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The Liars
Two women. One deadly secret. A rivalry that could destroy them.
Ava Wells is perfect. She has the boyfriend, the career, the looks. But one night changes everything and her life suddenly isn't so seamless.
Jade Fernleigh is ambitious. She's worked hard to get where she is. And she's not about to let Ava take the job she rightly deserves.
Both women share a secret that could destroy them, but who will crumble first?
Praise for The Liars:'An irresistibly, compulsive thriller' Ella Drummond, author of My Last Lie.
'A well written fast-paced story, with more twists than a corkscrew' Amanda James, author of Another Mother.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2019
1064 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
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June 7, 2019I need this book right now!
I just read an article/interview with the author and I had such a strong feeling that I know excatly what she was talking about.
And I need this! I hope it will be fantastic! We talk so much about the glass ceiling but to me "the sisterhood ceiling" (lovely term, by the way, had no idea that it had an official name) is way more vicious.
I just read an article/interview with the author and I had such a strong feeling that I know excatly what she was talking about.
And I need this! I hope it will be fantastic! We talk so much about the glass ceiling but to me "the sisterhood ceiling" (lovely term, by the way, had no idea that it had an official name) is way more vicious.
April 12, 2019
A running theme throughout the book are these words
BETRAYAL, DISLOYALTY, LIES, REVENGE, RETALIATION, DEMISE
and if David thinks you are guilty of the first 3 then you are targeted with the last 3......even if your family, lover or you work for him...
Ava and Jade do work for him, they have history and now they compete for a promotion and David’s son Josh, its not going to end well, and it
doesnt as the book draws all these characters ( fabulous charcaters ) into a seductive story that really had me hurtling between hilarious chick lit moments ( properly LOL at the ‘Mean Girls’ toxicity ) intrigue as to who was true and who was false and full on shuddering at some of the almost horroresque scenes and psychological drama....you never knew what was coming next and it was refreshing to almost bounce between the genres whilst the main focus of the book was never lost, very clever and I imagine hard to do for an author, its risky but this paid of 100%
Psychopaths, Sociopaths and Narcissists wait to greet you in this unique, effortlessly addictive full on story where nothing and no one are quite as they seem
Perfect Reading
10/10 5 Stars
May 4, 2019
Whoa is this really a debut? Naomi Joy knocks it out of the park with this debut thriller! This book had me enthralled from the very first chapter.
Ava and Jade work together in a high scale PR firm and they are clawing their way to the top. These two despise each other as they are in a not so friendly competition for the same position. Two girls in an office vying for the same position -who used to be friends, that partied together and happened to be with their coworker Olivia the night she died. What kind of drama could become of all that?
These two would do anything and I do mean anything to advance at their job. I cringed more than one time when David Stein (their boss and Olivia's father) took a "special interest" in helping Ava. In fact things got really weird, as he took her under his wing, gave her a place to live and dressed her in his dead daughter's clothes! What?! Yes I stopped multiple times and thought what the heck twisted crap is going through his mind? Trust me...it gets even better!
As the story builds Ava and Jade push each other to the limit but they both are scared of one thing. They both hold a secret that could bring their world crashing down upon them. They have no choice but to hope the other can keep their lips sealed. So they play a dangerous game of cat and mouse, pushing each other to the edge.
I flew through this book in literally a day as I couldn't put it down. It held my interest from the very first page. It is a twisty, disturbing, suspense filled read! Just when I thought I had it figured out it took an unexpected twist that shocked me!
I highly recommend checking out this wonderful thriller! I look forward to reading to reading more by Naomi Joy!
Thank you so much to Aria, Naomi Joy and Victoria Joss for this ARC!
Ava and Jade work together in a high scale PR firm and they are clawing their way to the top. These two despise each other as they are in a not so friendly competition for the same position. Two girls in an office vying for the same position -who used to be friends, that partied together and happened to be with their coworker Olivia the night she died. What kind of drama could become of all that?
These two would do anything and I do mean anything to advance at their job. I cringed more than one time when David Stein (their boss and Olivia's father) took a "special interest" in helping Ava. In fact things got really weird, as he took her under his wing, gave her a place to live and dressed her in his dead daughter's clothes! What?! Yes I stopped multiple times and thought what the heck twisted crap is going through his mind? Trust me...it gets even better!
As the story builds Ava and Jade push each other to the limit but they both are scared of one thing. They both hold a secret that could bring their world crashing down upon them. They have no choice but to hope the other can keep their lips sealed. So they play a dangerous game of cat and mouse, pushing each other to the edge.
