Perfect Liar” had me from the first and I couldn’t wait to read this book. Unfortunately, there were way too many holes in this novel to save this story for me. In addition, my believability radar was going off the get go and I simply didn’t buy the story. I do however love Vermont and enjoyed the setting immensely! I think that readers who are able to suspend disbelief will really enjoy this novel.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey! So glad we read this one together!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Thomas Christopher Greene for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Susannah thinks she has met the perfect man and is immediately swept off of her feet. Could it be? When Max W. meets Susannah there is an intense attraction and and a whirlwind romance. Mere months later they are married.
Susannah had no plans to get remarried after losing her first husband Joseph but
Max W., fulfilled something in her she thought she’d never find. Now she and Max, her successful Professor/Artist husband and her son Freddy, live the quiet life in Burlington VT. Max however, is not who he seems. He has been keeping secrets about his identity for decades and it seems as though someone is on to him. Notes are found outside of Max’s and Susannah’s house, The first states: “I Know Who You Are.” Max is scared - and he knows that he must do whatever it takes to keep his identity safe, no matter what it takes.
The premise of “The Perfect Liar” had me from the first and I couldn’t wait to read this book. Unfortunately, there were way too many holes in this novel to save this story for me. In addition, my believability radar was going off the get go and I simply didn’t buy the story. I do however love Vermont and enjoyed the setting immensely! I think that readers who are able to suspend disbelief will really enjoy this novel.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey! So glad we read this one together!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Thomas Christopher Greene for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2019
I Know WHO You Are!
Oh what a tangled web we weave... Imagine you find a note taped to your front door and all it says is: I know who you are! Would you assume they had the wrong house? Assume it was for your spouse? Your child? Or would you know you have something to hide and it was meant for you? This is the note that Susanna and Max found taped to their front door one morning, the note that changed everything, the note that they both thought was intended for them. Two people with many secrets to hide, but only one note, who was it meant for? And who knows the truth? Who truly is the “PERFECT LIAR“?
this was one dark compelling story about two pretty disturbed dishonest people. A marriage that appears like a fairytale on the outside, but is riddled with so much deceit on the inside. Two seemingly well adjusted attractive people with so much to hide. So much to lose. Told from the alternating perspectives of both Susanna and Max this book definitely kept me on my toes.
An engaging and entertaining read, but you will need to suspend your belief a little. There is a stolen identity in this book (don’t worry this is not a spoiler) and a simple Google search could probably clear a lot of things up, but the search was never made, well at least not by the right people. Things like this don’t generally bother me, but it did make me think hmm... so if you are one of those people that needs everything to be realistic, you are forewarned for this one! Despite this the book is highly addictive with some very well drawn despicable characters. So many secrets, so many lies, you never are quite sure whose side to be on, if any. Recommend!
🎵🎵🎵Song Running Through My Head
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead?
Why do you smile
Like you have told a secret
Now you're telling lies
'Cause you're the one to keep it
But no one keeps a secret
No one keeps a secret
Why when we do our darkest deeds
Do we tell?
They burn in our brains
Become a living hell
'Cause everyone tells
Everyone tells?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oNJGAwq...
*** Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my copy of this book ***
Oh what a tangled web we weave... Imagine you find a note taped to your front door and all it says is: I know who you are! Would you assume they had the wrong house? Assume it was for your spouse? Your child? Or would you know you have something to hide and it was meant for you? This is the note that Susanna and Max found taped to their front door one morning, the note that changed everything, the note that they both thought was intended for them. Two people with many secrets to hide, but only one note, who was it meant for? And who knows the truth? Who truly is the “PERFECT LIAR“?
this was one dark compelling story about two pretty disturbed dishonest people. A marriage that appears like a fairytale on the outside, but is riddled with so much deceit on the inside. Two seemingly well adjusted attractive people with so much to hide. So much to lose. Told from the alternating perspectives of both Susanna and Max this book definitely kept me on my toes.
An engaging and entertaining read, but you will need to suspend your belief a little. There is a stolen identity in this book (don’t worry this is not a spoiler) and a simple Google search could probably clear a lot of things up, but the search was never made, well at least not by the right people. Things like this don’t generally bother me, but it did make me think hmm... so if you are one of those people that needs everything to be realistic, you are forewarned for this one! Despite this the book is highly addictive with some very well drawn despicable characters. So many secrets, so many lies, you never are quite sure whose side to be on, if any. Recommend!
🎵🎵🎵Song Running Through My Head
Got a secret
Can you keep it?
Swear this one you'll save
Better lock it, in your pocket
Taking this one to the grave
If I show you then I know you
Won't tell what I said
'Cause two can keep a secret
If one of them is dead?
Why do you smile
Like you have told a secret
Now you're telling lies
'Cause you're the one to keep it
But no one keeps a secret
No one keeps a secret
Why when we do our darkest deeds
Do we tell?
They burn in our brains
Become a living hell
'Cause everyone tells
Everyone tells?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oNJGAwq...
*** Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for my copy of this book ***
November 6, 2018
Wow... that was a twisty ass story to the max!!
The Perfect Liar by Thomas Christopher Greene is a fast paced, dysfunctional, and gripping story that will leave your mind blown (insert emoji here ;)
You know how you start reading a story and have the theory all lined up in that perfect brain of yours... and that moment the author steers you clearly wrong? Well.. that was me in this multiple times.
I read this story in a day my friends! That tells you something.... and the writing is plain addicting. Greene sure knows how to hook his readers... because it was simply unputdownable.
In my opinion, it's best to go into this story blind. If you love unpredictable characters, intense moments, and jaw dropping conclusions then this story is definitely for you!
