The Lying House

by Rick Mofina

In this domestic thriller, a terrifying home invasion unravels everything a young woman thinks she knows about her perfect home and marriage.Lisa Taylor has friends, family and a job she loved back in Cleveland. But when her husband Jeff lands the promotion of a lifetime, she gives it all up to go him. Their whirlwind move to Miami feels like an adventure, their idyllic new neighborhood the perfect place to start a family. But their dreams are shattered when a stranger breaks into their house, holding a knife to Lisa’s throat before Jeff can chase him off.Suddenly, every sacrifice Lisa made feels like a loss she’ll never recover from. But Jeff makes it clear there’s too much at stake to return to Ohio. Isolated and afraid, Lisa becomes a hostage in her own home. She can’t shake the feeling she’s being watched. And with the man she married growing increasingly unrecognizable, she’s starting to wonder whether their hasty move was to pursue a better life—or escape a chilling past that won’t be outrun.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Psychological Thriller

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2019

About the author

Rick Mofina is a former journalist who has interviewed murderers on death row in Montana and Texas, flown over L.A. with the LAPD and patrolled with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police near the Arctic. He's also reported from the Caribbean, Africa and Kuwait's border with Iraq. His true-crime freelance work has appeared in The New York Times, The Telegraph (London, U.K.), Reader’s Digest, Penthouse, Marie Claire and The South China Morning Post, (Hong Kong). He has written more than 20 crime fiction thrillers that have been published in nearly 30 countries.

His work has been praised by James Patterson, Dean Koontz, Michael Connelly, Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen, Jeffery Deaver, Louise Penny, Sandra Brown, James Rollins, Lisa Unger, Brad Thor, Nick Stone, David Morrell, Allison Brennan, Heather Graham, Linwood Barclay, Peter Robinson, Håkan Nesser and Kay Hooper.

The Crime Writers of Canada, The International Thriller Writers and The Private Eye Writers of America have listed his titles among the best in crime fiction. As a two-time winner of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award, a four-time Thriller Award finalist and a two-time Shamus Award finalist, the Library Journal calls him, “One of the best thriller writers in the business.”

Series:
* Tom Reed and Walt Sydowski
* Jason Wade
* Jack Gannon

Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best Novel (2003): Blood of Others

Reviews

[TXGAL1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lisa and Jeff Taylor have recently settled in Florida after previously living in Ohio. Both work professionals, Lisa has taken a step back from a management position in order to to support Jeff’s promotion and ascension up another wrung in the work ladder. The move was fast and Lisa is unhappy that she left her work, sister and close friends…she’s at 6s and 7s with herself.

Trying to settle in a new job, new town, new home, Jeff is on edge. He has a lot to prove and a lot to live up to. It’s “perfect” timing when a former work colleague comes back into Jeff’s life and his anxiety starts to go through the roof!

Is everything as it appears, or is everyone wearing a mask?

I rated this read 3.5 stars rounded down to 3 stars. I have to admit the rating would have been higher but I found Lisa’s character to be irritating. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Tracy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lying House centers around husband and wife Lisa and Jeff Taylor, who have recently moved to Miami from Cleveland, Ohio because Jeff just received the job promotion of a lifetime. He insists it will be an excellent fresh start for the both of them.

Lisa reluctantly agrees to forgo her established career in exchange for his chance to move-up. She is excited he has agreed to start a family once they are settled. Without this promise she never would have left her career and family to make such a huge leap into the unknown.

What Jeff does not reveal prior to the move is he is harboring a huge secret, which will have consequences that will alter their lives forever.

Not long after moving to their new home, a complete stranger attacks Lisa while Jeff is home. His guilt over not being able to prevent the assault sends them spiraling into emotional despair and questioning how well they really know each other.

Little do they know the overwhelming obstacles and insidious revelations are just beginning to unfold. The events leading to the shocking conclusion will leave all of them irrevocably changed. And some no longer with us. . .