I flew through this book in literally a day as I couldn't put it down. It held my interest from the very first page. It is a twisty, disturbing, suspense filled read! Just when I thought I had it figured out it took an unexpected twist that shocked me!
I highly recommend checking out this wonderful thriller! I look forward to reading to reading more by Naomi Joy!
Thank you so much to Aria, Naomi Joy and Victoria Joss for this ARC!
July 14, 2021
Four words are used as a narrative in this stunning psychological thriller are betrayal, disloyalty lies & revenge this was the best psychological thriller of the year for me. There were times i just wanted to shake Jade she got on my nerves at times but her character was written to aplomb, at other times you felt her pain. This was a dark gritty read that i could not put down, i have never read this author before but Naomi Joy puts you in the darkest place & takes you into the darkness of the plot.
Olivia Stein David Steins only daughter died of a cardiac arrest following a cocaine overdose her blood alcohol level contributed to her death complicating matters she had a heart condition. David also lost his business partner & wife Kate Watson to a cocaine overdose twenty years to the day.
Olivia, Jade & Ava met at university they were best friends until a terrible secret tore them apart, now Ava & Jade are working at David Steins PR Firm Ava is David's second in line & jade despises it jealousy raises its ugly head as Jade wants Ava's job & hates the way David gives all the good jobs to Ava, but when Ava suddenly disappears all eyes are on Jade's she is the main suspect in her disappearance.
Who is the next in line to take Ava's job ... You guessed it Jade BUT Jade is a control freak she is the Sargent & the employees are the trainees this sends Josh David's son over the edge as he was Ava,s boyfriend & he was so upset over her mystery disappearance.
Jade is arrested & taken to the police station for questioning she denies she had any involvement IS SHE TELLING THE TRUTH!!
I loved this book i loved the banter between Ava & jade i could slap them both, but the questions remain Who killed Olivia?
Olivia Stein David Steins only daughter died of a cardiac arrest following a cocaine overdose her blood alcohol level contributed to her death complicating matters she had a heart condition. David also lost his business partner & wife Kate Watson to a cocaine overdose twenty years to the day.
Olivia, Jade & Ava met at university they were best friends until a terrible secret tore them apart, now Ava & Jade are working at David Steins PR Firm Ava is David's second in line & jade despises it jealousy raises its ugly head as Jade wants Ava's job & hates the way David gives all the good jobs to Ava, but when Ava suddenly disappears all eyes are on Jade's she is the main suspect in her disappearance.
Who is the next in line to take Ava's job ... You guessed it Jade BUT Jade is a control freak she is the Sargent & the employees are the trainees this sends Josh David's son over the edge as he was Ava,s boyfriend & he was so upset over her mystery disappearance.
Jade is arrested & taken to the police station for questioning she denies she had any involvement IS SHE TELLING THE TRUTH!!
I loved this book i loved the banter between Ava & jade i could slap them both, but the questions remain Who killed Olivia?
April 14, 2019
The Liars by Naomi Joy sounded like a book that I just had to read - sadly it was a great disappointment for me. For the first 30% or so I was intrigued about the relationships and what the lies were. After that it just went way off on a completely unbelievable tangent. None of the characters were likeable at all - and unbelievable in their actions and choices.
I don't like to write bad reviews about books and I can see that a lot of people have enjoyed this book. It wasn't for me and everybody has different tastes. Can't love them all.
Thanks to Aria and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
I don't like to write bad reviews about books and I can see that a lot of people have enjoyed this book. It wasn't for me and everybody has different tastes. Can't love them all.
Thanks to Aria and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
Read
April 13, 2019After thoughtful consideration I have decided to stop reading, 'The Liars,' at 30%, therefore I will not be rating. I'm not engaed or connecting well to any aspect, story arc or characters. To my ears the characters often sound immature and somewhat unbelievable and the narrative appears over detailed in places without advancing the story. There are other apects I could note but I don't want to completely pick the writing apart as it is purely my opinion and others may enjoy it more.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy but on this occasion the story did not work for me, really sorry.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy but on this occasion the story did not work for me, really sorry.
March 9, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Best thing I’ve read this year. Read The Liars in a weekend - I almost wish it hadn’t been such a page turner so I could sill be enjoying it!
Quick, funny, toxic, real. This is a must read.