Huge thank you to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest thoughts.
4.5 liar stars!
Publication date: 1/15/19
Published to GR: 11/6/18
The Perfect Liar by Thomas Christopher Greene is a fast paced, dysfunctional, and gripping story that will leave your mind blown (insert emoji here ;)
You know how you start reading a story and have the theory all lined up in that perfect brain of yours... and that moment the author steers you clearly wrong? Well.. that was me in this multiple times.
I read this story in a day my friends! That tells you something.... and the writing is plain addicting. Greene sure knows how to hook his readers... because it was simply unputdownable.
In my opinion, it's best to go into this story blind. If you love unpredictable characters, intense moments, and jaw dropping conclusions then this story is definitely for you!
Huge thank you to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc in exchange for my honest thoughts.
4.5 liar stars!
Publication date: 1/15/19
Published to GR: 11/6/18
January 9, 2019
4 stars- I like Thomas Christopher Greene’s style!
Susannah and Max are married. It’s the second marriage for Susannah. Her first husband passed away. Max is charming and the life of the party. He is now stepfather to her fifteen-year-old son.
Susannah thinks the past is behind her and her new life is idyllic when she receives a note on her door one morning.
The note says, “I know who you are.”
Max is not worried in the least about the note; however, just days after having dinner with Susannah and Max, someone dies in an accident while on a run…with Max.
And that is all followed with another note on the door, “Did you get away with it?”
Susannah and Max each have secrets, and they are big ones. Their idyllic world would be shattered if they come to light.
I loved hearing from both Susannah and Max, and the ending was out of sight. The whole time I was questioning who is the perfect liar? Or is it both of them? Unexpected and unpredictable, The Perfect Liar is a solid thriller!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Susannah and Max are married. It’s the second marriage for Susannah. Her first husband passed away. Max is charming and the life of the party. He is now stepfather to her fifteen-year-old son.
Susannah thinks the past is behind her and her new life is idyllic when she receives a note on her door one morning.
The note says, “I know who you are.”
Max is not worried in the least about the note; however, just days after having dinner with Susannah and Max, someone dies in an accident while on a run…with Max.
And that is all followed with another note on the door, “Did you get away with it?”
Susannah and Max each have secrets, and they are big ones. Their idyllic world would be shattered if they come to light.
I loved hearing from both Susannah and Max, and the ending was out of sight. The whole time I was questioning who is the perfect liar? Or is it both of them? Unexpected and unpredictable, The Perfect Liar is a solid thriller!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
November 25, 2018
FIVE STARS
Just a simple story of a simple American couple. NOT!!!!! There is nothing simple about the couple featured in Thomas Christopher Greene's latest novel of psychological suspense. Husband and wife both have more than their share of secrets and lies. Which one is the perfect liar? Hmmmm.
This is a sexy, modern tale of murder and revenge. Only one-half of this couple is left standing in the end. Who will win out? I can't tell you. All the fun is in watching these two crazy characters try to out-manipulate each other and the world around them.
I LOVED THIS ADDICTIVE NOVEL!! It's twistaliciously written and surprising to the end. I don't know how Greene has escaped my radar all this time, but now I will be going back to read all of his novels.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the early galley. Note: my copy had multiple formatting issues and I sincerely hope the final product is broken into chapters!!! All opinions are my own.
Just a simple story of a simple American couple. NOT!!!!! There is nothing simple about the couple featured in Thomas Christopher Greene's latest novel of psychological suspense. Husband and wife both have more than their share of secrets and lies. Which one is the perfect liar? Hmmmm.
This is a sexy, modern tale of murder and revenge. Only one-half of this couple is left standing in the end. Who will win out? I can't tell you. All the fun is in watching these two crazy characters try to out-manipulate each other and the world around them.
I LOVED THIS ADDICTIVE NOVEL!! It's twistaliciously written and surprising to the end. I don't know how Greene has escaped my radar all this time, but now I will be going back to read all of his novels.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for the early galley. Note: my copy had multiple formatting issues and I sincerely hope the final product is broken into chapters!!! All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2019
Have mercy......
I feel like someone just smacked me alongside the head. I took the full brunt of it and my mind is reeling. Loved it/ Not so much/ Then Loved it again/ And Everything in between.
If you've skimmed over the reviews, you're gonna see a wavy mixture from intensely salty, to bland, to Five-Alarm Chili flavored. It's all in how deeply mired you become in the tilting CRAZY going on in these pages. If you have a tendency to lift the lid off the pot and re-read the recipe, this one may not thicken to your liking. But on the other hand, if you're open to some combustible ingredients, then this one will get your attention.
Our two main characters are hardly likeable. Let's get that out there front and center. Susannah meets Max at a soiree for artists in New York. They are immediately taken with one another. Susannah is a widow with a teenage son. Max has been successful at giving TED talks with a very strange approach to Art. He is recently hired as a temporary staff member at a Vermont university. Freddy tolerates both adults by playing video games in his room. Typical family? Not so much.
The shifting sands begin when the first note arrives. I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. Susannah finds it one morning taped to the front door. Max remains calm, but Susannah starts to freak out. As readers, we are uncertain as to whom this note is directed towards. It's followed by two others. It's then that Thomas Christopher Greene begins unpacking the sticks of dynamite from their canvas bags. It appears that both individuals in our sweet couple have Black Belts in Lying. That's where the whiplash comes in from following each of their backstories. Just keep focused on Wild and Woolly. Remember: The puzzle pieces don't always fit perfectly in a psychological thriller. Fear and uncertainty don't think rationally. Just go with the flow.