Narrator Mark Owen was superb as the voice for the whole cast of characters.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff and Lisa each shared a secret past from their childhoods. The author uses passing references to their past to tease you into needing to read on in order to learn what those secrets are. Jeff wants to get ahead in life....to succeed. When he receives an offer and a big promotion from his job at the ad agency, he is ecstatic... but, he has to leave Cleveland and move to Florida. Florida isn't exactly kind to Jeff and Lisa. Almost as soon as they are moved in their home is broken into, and Jeff starts to receive blackmail message from a co-worker. We learn that the police are working on two major cases: a rash of break ins where the women's underwear is stolen; and a string of murders that reaches across the country. This event marks the beginning of a nightmare that seems to never end. Their lives spiral out of control, and a serial killer now stalks the streets of the town. A suspect is being looked at for both crimes and then we see a major twist occur. The story is diffidently a 'turn on a dime" mystery with a very satisfying ending.... but I have found this to be the case with all of Rick Mofina's books, and this is another one to add to them.

[Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was a chunk of my time that I will never get back...should’ve quit reading this thriller early on when I realized it was not very good. The audio narration was one of the worst I’ve experienced in a long time. It lacked acting skills and believable expression resulting in a mundane almost comical performance. The story was clunky and ridiculous. It was hard to take the plot seriously between the unbelievable character decisions and corny twists. I won’t even bother to go on...quite disappointing.

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 for me

You can't go wrong with a Rick Mofina book.

Twists and turns, the pages fly by and the light stays on just to read one more chapter which becomes several more !

Loved The Lying House, a great read !!

[Pat Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am waiting patiently for this new book. Have never been disappointed. Usually I can't put one down and sleep is not important until I am finished. Good thing I am retired and none to turn the light out.

[Gale Eastman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Thriller although I figured out who the villian was about the middle of the book. Kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Clouds · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the audio version. Male narrator for a female character... Didn't work for me. He did not even try to sound like a female. How hard would it have been to get a female to narrate? He used the same voice for every character, really lame. (Mark Owen... Bad narrator)
Long and drawn out. really quite boring.

[claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

He did a really good job on this book. I enjoyed it. It took me a while to get into it. When I finally did, it was great.

[Manda Nem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very repetitive...can't tell you how many times I rolled my eyes. Wasn't too fond of the characters either. They were all a hot mess lol

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lying House by Rick Mofina is a highly recommended thriller.

Jeff and Lisa Taylor left Cleveland, Ohio, and move to Miami, Florida, after Jeff receives a big promotion. Lisa left a good job and family behind, but she knows that Jeff's job means they will be able to start a family, something she has always wanted. They have a huge house in an expensive neighborhood, and will soon have a security system installed - but not before they have someone break in and holds a knife to Lisa's throat. The attack shakes up Lisa to the core of her being, while Jeff is trying to hold it all together and make his mark at his new job. Lisa may want to move back to Cleveland, but Jeff knows it would be a bad idea. They have a neighborhood watch group, which Jeff joins. A neighbor, a former law enforcement official, runs it.

As Lisa continues to feel like she is being watched and Jeff is dealing with a former colleague from Cleveland who is threatening him, the tension increases in this taunt thriller. You will trust no one and suspect everyone. Even Lisa and Jeff seem unreliable as both of them have dark occurrences in their childhood that still traumatize them. The narrative alternates between thoughts of Lisa and Jeff, and the investigations by the police and an FBI special agent. The story also has a tie-in to a serial killer who may be connected to the scumbag who threatened Lisa.

The writing is quite good and Mofina keeps you guessing as he ratchets up the tension and the suspects with each chapter. Careful readers are going to catch on to what is really going on early, but Mofina keeps the action multiplying and the plot interesting enough to keep you reading to see if you are right. Developments in the plot will have the pages flying by in this fast-paced thriller.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of MIRA Books.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2019/1...

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has a lot of twists and to be honest, it actually kept me guessing as to how the threads involving a serial killer, an assault in Florida, and a blackmailer would pull together. Lisa and Jeff have just moved to Florida from Cleveland when a home invasion upends their world. Luckily, they have a neighbor, Dillard, who was in law enforcement and the resources to completely wire their home for security. Jeff's huge promotion may have come as a result of something other than his own hard work and he's dealing with Vida, a former colleague. Then there's a serial killer out there; you get the perspective of an FBI SA who is working the case. Both Jeff and Lisa have darkness from their childhood- I guessed what happened in his case but not hers (which while bad, isn't AS bad). Lisa's the only character I trusted- everyone else, including Nell who is suffering from cancer- is up for grabs. This is nicely paced and the story is well told. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. Definitely a page turner worth a read if you're looking for a thriller to while away travel or a lazy day.