Best thing I’ve read this year. Read The Liars in a weekend - I almost wish it hadn’t been such a page turner so I could sill be enjoying it!
Quick, funny, toxic, real. This is a must read.
April 28, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of
The Liars.
Sheesh, this was bad. And in a bad way. A really bad way.
Bad all over the place; bad characters, carbon copy plot, where I figured out who the bad guy was by the second chapter, not to mention the trigger themes of sexual violence, drugs, and predatory behavior.
I don't know what I disliked most; the catty, petty, childish behavior of Jade towards Ava or the constant mooning and salivating Jade has for Josh, her object of unrequited affection.
Jade acts more like a 16 year old than a grown-up. She lacks self esteem and brains.
Actually, I couldn't believe she had been at her job for eight years.
She does stupid, idiotic, pathetic things to win Josh over, to get him to notice her, to pay attention to her.
Desperate much? Are we supposed to like her?
Sympathize with her as she falls all over her face to try to win this man?
Why does nearly every female character in a book need a significant other?
And why are so many women described in this way in almost all the books I've been reading?
I seriously need to read some new stuff.
How many times do I have to read a main female character swooning over how 'perfect' a particular man is, how 'hunky' and 'perfect' his lips are, how kissable he is, how he just tweaks my ovaries (tee hee!) Because there's a lot of that kind of description in here.
What's the terrible secret the women share? Puh-leeze. I figured it out right before I identified the bad guy.
I've read this plot before in countless other books; frenemies who used to be friends who know something about someone but it turns out to be a misconception or misunderstood between them.
Blah blah blah. Then, later, whoops, I made a boo-boo. Someone is dead. Hey, he's cute. Let's get married. The end.
This plot was not unique, just horribly recycled.
Also, it was too long by, at least, 50 pages, and could have used a serious edit.
I can't recommend this unless a frenemy asks. Then, I will suggest The Liars.
Sheesh, this was bad. And in a bad way. A really bad way.
Bad all over the place; bad characters, carbon copy plot, where I figured out who the bad guy was by the second chapter, not to mention the trigger themes of sexual violence, drugs, and predatory behavior.
I don't know what I disliked most; the catty, petty, childish behavior of Jade towards Ava or the constant mooning and salivating Jade has for Josh, her object of unrequited affection.
Jade acts more like a 16 year old than a grown-up. She lacks self esteem and brains.
Actually, I couldn't believe she had been at her job for eight years.
She does stupid, idiotic, pathetic things to win Josh over, to get him to notice her, to pay attention to her.
Desperate much? Are we supposed to like her?
Sympathize with her as she falls all over her face to try to win this man?
Why does nearly every female character in a book need a significant other?
And why are so many women described in this way in almost all the books I've been reading?
I seriously need to read some new stuff.
How many times do I have to read a main female character swooning over how 'perfect' a particular man is, how 'hunky' and 'perfect' his lips are, how kissable he is, how he just tweaks my ovaries (tee hee!) Because there's a lot of that kind of description in here.
What's the terrible secret the women share? Puh-leeze. I figured it out right before I identified the bad guy.
I've read this plot before in countless other books; frenemies who used to be friends who know something about someone but it turns out to be a misconception or misunderstood between them.
Blah blah blah. Then, later, whoops, I made a boo-boo. Someone is dead. Hey, he's cute. Let's get married. The end.
This plot was not unique, just horribly recycled.
Also, it was too long by, at least, 50 pages, and could have used a serious edit.
I can't recommend this unless a frenemy asks. Then, I will suggest The Liars.
April 20, 2019
Review can be found on my blog: https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...
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Thank you to the publisher for the eARC copy of this book via NetGalley.
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I enjoyed reading about the relationship and friendship between the two characters in this book and all the lies and secrets they had. This book is full of lies, deception, betrayal and revenge. What more could you ask for in a book?
Two women working for the same boss, who is very unlikeable, and both girls are vying for the same promotion. Both determined to get the promotion, and doing what it takes to make sure they come out on top. For a friendship turned sour, could you trust that one person who knows your secret and can destroy you in a second? If you’re both vying for the same promotion at work, would you tell their secret so you get the promotion? Could you trust that they will not do the same thing to you?
I enjoyed reading about the dynamics of the two girls in this book, and it gave me a mean girls vibe. An enjoyable read from beginning to end, full of secrets and lies, this book will have you flipping through the pages to see what’s up next.
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Thank you to the publisher for the eARC copy of this book via NetGalley.