The Perfect Liar is perfectly imperfect. But all along you'll be looking over your shoulder to see who strikes the match on those sticks of dynamite. BOOM!
I feel like someone just smacked me alongside the head. I took the full brunt of it and my mind is reeling. Loved it/ Not so much/ Then Loved it again/ And Everything in between.
If you've skimmed over the reviews, you're gonna see a wavy mixture from intensely salty, to bland, to Five-Alarm Chili flavored. It's all in how deeply mired you become in the tilting CRAZY going on in these pages. If you have a tendency to lift the lid off the pot and re-read the recipe, this one may not thicken to your liking. But on the other hand, if you're open to some combustible ingredients, then this one will get your attention.
Our two main characters are hardly likeable. Let's get that out there front and center. Susannah meets Max at a soiree for artists in New York. They are immediately taken with one another. Susannah is a widow with a teenage son. Max has been successful at giving TED talks with a very strange approach to Art. He is recently hired as a temporary staff member at a Vermont university. Freddy tolerates both adults by playing video games in his room. Typical family? Not so much.
The shifting sands begin when the first note arrives. I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. Susannah finds it one morning taped to the front door. Max remains calm, but Susannah starts to freak out. As readers, we are uncertain as to whom this note is directed towards. It's followed by two others. It's then that Thomas Christopher Greene begins unpacking the sticks of dynamite from their canvas bags. It appears that both individuals in our sweet couple have Black Belts in Lying. That's where the whiplash comes in from following each of their backstories. Just keep focused on Wild and Woolly. Remember: The puzzle pieces don't always fit perfectly in a psychological thriller. Fear and uncertainty don't think rationally. Just go with the flow.
The Perfect Liar is perfectly imperfect. But all along you'll be looking over your shoulder to see who strikes the match on those sticks of dynamite. BOOM!
September 28, 2018
If we could give 1/2 stars, I would rate this book a 3.5. The main characters in the book are Susannah and Max. From Susannah's relationship and later, marriage, to her therapist, who was 49 to her 21 years of age, when they first started seeing each other, we know that Susannah is strong willed and actively rebels against authority and conformity. Later, after her first husband dies, she eventually meets Max, an up and coming "artist" whose talent lies in words and manipulating those who pay to hear him speak.
Almost from the time we meet Max, we know he is a murderer and that his life is a lie, as he lives life, using the identity of someone else, to be what he wants to be. He'll stop at nothing to attain his goals and Susannah comes to realize that almost everything that Max tells her, is either a lie, or based on a lie. Neither of these people are likable and for that reason, I had trouble caring much, about their present or future. I did care about Susannah's 17 year old son Fred, but it appears his future will be filled with lies and deceit, too. He is his mother's son and I think that shapes his future.
At no time though, did I want to put down the book, before finishing it. The book is well written although the story will move from Susannah's viewpoint to Max's viewpoint, from one sentence to the next, with nothing to indicate a change. I was able to pick up the changes within quickly but it took me a while to get used to this way of writing and I think it'd be easier to read the book with some distinct breaks between viewpoints. Also, Max shaves his head, a habit that Max took on to become another identity, but in at least two areas, there is mention of the hair on his head.
I think it's interesting that during Susannah's marriage to Max, she takes on her mother's passiveness (being a homemaker and catering totally to her husband's and son's needs) which others can see, while at the same time, having a hidden part of herself, someone who smokes in secret everyday and who even has a stuffed fox that she hides in her closet. It'll be up to the reader to decide the identity of the perfect liar, because Susannah and Max hide so much of their real selves.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
Almost from the time we meet Max, we know he is a murderer and that his life is a lie, as he lives life, using the identity of someone else, to be what he wants to be. He'll stop at nothing to attain his goals and Susannah comes to realize that almost everything that Max tells her, is either a lie, or based on a lie. Neither of these people are likable and for that reason, I had trouble caring much, about their present or future. I did care about Susannah's 17 year old son Fred, but it appears his future will be filled with lies and deceit, too. He is his mother's son and I think that shapes his future.
At no time though, did I want to put down the book, before finishing it. The book is well written although the story will move from Susannah's viewpoint to Max's viewpoint, from one sentence to the next, with nothing to indicate a change. I was able to pick up the changes within quickly but it took me a while to get used to this way of writing and I think it'd be easier to read the book with some distinct breaks between viewpoints. Also, Max shaves his head, a habit that Max took on to become another identity, but in at least two areas, there is mention of the hair on his head.
I think it's interesting that during Susannah's marriage to Max, she takes on her mother's passiveness (being a homemaker and catering totally to her husband's and son's needs) which others can see, while at the same time, having a hidden part of herself, someone who smokes in secret everyday and who even has a stuffed fox that she hides in her closet. It'll be up to the reader to decide the identity of the perfect liar, because Susannah and Max hide so much of their real selves.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.
November 6, 2018
I feel like I read a different book from everyone else!
If I said that I enjoyed anything about this book, then I would be “The Perfect Liar”!
The chapters were long and never ending.
The characters were all unlikable.
The writing was VULGAR (language, sex)
And, the reveal of “WHO” left the note, (and why now?) pretty anticlimactic.
Honestly, I could not wait for this book to end!
First time reading this author...apparently I am not the right audience for his work.
Thank You to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Thomas Christopher Greene for the ARC I was provided in exchange for an CANDID review! If you are a fan, pick this up on Jan 15th, 2019.
If I said that I enjoyed anything about this book, then I would be “The Perfect Liar”!
The chapters were long and never ending.
The characters were all unlikable.