[Lori Twining · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you are running from someone, it is tough to leave your past behind... and if it is a thriller novel, you can bet the past is coming for you. Fast and furious.

THE LYING HOUSE was a quick read. If you like a suspense novel sprinkled with a little serial killer, then you should try reading this one by Rick Mofina.

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always enjoy books by Rick Mofina but this was a disappointment. Much, much, much too long for a start. I don’t need multiple pages describing how a fingerprint analysis is done. And why describe a doctor’s exam?? Plus it was very easy to guess what was actually going on. Happy to be (finally) finished with it.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. I didn't like the main characters, I figured out the story before the middle of the book (you need more red herrings) and the ending was too neat. Everyone whined a lot.

[Jennifer Rayment · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite of his but hey it took my mind off life for a while and decent enough to keep reading

[Kris (Novelesque Life) · Rating 2 out of 5]

RATING: 2 STARS
2019; Mira/Harlequin

I have read quite a few of Mofina's suspense mystery novels and have on a whole enjoyed them. I really liked his Kate Page and Jason Wade (this was my first book and series by him) series. I could not get into the last Kate Page novel, Free Fall but I do like the first two books. I was excited to get into this standalone novel, but found it hard to keep reading. Reading it was harder, so I kept with the audiobook. The narrator seemed bored with the story and didn't really even try to distinguish the different characters. I had the speed at 1.75 just to add some emotion. I had a hard time buying the storyline and the murderer was easy to figure out. It could have just been me, so take a look at some of the 4 and 5 star reviews as well.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

[Debbie Oxier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent thriller. Jeff and Lisa had just moved to Miami from Cleveland after Jeff received a promotion at work. In truth, he'd stolen a co-worker's concept and passed it off as his own. Now Vida, the co-worker, wanted him to get her a job in the same company or she was going to make trouble for him. They had a bit of a past together and she had the photographs to do it. Not wanting Lisa to know, Jeff has to find away out of his predicament. To make matters worse, a man breaks into their house and assaults Lisa. Now she's traumatized and the police are involved. The only friends they have, if you can call them that, are their neighbors, but Nell is unwell and there's something about Rollie that makes Lisa uncomfortable in his presence. There's also a serial killer involved that may or may not be the man who assaulted Lisa.

This was very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I felt the main characters compelling and wanted to know more about them as the story progressed. I think this is one of Mr. Mofina's best books to date. Definitely recommend.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeff was not perfect, he had temper issues, driven to succeed, a grudge against the world, an a inferno rage in his heart. He worked for this promotion, he had to take it. The move was fast, he couldn’t go back. Then he mentions California why not before.
She had a master’s degree, she strived for that manager’s position, she gave it up, along with family and friends to go with him. She wanted to go home, back to safety, and support in Ohio.
They were survivors, he kept saying. She tried to repeat it, she needed to get out and start living instead of fear. An upscale neighborhood, they do patrol watches, House has a top of the line security, it was not enough.
Someone was watching her, he vowed he would make good his threat.
Chilling story, she felt so alone, her emotion felt real, now shattered. Another page turning book from the author.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well plotted, even if I did suspect the killer mid way.

I did not like several of the characters but I love the plot, and the writing is top notch.

This is more thriller than mystery, although it is both. We feel for the wife Lisa, but suspect the husband right from the start. He is being blackmailed by a former coworker, who has followed him to Florida from Cleveland. And he has been violent and subject to blackouts in the past.

We also have the burglar and rapist as a suspect. He looks really good for the murder , and is suspected of being The Collector. The police and FBI work well together in investigating this crime and others.

I have been distracted by library books with no renewals, or I would have finished this earlier.

I won a copy on Goodreads Giveaways.

[Andrea]

2.5-3 stars. Some of the most “What in the actual ” I’ve ever read in a thriller, and I’ve read “Gone Girl”. I understand that you have to give thriller protagonists the benefit of the doubt for overlooking the obvious since they don’t have the reader’s birds-eye-view of the story. At the same time, it felt like a conclave of idiots convened in Palm Mirage Creek, Florida. It could be worse though (see “Gone Girl”).