..
I enjoyed reading about the relationship and friendship between the two characters in this book and all the lies and secrets they had. This book is full of lies, deception, betrayal and revenge. What more could you ask for in a book?
Two women working for the same boss, who is very unlikeable, and both girls are vying for the same promotion. Both determined to get the promotion, and doing what it takes to make sure they come out on top. For a friendship turned sour, could you trust that one person who knows your secret and can destroy you in a second? If you’re both vying for the same promotion at work, would you tell their secret so you get the promotion? Could you trust that they will not do the same thing to you?
I enjoyed reading about the dynamics of the two girls in this book, and it gave me a mean girls vibe. An enjoyable read from beginning to end, full of secrets and lies, this book will have you flipping through the pages to see what’s up next.
April 19, 2019
I expect high things from this author is this gem of a book is anything to go by. I mean it is stunning. It makes you believe that you think that you know what has happened, you think that their secret cannot be as bad as what they think that it is and you think that you know what’s going on. But boy will you be wrong ever single step of the way. Leading to one incredible book that will keep you gasping, keep you guessing and keep you on the edge of your seat.
March 12, 2019
Title : The Liars
Author: Naomi Joy
Two women. One deadly secret. A rivalry that could destroy them.
Ava Wells is perfect. She has the boyfriend, the career, the looks. One night changes everything and her life isn't so seamless anymore.
Jade Fernleigh is ambitious. She's worked hard to get where she is. And she's not about to let Ava take the job she rightly deserves.
Both women share a secret that could destroy them, but who will crumble first? Are they both guilty? Or is one innocent?
My thoughts
Rating: 5 stars
Would I recommended it?yes
Will I read any thing else by this author? yes
what a great start for a debut novel ,the author sets the story up so you don't like one of the characters, and makes you think that an overdoes is what it seems to be, and that Jade and Ava secrets can't be that bad and that both might be just as guilty as the next , but the more you read the more you realize that what ever the secret is its a secret that needs to be let out , and that the more you find out you find out that not every body is who they seem to be . That there is someone who has a dark secret as well and that's its even more darker then what Ava'a and Jade's is and that they well do what ever it takes to keep it a secret and that their not the type of person you want to trust or been in a room with . With that said I want to think Netgalley for letting me read and review it exchange for mt honest opinion.
Author: Naomi Joy
Two women. One deadly secret. A rivalry that could destroy them.
Ava Wells is perfect. She has the boyfriend, the career, the looks. One night changes everything and her life isn't so seamless anymore.
Jade Fernleigh is ambitious. She's worked hard to get where she is. And she's not about to let Ava take the job she rightly deserves.
Both women share a secret that could destroy them, but who will crumble first? Are they both guilty? Or is one innocent?
My thoughts
Rating: 5 stars
Would I recommended it?yes
Will I read any thing else by this author? yes
what a great start for a debut novel ,the author sets the story up so you don't like one of the characters, and makes you think that an overdoes is what it seems to be, and that Jade and Ava secrets can't be that bad and that both might be just as guilty as the next , but the more you read the more you realize that what ever the secret is its a secret that needs to be let out , and that the more you find out you find out that not every body is who they seem to be . That there is someone who has a dark secret as well and that's its even more darker then what Ava'a and Jade's is and that they well do what ever it takes to keep it a secret and that their not the type of person you want to trust or been in a room with . With that said I want to think Netgalley for letting me read and review it exchange for mt honest opinion.
April 19, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from Netgalley.
THE LIARS by Naomi Joy is a rollercoaster of secrets, lies, and power and it kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Ava, Jade, and Olivia used to be friends as well as workmates but that all changed the night that Olivia died. Now they can barely stand each other at the office even though they are on the same team, and the tension only gets worse as they compete for the same promotion. But Jade believes that Ava is playing it dirty to get the job and will do whatever it takes to bring Ava down, while Ava has her own problems dealing with her abusive ex-boyfriend and the untenable position that she has found herself in with her boss. But as the lies from the past begin to come back to haunt them, who will survive as everything takes a more sinister turn?
Dark, twisted, and very uncomfortable at times, THE LIARS by Naomi Joy struck all of the right chords for me as I was drawn into Ava and Jade's relationship. While neither character jumped out as likeable, I was invested in finding out just what their shared secret about Olivia's death really was, but nothing prepared me for the truth which was really just the beginning of this dark tale of control and obsession.