The writing was VULGAR (language, sex)
And, the reveal of “WHO” left the note, (and why now?) pretty anticlimactic.
Honestly, I could not wait for this book to end!
First time reading this author...apparently I am not the right audience for his work.
Thank You to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Thomas Christopher Greene for the ARC I was provided in exchange for an CANDID review! If you are a fan, pick this up on Jan 15th, 2019.
May 5, 2019
Thomas Christopher Greene’s The Perfect Liar was so hard to put down, because it is so fluidly written! But I also wanted to savor it, because its such a fantastic story and his writing drew me into the book in a way that I can’t quite think of another book in this genre does. This is truly domestic noir at its finest–filled with secrets and darkness, in a picture-perfect family with a picture-perfect life.
About the Book
A seemingly perfect marriage is threatened by the deadly secrets husband and wife keep from each other.
Susannah, a young widow and single mother, has remarried well: to Max, a charismatic artist and popular speaker whose career took her and her fifteen-year-old son out of New York City and to a quiet Vermont university town. Strong-willed and attractive, Susannah expects that her life is perfectly in place again. Then one quiet morning she finds a note on her door:
I KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
Max dismisses the note as a prank. But days after a neighborhood couple comes to dinner, the husband mysteriously dies in a tragic accident while on a run with Max. Soon thereafter, a second note appears on their door:
DID YOU GET AWAY WITH IT?
Both Susannah and Max are keeping secrets from the world and from each other—secrets that could destroy their family and everything they have built. Thomas Christopher Greene’s The Perfect Liar is a thrilling novel told through the alternating perspectives of Susannah and Max with a shocking climax that no one will expect, from the bestselling author of The Headmaster’s Wife.
Reflection
Oh Susannah! Oh Max! These two are living quite the life! Who would guess the darkness lurking behind closed doors?
As the book begins, we learn that beautiful single mother Susannah has married handsome, enigmatic artist Max W. (enjoy the story of why he goes by Max W.–it is a delightful part of the novel!), and they’ve relocated to a quiet, beautiful university town in Vermont where Max has a three-year appointment. Max has a great relationship with Susannah’s son, and it seems that both of them have left their struggles behind. They’ve finally made it!
So when Susannah starts to receive those notes, she doesn’t know what to do. They must be about Max, right? She remembers the odd events that she had tried to ignore… Or are they about something else entirely?
I loved learning the backstory of these characters! The way Greene wove their stories together was so compelling, that I didn’t want to put it down! Max’s backstory–oh wow! It is SO compelling. Darkness, lies, light, mystery, innovation, grit–Max is a truly outstanding character! The more I learned about him, the more I realized that he is truly a one-in-a-million character. I don’t want to spoil a single element to his backstory, so readers should experience it themselves! It starts to unfold through Part 1, and you learn a lot about what Max has been up to.
But don’t feel like you’ll run out of story when Max’s past is revealed! Susannah herself has quite a compelling story. Her first marriage, and their relationship. The father of her son. Well let’s just say, Susannah herself has quite a lot of darkness in her history! It is hard to decide at times if Susannah is fragile or strong! You’ll have to read and decide for yourself.
And the ending is absolutely perfect, in my opinion! That’s all I will say about it. A perfect ending for a perfect liar!
I can’t wait to see what Greene does next. I’ll definitely be reading it!
On Greene’s Writing
I shared a bit last week about Greene’s writing, and I want to reshare a brief portion of that post, because it rang true all the way through the book for me:
If I could try to describe Greene’s writing style, it would be fluid, seamless, or perhaps flowing. His story telling is delicate, but it is also unbreakable. When I say this book is un-put-down-able, it is not just due to the story (though the story is so compelling, that the story alone would have this effect). It’s also due to his writing. There are no natural breaks. Even when the story crosses into a memory, a different narrative, or a different point in time, it happens so smoothly that I’m in an entirely different part of the story without realizing Greene took me there.
From the very opening sentence, I found Greene’s writing to be so beautiful. In fact, the rich detail combined with the narrative rhythm makes this a book that seems to break new ground in the thriller genre. As a thriller-girl, it excites me to see something totally fresh and compelling. It doesn’t replace classics in the genre, but it does remind me that there is still so much opportunity for thrillers. Perhaps we’ve only just touched the surface of what this genre will become!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my copy to review.
About the Book
A seemingly perfect marriage is threatened by the deadly secrets husband and wife keep from each other.
Susannah, a young widow and single mother, has remarried well: to Max, a charismatic artist and popular speaker whose career took her and her fifteen-year-old son out of New York City and to a quiet Vermont university town. Strong-willed and attractive, Susannah expects that her life is perfectly in place again. Then one quiet morning she finds a note on her door:
I KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
Max dismisses the note as a prank. But days after a neighborhood couple comes to dinner, the husband mysteriously dies in a tragic accident while on a run with Max. Soon thereafter, a second note appears on their door:
DID YOU GET AWAY WITH IT?
Both Susannah and Max are keeping secrets from the world and from each other—secrets that could destroy their family and everything they have built. Thomas Christopher Greene’s The Perfect Liar is a thrilling novel told through the alternating perspectives of Susannah and Max with a shocking climax that no one will expect, from the bestselling author of The Headmaster’s Wife.
Reflection
Oh Susannah! Oh Max! These two are living quite the life! Who would guess the darkness lurking behind closed doors?
As the book begins, we learn that beautiful single mother Susannah has married handsome, enigmatic artist Max W. (enjoy the story of why he goes by Max W.–it is a delightful part of the novel!), and they’ve relocated to a quiet, beautiful university town in Vermont where Max has a three-year appointment. Max has a great relationship with Susannah’s son, and it seems that both of them have left their struggles behind. They’ve finally made it!