Addendum: it seems this is a well-known thriller author with more highly-rated books and I’m willing to try another.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The suspense was constantly building as more characters get involved and more incidents and links are revealed.

I suspected the right criminal early on, though not to the magnitude of his crimes. The violence of the murders was only mentioned in autopsy results and sex kept to brief interludes. Characters were not very likable people.

I struggle with a rating so settled on 4/5.

I borrowed this e-book from my local library.

[Courtney (caffeinereadrepeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well Fluffer-nutter! 😳

This book was absolutely crazy good! I thoroughly enjoyed the story, loved the "who could this be?" And "what did he do?" And how it all jived together at the end. I couldn't believe how the ending happened. Absolutely wonderful! This isn't my first book by Rick, but it won't be the last. Totally nail-biting. 😳 Is our past ever really just the past?

I give this 4 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️

[Wendy Hearder-moan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit scary—the break-in right at the beginning and Lisa’s fears that were easy to get caught up in— and I’m not crazy about reading books with serial killers and psychopaths (I prefer my murderers to have motives I can understand 😃) but other than that, it was good. The ending was perhaps a bit too pat.

[Beth Lechman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new author to me. This is the type of book I enjoy reading. Full of twist, lots of suspense from the first page until the end. So many characters and so many secrets. this one keeps you guessing and turning pages to try and figure them out.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave Rick Mofina’s latest crime thriller five stars because it was, well, obviously, a thrilling thriller that I enjoyed for every taut, well- written and fiendishly plotted 500 pages.
A brief synopsis: Jeff and Lia Taylor have uprooted their lives and moved from Cleveland to a suburb of Miami, after Jeff receives a big promotion at his employer, an advertising firm. Jeff came up with a winning ad proposal that would bring millions in billing fees for his employer.Jeff is in Miami to supervise the account. Lisa, though, misses her old job in Cleveland; she still works at her old job via telecommuting, but she misses her friends, and her sister. Jeff and Lisa’s new house is lavish, the neighbors friendly and Florida beautiful, nevertheless, some homesickness continues. Moreover, Jess spends a lot of time at the office, leaving Lisa to find things to do.
Then one night, their world changes. Lisa awakens, hearing a noise in the house. Lisa slips from bed looking for Jeff who must be working in the den. Suddenly, a man grabs her, holds a knife to her throat, and begins to paw her body. Then her husband comes into the bedroom, and the intruder flees.
After the police leave the scene, their neighbor, a retired ex-cop advises them to have a security system installed, and says he will keep over - watch on the area. Life for Lisa and Jeff slowly returns to normal. But that is only the beginning . Normal is not what is coming.
Mr. Molina, an experienced writer, knows how to keep the edge of suspense sharp. He drops hints now and then, directing ( and misdirecting, sometimes) the reader’s attention to control the heat. As we learn more about the two, we begin to fear for their happiness together. What causes Jeff to have blackout rages? Why does Lisa feel such angst? Whydo they keep closed off partitions in their relationship? Most importantly, what connection is there between them and murders that occurred back in Cleveland? New events and new players give deeper insights as things get more tangled. The author handles this all with a sure hand in a novel that does not slow down or lose its way . One of the things I admire about Rick Mofina’s novels is that he does not cheat on the reader. All the facts are laid out to know. There is nothing to be sprung later in a Gee - Whiz surprise ending based on something out of left field.
Yes, you may guess the ending, but the book is good enough that you will enjoy every minute you spent reading “The Lying House.”
Cautions: some sexuality, violence and nastiness. It is a crime thriller, and a good one.

[Debbie Lanthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrifying home invasion leaves a young woman questioning everything about her recent move to a new city and if she even knows her husband at all. Twist after twist makes this book a hard one to put down and keeps you up late at night. Money certainly doesn’t buy happiness and it’s proven in this book. Time well spent reading another Rick Molina. Can’t wait to get my hands on another one!

[Bev Walkling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read, the kind that grabs you in chapter one and keeps you wanting to read until you are done. Our internet was out and cable out. While reading this I didn't miss them.

[Melissa Follett-Filice · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was excellent. I guessed who the killer was about 3/4 through and was right but it was still an awesome book and twisted and turned. I would recommend this book highly

[Jessica Kennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oofta. That was a fun ride. The chapters were really short which was nice. Told from multiple points of view. Really enjoy mofina