Compelling at every turn, THE LIARS is a cracking debut and I look forward to more from Naomi Joy.
THE LIARS by Naomi Joy is a rollercoaster of secrets, lies, and power and it kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Ava, Jade, and Olivia used to be friends as well as workmates but that all changed the night that Olivia died. Now they can barely stand each other at the office even though they are on the same team, and the tension only gets worse as they compete for the same promotion. But Jade believes that Ava is playing it dirty to get the job and will do whatever it takes to bring Ava down, while Ava has her own problems dealing with her abusive ex-boyfriend and the untenable position that she has found herself in with her boss. But as the lies from the past begin to come back to haunt them, who will survive as everything takes a more sinister turn?
Dark, twisted, and very uncomfortable at times, THE LIARS by Naomi Joy struck all of the right chords for me as I was drawn into Ava and Jade's relationship. While neither character jumped out as likeable, I was invested in finding out just what their shared secret about Olivia's death really was, but nothing prepared me for the truth which was really just the beginning of this dark tale of control and obsession.
Compelling at every turn, THE LIARS is a cracking debut and I look forward to more from Naomi Joy.
April 24, 2019
This is one very suspenseful read with more twists and turns than a series of hairpin bends!
Ava Wells and Jade Fernleigh work for the same company; in fact, they are both hoping for the same promotion. But Ava and Jade share a secret. The thing is, will it stay hidden?
Rivalry isn't pretty. It brings out the worst in some people and this is no different. As we get to know both these women better, finding out about their personal and home lives, things get much more complicated. This is a finely sculpted story; beautifully structured, well written and gripping throughout. As the story progresses, things hot up considerably and I was sure I knew where it was heading - I was wrong! Utterly and completely. The excitement keeps building and the suspense is palpable. I really didn't know I could read as fast as I did in the last dozen or so pages, and my blink rate rapidly decreased. What a read! I'm hoping my heart rate will get back to normal before I climb under the duvet tonight. Absolutely a solid 5* novel.
Ava Wells and Jade Fernleigh work for the same company; in fact, they are both hoping for the same promotion. But Ava and Jade share a secret. The thing is, will it stay hidden?
Rivalry isn't pretty. It brings out the worst in some people and this is no different. As we get to know both these women better, finding out about their personal and home lives, things get much more complicated. This is a finely sculpted story; beautifully structured, well written and gripping throughout. As the story progresses, things hot up considerably and I was sure I knew where it was heading - I was wrong! Utterly and completely. The excitement keeps building and the suspense is palpable. I really didn't know I could read as fast as I did in the last dozen or so pages, and my blink rate rapidly decreased. What a read! I'm hoping my heart rate will get back to normal before I climb under the duvet tonight. Absolutely a solid 5* novel.
June 23, 2019
What a fucked up story.
Fantastic characters - couldn't wait to hate them more, seriously. They were so twisted and fucked up that I fell in love with them.
It's like a new take on a twisty version of American Psycho that adds layers of female perspectives.
Does everyone die in the end? Oooooh, you would love to know. But seriously, I couldn't take it - I read it from the beginning and end at the same time.
What a great new writer. THIS book would make a killer movie! And I mean that not only literally...
DAVID
JADE
AVA
Huge thanks to Aria for the chance to find some chills in this in exchange for my honest review.
Fantastic characters - couldn't wait to hate them more, seriously. They were so twisted and fucked up that I fell in love with them.
It's like a new take on a twisty version of American Psycho that adds layers of female perspectives.
Does everyone die in the end? Oooooh, you would love to know. But seriously, I couldn't take it - I read it from the beginning and end at the same time.
What a great new writer. THIS book would make a killer movie! And I mean that not only literally...
DAVID
JADE
AVA
Huge thanks to Aria for the chance to find some chills in this in exchange for my honest review.
May 12, 2019
I read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book! Fast-paced, gripping, full of twists and turns and lies and betrayal. Couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.
Having worked in a number of offices in London - I recognised lots of types of people in this book.
I loved this book! Fast-paced, gripping, full of twists and turns and lies and betrayal. Couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.
Having worked in a number of offices in London - I recognised lots of types of people in this book.
April 25, 2019
This book was everything I love about thrillers: interesting, twisted characters, a super plot, quick pace, a different take on the domestic noir genre, elements of humour woven into the grittier themes, fabulous writing.
You need to read this book.
You need to read this book.