So when Susannah starts to receive those notes, she doesn’t know what to do. They must be about Max, right? She remembers the odd events that she had tried to ignore… Or are they about something else entirely?
I loved learning the backstory of these characters! The way Greene wove their stories together was so compelling, that I didn’t want to put it down! Max’s backstory–oh wow! It is SO compelling. Darkness, lies, light, mystery, innovation, grit–Max is a truly outstanding character! The more I learned about him, the more I realized that he is truly a one-in-a-million character. I don’t want to spoil a single element to his backstory, so readers should experience it themselves! It starts to unfold through Part 1, and you learn a lot about what Max has been up to.
But don’t feel like you’ll run out of story when Max’s past is revealed! Susannah herself has quite a compelling story. Her first marriage, and their relationship. The father of her son. Well let’s just say, Susannah herself has quite a lot of darkness in her history! It is hard to decide at times if Susannah is fragile or strong! You’ll have to read and decide for yourself.
And the ending is absolutely perfect, in my opinion! That’s all I will say about it. A perfect ending for a perfect liar!
I can’t wait to see what Greene does next. I’ll definitely be reading it!
On Greene’s Writing
I shared a bit last week about Greene’s writing, and I want to reshare a brief portion of that post, because it rang true all the way through the book for me:
If I could try to describe Greene’s writing style, it would be fluid, seamless, or perhaps flowing. His story telling is delicate, but it is also unbreakable. When I say this book is un-put-down-able, it is not just due to the story (though the story is so compelling, that the story alone would have this effect). It’s also due to his writing. There are no natural breaks. Even when the story crosses into a memory, a different narrative, or a different point in time, it happens so smoothly that I’m in an entirely different part of the story without realizing Greene took me there.
From the very opening sentence, I found Greene’s writing to be so beautiful. In fact, the rich detail combined with the narrative rhythm makes this a book that seems to break new ground in the thriller genre. As a thriller-girl, it excites me to see something totally fresh and compelling. It doesn’t replace classics in the genre, but it does remind me that there is still so much opportunity for thrillers. Perhaps we’ve only just touched the surface of what this genre will become!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my copy to review.
January 26, 2019
4 Solid Stars
We all have light, and we all have dark. Sometimes it’s up to us which side wins. And sometimes it is not.
This was an unexpected read, one of the good ones! At first, I thought I know it but then I found out I knew nothing! It was my first read by this author and definitely won’t be my last. Told in multiple POV (mostly in dual), 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel, fast-paced with well-developed characters (albeit not likable ones, at least not for me) and the twists that I couldn’t see. It’s well-written with a satisfying ending but I can understand if others don’t like it! Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me and hope you like it as well!
We all have light, and we all have dark. Sometimes it’s up to us which side wins. And sometimes it is not.
This was an unexpected read, one of the good ones! At first, I thought I know it but then I found out I knew nothing! It was my first read by this author and definitely won’t be my last. Told in multiple POV (mostly in dual), 3rd person. It’s a standalone novel, fast-paced with well-developed characters (albeit not likable ones, at least not for me) and the twists that I couldn’t see. It’s well-written with a satisfying ending but I can understand if others don’t like it! Overall, it was an enjoyable read for me and hope you like it as well!
October 24, 2018
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for gifting me a copy of The Perfect Liar. I recently read The Headmaster’s Wife by Greene and it was fantastic. While browsing edelweiss I found The Perfect Liar was being published early 2019 and I knew I had to get my hands on it.
Susannah, a young widow and single mother, has found love again, with Max W. They are both artists from NYC but have moved to Vermont to live that family life. While Susannah is out for a run she comes home to find a note that states “I Know Who You Are”. She immediately phones her husband to tell him what she has found. Max believes someone from work must be out to get him. His career has really taken off so it must be someone who is jealous.
When the perfect couple are both hiding secrets from each other nothing can wrong, right? Wrong! When the second note comes.. they know they are in trouble!
I enjoyed this short, fast paced story. Right when you think the story is going one way, it shoots off in another direction. Great twists. I recommend 4⭐️
Susannah, a young widow and single mother, has found love again, with Max W. They are both artists from NYC but have moved to Vermont to live that family life. While Susannah is out for a run she comes home to find a note that states “I Know Who You Are”. She immediately phones her husband to tell him what she has found. Max believes someone from work must be out to get him. His career has really taken off so it must be someone who is jealous.
When the perfect couple are both hiding secrets from each other nothing can wrong, right? Wrong! When the second note comes.. they know they are in trouble!
I enjoyed this short, fast paced story. Right when you think the story is going one way, it shoots off in another direction. Great twists. I recommend 4⭐️
December 23, 2018
The Perfect Liar by Thomas Christopher is a thriller that follows a couple as they receive threatening notes. The story is told by alternating the point of view between them in each chapter giving a reader a look at both sides of the story.
Susannah had gotten herself into a relationship with a much older man which led her to becoming a widower with a young son. When Susannah met Max he seemed the perfect man for her seeing that he was also an artist and fit into Susannah and her son's life perfectly.
When offered a job in Vermont Susannah and Max take the leap moving from New York to their new quiet home. Quiet that is until one day Susannah finds a note left that reads "I KNOW WHO YOU ARE". Max is sure it's just a joke but Susannah can't help but wonder just how well does she know the man she married?
The Perfect Liar is another of those books that when done I felt a bit so-so with it but I look around and seem to be missing something everyone else seemed to see. For me, I never really got to care a bit about Susannah or Max but that is something that sometimes happens with thrillers that I go into not trusting the story, you have "liar" in the title and it can't be helped.