April 18, 2019
, if you are looking for a gripping book to accompany you on your own holiday this Easter, or to get you through the long holiday weekend, this might just be the book for you. It kept me glued to the pages at the beginning of the week, as far as the kids’ demands for trips to the beach and for ice cream would allow, desperate as I was to know how it would all pan out.
This is a book that reminds you not to fall into the trap of taking people at face value. Things are not always what they seem and appearances can be deceptive. There was one character in this book to whom I took an instant dislike, as no doubt the author intended, but by the end everything I believed about all the characters had been turned on its head and I was truly astounded by the conclusion, although it did require quite a suspension of disbelief to buy in to it. Not necessarily a negative in a book of this sort where you don’t expect absolute realism in the plot. In fact, I’d hate to meet some of these characters in real life!
Despite the fact that many of the characters in this book were not particularly likeable and some of them were downright despicable, the author did a good job of making them believable and giving them realistic motives for their actions. She managed to take me with them and make me invested in their stories, despite the fact they were largely unpleasant, which is quite a skill and the writing was very clever in this regard.
There were quite a few twists in the plot that I didn’t see coming and they were slotted in cleverly at intervals that took the story off in a different direction than the way I had thought it was going and kept me turning the pages. Despite the fact that the confines of the story are quite narrow and ordinary, the author managed to imbue it with a real sense of intrigue and tension and maintained the momentum to the end. I think this is an accomplished bit of writing for a debut and it has made me interested to see what she will do with her next book.
This book did have its faults, mainly that I felt events escalated rather quickly at the end to the point where I really did have to stretch my credulity to its limits to believe it but, I was willing to do this because I had enjoyed the story to this point. Beyond that, this was an engaging, twisty thriller with some interesting ideas and if you are looking for an undemanding but gripping read, pick this up.
This is a book that reminds you not to fall into the trap of taking people at face value. Things are not always what they seem and appearances can be deceptive. There was one character in this book to whom I took an instant dislike, as no doubt the author intended, but by the end everything I believed about all the characters had been turned on its head and I was truly astounded by the conclusion, although it did require quite a suspension of disbelief to buy in to it. Not necessarily a negative in a book of this sort where you don’t expect absolute realism in the plot. In fact, I’d hate to meet some of these characters in real life!
Despite the fact that many of the characters in this book were not particularly likeable and some of them were downright despicable, the author did a good job of making them believable and giving them realistic motives for their actions. She managed to take me with them and make me invested in their stories, despite the fact they were largely unpleasant, which is quite a skill and the writing was very clever in this regard.
There were quite a few twists in the plot that I didn’t see coming and they were slotted in cleverly at intervals that took the story off in a different direction than the way I had thought it was going and kept me turning the pages. Despite the fact that the confines of the story are quite narrow and ordinary, the author managed to imbue it with a real sense of intrigue and tension and maintained the momentum to the end. I think this is an accomplished bit of writing for a debut and it has made me interested to see what she will do with her next book.
This book did have its faults, mainly that I felt events escalated rather quickly at the end to the point where I really did have to stretch my credulity to its limits to believe it but, I was willing to do this because I had enjoyed the story to this point. Beyond that, this was an engaging, twisty thriller with some interesting ideas and if you are looking for an undemanding but gripping read, pick this up.
April 28, 2019
Is this really a debut novel? Wow.
Ava and Jade are former friends , working in the same office and vying for the same promotion.
Will their lies and their past catch up with them and ruin any chances of a promotion?
This is a great read full of suspense. I read this pretty quickly as I just didn’t wanna put it down.
Well done to the author on her debut novel. I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
Ava and Jade are former friends , working in the same office and vying for the same promotion.
Will their lies and their past catch up with them and ruin any chances of a promotion?
This is a great read full of suspense. I read this pretty quickly as I just didn’t wanna put it down.
Well done to the author on her debut novel. I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
May 2, 2019
::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::
I was very kindly offered an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review and I have given it five stars!!
This is office rivalry at it's worst.
Everyone has secrets, some big enough to kill them.
Oh my god! This was everything I love about psychological thrillers, I couldn't put it down. The Liars was a roller coaster of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. Not everything is as it seems and I could not get enough of this story. It was fast paced, edgy and well written, drawing the reader in to this dramatic story and refusing to let go.
I thoroughly enjoyed every single world!!
I was very kindly offered an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review and I have given it five stars!!
This is office rivalry at it's worst.
Everyone has secrets, some big enough to kill them.
Oh my god! This was everything I love about psychological thrillers, I couldn't put it down. The Liars was a roller coaster of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. Not everything is as it seems and I could not get enough of this story. It was fast paced, edgy and well written, drawing the reader in to this dramatic story and refusing to let go.
I thoroughly enjoyed every single world!!
April 17, 2019
First, thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-galley of this book.
Ava and Jade both have a secret that could rip their worlds apart. They both work at W&SP. Jade has worked her way up at the company for over 8 years. Ava seems to have it all, she's beautiful, has a boyfriend, and seems to be next in line for a promotion.
But all is not as it seems!
#NetGalley #TheLiars
Ava and Jade both have a secret that could rip their worlds apart. They both work at W&SP. Jade has worked her way up at the company for over 8 years. Ava seems to have it all, she's beautiful, has a boyfriend, and seems to be next in line for a promotion.
But all is not as it seems!
#NetGalley #TheLiars
November 20, 2020
I find unlikeable characters fascinating, most of the time. Ava and Jade were all right, but i felt like i'm missing something. Some background maybe? A bit more personality?
Some parts of the plot were utterly ludicrous, and not believable at all.
I will go with the assumption that the main villain's identity was not meant to be a mystery, just because it was so bloody obvious.
Some parts of the plot were utterly ludicrous, and not believable at all.
I will go with the assumption that the main villain's identity was not meant to be a mystery, just because it was so bloody obvious.
April 21, 2019
Thrilling. I’m not normally a huge non fiction fan but found this and couldn’t put it down. I got through this book in two days. Addictively good and exciting. Highly recommended.
November 8, 2019
I’m actually not sure what I think of this book. I read it quite quickly, which I usually say is a good sign; however, I don’t know whether I actually enjoyed it.
The book is quite slow-going, to begin with, and even at 30% in I wasn’t sure what it was really about. There weren’t any hints at it being a Psychological Thriller, and even when the real drama got going, it still didn’t feel like it.
Towards the end was probably the best bit as you get answers as to what has been going on. However, I don’t think the story was very well-developed to get to that point. The book is called The Liars, which indicates the two protagonists Jade and Ava are liars; however, the lies just didn’t fit in. We, as a reader, were told one thing, but then that was all thrown out when we were told ‘the truth’. The truth, though, didn’t sit in with what we had seen actually happen.
There were inconsistencies throughout the book; for example, Jade leaves her phone at the bar, but then when she’s at home she gets a message on it!
The book as a whole felt just office politics on speed! Everything seemed really petty, and I could not figure Jade out, had she been diagnosed with a mental disorder? She was undoubtedly a bit cuckoo, but then I did start to feel sorry for her, which was quite hard to do at the beginning.
The very end of the book left me feeling frustrated, I’m not sure what that last chapter set out to achieve, but it wasn’t necessary. The author wanted obviously to give the readers a gasp moment and make us think, but what was there to think about??
So the book had its good moments, but overall, I don’t think it was well put together. Good premise but not very well executed.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
The book is quite slow-going, to begin with, and even at 30% in I wasn’t sure what it was really about. There weren’t any hints at it being a Psychological Thriller, and even when the real drama got going, it still didn’t feel like it.
Towards the end was probably the best bit as you get answers as to what has been going on. However, I don’t think the story was very well-developed to get to that point. The book is called The Liars, which indicates the two protagonists Jade and Ava are liars; however, the lies just didn’t fit in. We, as a reader, were told one thing, but then that was all thrown out when we were told ‘the truth’. The truth, though, didn’t sit in with what we had seen actually happen.
There were inconsistencies throughout the book; for example, Jade leaves her phone at the bar, but then when she’s at home she gets a message on it!
The book as a whole felt just office politics on speed! Everything seemed really petty, and I could not figure Jade out, had she been diagnosed with a mental disorder? She was undoubtedly a bit cuckoo, but then I did start to feel sorry for her, which was quite hard to do at the beginning.
The very end of the book left me feeling frustrated, I’m not sure what that last chapter set out to achieve, but it wasn’t necessary. The author wanted obviously to give the readers a gasp moment and make us think, but what was there to think about??
So the book had its good moments, but overall, I don’t think it was well put together. Good premise but not very well executed.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
April 27, 2019
I think what attracted me initially about the premise of The Liars was the rivalry between the two women, especially in the workplace.