However, it didn't take long for my own theory to form about the outcome and again I pretty much figured out where it led so that was also a bit of a let down. Sure there were twists and turns along the way but seemed predictable to me leaving me with that meh feeling in the end. I will again chalk this up to reading too much for my own good since I seem to be in the minority with most being a lot more excited.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Susannah had gotten herself into a relationship with a much older man which led her to becoming a widower with a young son. When Susannah met Max he seemed the perfect man for her seeing that he was also an artist and fit into Susannah and her son's life perfectly.
When offered a job in Vermont Susannah and Max take the leap moving from New York to their new quiet home. Quiet that is until one day Susannah finds a note left that reads "I KNOW WHO YOU ARE". Max is sure it's just a joke but Susannah can't help but wonder just how well does she know the man she married?
The Perfect Liar is another of those books that when done I felt a bit so-so with it but I look around and seem to be missing something everyone else seemed to see. For me, I never really got to care a bit about Susannah or Max but that is something that sometimes happens with thrillers that I go into not trusting the story, you have "liar" in the title and it can't be helped.
However, it didn't take long for my own theory to form about the outcome and again I pretty much figured out where it led so that was also a bit of a let down. Sure there were twists and turns along the way but seemed predictable to me leaving me with that meh feeling in the end. I will again chalk this up to reading too much for my own good since I seem to be in the minority with most being a lot more excited.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 31, 2018
Max and Susannah seem to have a great life. When a mysterious note shows up on their door, they want to ignore it, but then a second note appears.
Told from alternating points of view, Max and Susannah both have secrets they don't want getting out. When Susannah met Max, they seemed to fit together perfectly. They met in New York City, but with the success of Max's career have moved to Vermont. Everything is going well for them, until the mysterious notes start to arrive.
The plot was interesting. The two main characters are both hiding dark secrets. Someone is leaving creepy notes on their door. It seems like a great read, but I never really connected with the story or the characters.
I've seen some great reviews for this one, and I imagine it will be a hit with some fans of psychological thrillers. For me, it was good, but not great. Best for fans of dark domestic thrillers with unlikable characters.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told from alternating points of view, Max and Susannah both have secrets they don't want getting out. When Susannah met Max, they seemed to fit together perfectly. They met in New York City, but with the success of Max's career have moved to Vermont. Everything is going well for them, until the mysterious notes start to arrive.
The plot was interesting. The two main characters are both hiding dark secrets. Someone is leaving creepy notes on their door. It seems like a great read, but I never really connected with the story or the characters.
I've seen some great reviews for this one, and I imagine it will be a hit with some fans of psychological thrillers. For me, it was good, but not great. Best for fans of dark domestic thrillers with unlikable characters.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2019
Who is the ‘who’ in “I know who you are”......
‘Who’ is getting away with what?
And....
‘Who’ saw what ‘who’ did?
Two disreputable characters are running the show in this novel.
And we, the reader, are running along side of them
tuning those pages pretty fast.
Being the loathsome people, that Susannah and Max are hindered my reading enjoyment somewhat... yet there’s a page turning addictive quality.
Most likable character is the state of Vermont.
The title of this book is perfect....
The ‘perfect’ liar not only keeps secrets from each other - Susannah and Max...
but apparently from the readers.
Warning.....I just might be lying....🤫
Or...I might be telling the truth about my experience- and my rating.
Hmmmm???
A totally untrustworthy review....🧐
‘Who’ is getting away with what?
And....
‘Who’ saw what ‘who’ did?
Two disreputable characters are running the show in this novel.
And we, the reader, are running along side of them
tuning those pages pretty fast.
Being the loathsome people, that Susannah and Max are hindered my reading enjoyment somewhat... yet there’s a page turning addictive quality.
Most likable character is the state of Vermont.
The title of this book is perfect....
The ‘perfect’ liar not only keeps secrets from each other - Susannah and Max...
but apparently from the readers.
Warning.....I just might be lying....🤫
Or...I might be telling the truth about my experience- and my rating.
Hmmmm???
A totally untrustworthy review....🧐
February 3, 2019
Scintillating writing, robust characters and brilliantly plotted.
SUMMARY
Susannah, a young widow and single mother has remarried. She married Max, a charismatic artist and popular speaker whose career took her and her 15-year-old son out of New York City to a quiet Vermont university town. Strong-willed and attractive Suzanne believes her life is perfectly in place again.
Then one morning she finds a note on their front door. “I know who you are.” Max dismisses the note as a prank. But days after a neighborhood couple comes to dinner, the husband mysteriously dies in a tragic accident while on a run with Max. Soon after, a second note appears on their door, “Did you get away with it?” Both Susanna and Max are keeping secrets from each other, secrets that could destroyed their marriage, their family and everything they have built.
REVIEW
THE PERFECT LIAR is thrilling. It’s told from the alternating perspectives of Max and Susannah. Each has their own story to tell, and it all unwinds in due course. The story is a ricocheting tale of lies and it’s impossible to put down the book.
Max and Susannah’s characters are unique and well defined. Both with strengths and weakness which make them real. You might not like them but they really make for interesting and robust characters. The story is brilliantly plotted and I am sure you’ll find some surprises between the pages. My favorite part was the entire second half of the book. It snaps your mind. Whaaaat!
The Perfect Liar is author THOMAS CHRISTOPHER GREENE’s sixth novel. Greene was born and raised in Worcester Massachusetts and earned his BA in English from Hobart College in Geneva, New York and his MFA in Writing from the former Vermont College. He lives in Central Vermont and in 2008 was instrumental in creating The Vermont College of Fine Arts. Greene’s writing is scintillating. It was a great Audible listen.
Publisher St. Martin’s Press/Macmillan Audio
Published January 15, 2019
Narrated Tania Gilbert
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Susannah, a young widow and single mother has remarried. She married Max, a charismatic artist and popular speaker whose career took her and her 15-year-old son out of New York City to a quiet Vermont university town. Strong-willed and attractive Suzanne believes her life is perfectly in place again.
Then one morning she finds a note on their front door. “I know who you are.” Max dismisses the note as a prank. But days after a neighborhood couple comes to dinner, the husband mysteriously dies in a tragic accident while on a run with Max. Soon after, a second note appears on their door, “Did you get away with it?” Both Susanna and Max are keeping secrets from each other, secrets that could destroyed their marriage, their family and everything they have built.
REVIEW
THE PERFECT LIAR is thrilling. It’s told from the alternating perspectives of Max and Susannah. Each has their own story to tell, and it all unwinds in due course. The story is a ricocheting tale of lies and it’s impossible to put down the book.
Max and Susannah’s characters are unique and well defined. Both with strengths and weakness which make them real. You might not like them but they really make for interesting and robust characters. The story is brilliantly plotted and I am sure you’ll find some surprises between the pages. My favorite part was the entire second half of the book. It snaps your mind. Whaaaat!
The Perfect Liar is author THOMAS CHRISTOPHER GREENE’s sixth novel. Greene was born and raised in Worcester Massachusetts and earned his BA in English from Hobart College in Geneva, New York and his MFA in Writing from the former Vermont College. He lives in Central Vermont and in 2008 was instrumental in creating The Vermont College of Fine Arts. Greene’s writing is scintillating. It was a great Audible listen.
Publisher St. Martin’s Press/Macmillan Audio
Published January 15, 2019
Narrated Tania Gilbert
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
January 16, 2019
Now this folks is a psychological thriller. The Perfect Liar is quite frankly the perfect title because I didn't know who was lying and what they were lying about. I had it figured out about four different times and then well, I was wrong. I was in the dark all the way until the end. Which is my kind of book!
Susannah and Max seemed to have it all. The perfect family, marriage, careers. Or was it all a facade? It is amazing how someone can create a persona for the public and yet they are entirely a different person in their private life. Secrets, murder and weird twisted stuff fill the pages of this page turner.
I flew through this in less than 24 hours, it was hard to put down. This was one wicked couple. You won't know who to trust, they each have their own kind of crazy going on. For a quick, twisted suspense filled read, I recommend you pick up a copy. Happy pub day to The Perfect Liar which is out today!
Many thanks to Thomas Christopher Greene, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for my ARC!
Susannah and Max seemed to have it all. The perfect family, marriage, careers. Or was it all a facade? It is amazing how someone can create a persona for the public and yet they are entirely a different person in their private life. Secrets, murder and weird twisted stuff fill the pages of this page turner.
I flew through this in less than 24 hours, it was hard to put down. This was one wicked couple. You won't know who to trust, they each have their own kind of crazy going on. For a quick, twisted suspense filled read, I recommend you pick up a copy. Happy pub day to The Perfect Liar which is out today!
Many thanks to Thomas Christopher Greene, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for my ARC!
November 12, 2018
The Perfect Liar is the type of story that you really need to go in blind. The synopsis already tells you too much and I recommend skipping it. It's a domestic suspense, and someone is lying. That's really all you need. I'll keep this review light and sweet, but it's books like this that get me creeped out about my engagement. Who exactly am I reeeeaallllyyy marrying?! Susannah is a newly married mother and her husband Max has salvaged her from the struggles of being a single parent. Max and Susannah relocate to a small suburban town in Vermont, where people leave their doors unlocked, neighbors become best friends, and secrets can struggle to be kept hidden. After Susannah and Max find a note on their door, strange occurrences begin happening to the family. Susannah and Max are both hiding secrets, but when you find out what it is they're exactly hiding, you'll be left with your jaw on the floor.
If you enjoyed 2018's The Wife Between Us, you will love Thomas Christopher Greene's The Perfect Liar ! I was able to read this book in one sitting, and although the mystery is very light, it's also very intriguing. This was my first read by Thomas Christopher Greene, but now I see why The Headmaster's Wife was so popular. There's many twists and turns throughout this story—some easier than others to figure out. Thank you St. Martins Press for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The Perfect Liar will be released January 15, 2019.
If you enjoyed 2018's The Wife Between Us, you will love Thomas Christopher Greene's The Perfect Liar ! I was able to read this book in one sitting, and although the mystery is very light, it's also very intriguing. This was my first read by Thomas Christopher Greene, but now I see why The Headmaster's Wife was so popular. There's many twists and turns throughout this story—some easier than others to figure out. Thank you St. Martins Press for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The Perfect Liar will be released January 15, 2019.
January 15, 2019
Susannah and Max are considered the perfect couple. This is her second marriage (her first husband died) and brings son Freddy with her. They seem to have it all .. a beautiful home, a great job, plenty of money to live comfortably.
Susanna finds a hand-written note on her front door .... I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. She immediately calls her husband who dismisses it as a prank. A few days later they invite a couple to their house for dinner. Days later the man is killed in a tragic accident. The next note to show up .... DID YOU GET AWAY WITH IT.
And then the third note .... I SAW WHAT YOU DID.
Both Susannah and Max are keeping secrets from the world and from each other—secrets that could destroy their family and everything they have built.
So what did Max do? Why?
The story premise is exquisite .... highly suspenseful, full of secrets and lies, twists and turns. Step by step the reader learns what those secrets are..But it's the ending that grabbed my attention. It's riveting and so unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / St Martin's Press / Netgalley for the advanced digit copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Susanna finds a hand-written note on her front door .... I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. She immediately calls her husband who dismisses it as a prank. A few days later they invite a couple to their house for dinner. Days later the man is killed in a tragic accident. The next note to show up .... DID YOU GET AWAY WITH IT.
And then the third note .... I SAW WHAT YOU DID.
Both Susannah and Max are keeping secrets from the world and from each other—secrets that could destroy their family and everything they have built.
So what did Max do? Why?
The story premise is exquisite .... highly suspenseful, full of secrets and lies, twists and turns. Step by step the reader learns what those secrets are..But it's the ending that grabbed my attention. It's riveting and so unexpected.
Many thanks to the author / St Martin's Press / Netgalley for the advanced digit copy of this psychological thriller. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
January 22, 2019
I guess I’m in the minority here, because I wasn’t a fan! I felt like the characters actions had zero explanation - there was no elaboration on anyone’s motives, so I had a hard time connecting with any of them or understanding why they were doing what they were doing.
I also found it pretty boring. I felt like there were no twists and turns, and the ones that did exist were so minor and anticlimactic that I kept thinking *something* had to be coming down the pipeline, but nope. All in all, this one was disappointing to me. If you like more of a straightforward mystery without the twists, you may enjoy this one more than I did.
I also found it pretty boring. I felt like there were no twists and turns, and the ones that did exist were so minor and anticlimactic that I kept thinking *something* had to be coming down the pipeline, but nope. All in all, this one was disappointing to me. If you like more of a straightforward mystery without the twists, you may enjoy this one more than I did.
October 5, 2018
I received a free e-copy of The Perfect Liar by Thomas Christopher Greene from NetGalley for my honest review.
Susannah is a single mom and a widow who lives in New York. She has fallen in love again with an artist, Max, who uses words not art. They decide to move to Vermont where they can live a nice quiet life. One day she finds a note on her door that says "I know who you are".
She shows it to Max who tells her it is probably just a silly prank. But then a partner of Max's dies in an accident and a second note appears that says "Did you get away with it?"
A very quick read with lost of twists and turns.
Susannah is a single mom and a widow who lives in New York. She has fallen in love again with an artist, Max, who uses words not art. They decide to move to Vermont where they can live a nice quiet life. One day she finds a note on her door that says "I know who you are".
She shows it to Max who tells her it is probably just a silly prank. But then a partner of Max's dies in an accident and a second note appears that says "Did you get away with it?"
A very quick read with lost of twists and turns.
February 18, 2019
This was a very fast read! It’s under 300 pages so it didn’t drag out at all. I love this author’s writing style and this book had me hooked from the first page. I highly recommend this one!
December 26, 2018
A chilling tale of hidden secrets that surface and threaten a married couple’s new life together. The tension builds as lies are revealed and we’re left to decide who “The Perfect Liar” is. So many delicious twists...as we’re lead to an unexpected and impressive ending!
Susannah and Max are a new couple that married after a brief courtship...and each have secrets from their past that they haven’t shared with their new partner.
Susannah met the charismatic artist at a NYC party, when he first made his appearance into the art world. She was a struggling young widow with a teenage son...and was drawn to his charm and energy. She’s strong-willed and anxious, but Max has a way of calming her and keeping her grounded.
A job offer from the University of Vermont moves them to a slower-paced life...away from the NYC art scene and pasts they want to forget. Then Susannah finds a note on their door—I KNOW WHO YOU ARE—and the new stress-free life starts to crumble.
In a panic, she calls Max, who is out of town lecturing. He dismisses it as a prank, but in the back of his mind he begins to wonder if someone has uncovered his lies. Susannah is also wondering if her past is creeping into her new life...or maybe she doesn’t know Max as well as she thought. She was attracted to his mysterious, artistic side, but now she’s curious about his estranged family and lack of friends. He just appeared in the art world—almost overnight.
Another note appears, and then one of Max’s colleagues is killed in a tragic accident. It’s clear that someone has an agenda...but whose secrets are threatening their future?
Thank you to NetGalley, Goodreads Giveaways and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
#ThePerfectLiar #NetGalley
Susannah and Max are a new couple that married after a brief courtship...and each have secrets from their past that they haven’t shared with their new partner.
Susannah met the charismatic artist at a NYC party, when he first made his appearance into the art world. She was a struggling young widow with a teenage son...and was drawn to his charm and energy. She’s strong-willed and anxious, but Max has a way of calming her and keeping her grounded.
A job offer from the University of Vermont moves them to a slower-paced life...away from the NYC art scene and pasts they want to forget. Then Susannah finds a note on their door—I KNOW WHO YOU ARE—and the new stress-free life starts to crumble.
In a panic, she calls Max, who is out of town lecturing. He dismisses it as a prank, but in the back of his mind he begins to wonder if someone has uncovered his lies. Susannah is also wondering if her past is creeping into her new life...or maybe she doesn’t know Max as well as she thought. She was attracted to his mysterious, artistic side, but now she’s curious about his estranged family and lack of friends. He just appeared in the art world—almost overnight.
Another note appears, and then one of Max’s colleagues is killed in a tragic accident. It’s clear that someone has an agenda...but whose secrets are threatening their future?
Thank you to NetGalley, Goodreads Giveaways and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
#ThePerfectLiar #NetGalley
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