We have Ava and Jade. They work together at W&SP (known as Wasp, a very apt name as it happens), a PR company. A secret binds them but also drives a wedge between them. Ava pushes Jade away whereas Jade becomes resentful of Ava, who she sees as little miss perfect, sucking up to the boss and getting all the breaks whilst Jade gets none. The boss is David Stein and he's extremely powerful and very persuasive. He's not someone you want to get on the wrong side of.
This is very much a book of two halves for me. The first half was fantastic. I loved the workplace dynamic, the rivalry, the one-upmanship, the idea of these two strong women competing against each other to try and break through the glass ceiling. It was absolute car crash fiction, as whilst Ava is quite calm and in control, poor Jade manages to keep on embarrassing herself. Numerous times I had my hand over my mouth, saying "oh no, oh no" whilst nervously giggling at the mess she was making of everything.
Then the whole pace and setting changes quite drastically in the second half, which I didn't enjoy quite as much. The focus went away from the workplace and onto something quite different indeed and much more sinister. I still found it exciting reading though.
The whole plot is cleverly and intricately woven together. There were quite a few aspects that I didn't guess at all and I never knew which characters were trustworthy and which were in it for themselves. Ultimately, this is a book about spin. The characters work in PR and it's a lesson in how it can be used to make you think one way or another, something the author knows about from her own time in PR.
I thought The Liars was a fabulous debut novel. It's very twisty and full of deceit, the effects of lies and betrayal, and deals with all kinds of unpleasant and controlling characters.
We have Ava and Jade. They work together at W&SP (known as Wasp, a very apt name as it happens), a PR company. A secret binds them but also drives a wedge between them. Ava pushes Jade away whereas Jade becomes resentful of Ava, who she sees as little miss perfect, sucking up to the boss and getting all the breaks whilst Jade gets none. The boss is David Stein and he's extremely powerful and very persuasive. He's not someone you want to get on the wrong side of.
This is very much a book of two halves for me. The first half was fantastic. I loved the workplace dynamic, the rivalry, the one-upmanship, the idea of these two strong women competing against each other to try and break through the glass ceiling. It was absolute car crash fiction, as whilst Ava is quite calm and in control, poor Jade manages to keep on embarrassing herself. Numerous times I had my hand over my mouth, saying "oh no, oh no" whilst nervously giggling at the mess she was making of everything.
Then the whole pace and setting changes quite drastically in the second half, which I didn't enjoy quite as much. The focus went away from the workplace and onto something quite different indeed and much more sinister. I still found it exciting reading though.
The whole plot is cleverly and intricately woven together. There were quite a few aspects that I didn't guess at all and I never knew which characters were trustworthy and which were in it for themselves. Ultimately, this is a book about spin. The characters work in PR and it's a lesson in how it can be used to make you think one way or another, something the author knows about from her own time in PR.
I thought The Liars was a fabulous debut novel. It's very twisty and full of deceit, the effects of lies and betrayal, and deals with all kinds of unpleasant and controlling characters.
April 26, 2019
I’ve worked in offices for a significant part of my working life and whilst I never experienced or witnessed anything as extreme as explored in ‘ The Liars’. There are elements which I recognise, albeit in a less extreme form.
This story has an ordinary setting, but the plot is dark exploring the themes of betrayal and revenge. The characters are driven and verging on immoral, their ambition and the need to succeed and claim what they believe is there due, push out any empathy, kindness and compassion, leaving only the baser human emotions. They are ruthless, revengeful and relentless, willing to sacrifice anything or anyone to achieve their chosen goal.
Even though the protagonists are not likeable, they are interesting and you wonder what they will do next. They have no filters and whilst you wouldn’t want them as friends or work colleagues, they are believable and fascinating characters and make this an enthralling story to read.
If you like your book to tell a story this style of writing may disappoint. If you prefer a contemporary writing style that makes the reader spend most of their time in the uncomfortable reality of the protagonists’ heads rather like watching reality TV, this will be a satisfying read.
I received a copy of this book from Aria Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 28, 2019
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the authors writing style and am excited to see what she has up her sleeve next!
The characters werent very likeable but this is all part of the cleverly woven story.
The first half of the book isnt too gripping but after this it twists and turns amazingly.
This book is a psychological thriller that is different to most as there is quite abit of humour within it too.
I was shocked with the ending and keep thinking what might happen next after the book has ended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I loved the authors writing style and am excited to see what she has up her sleeve next!
The characters werent very likeable but this is all part of the cleverly woven story.
The first half of the book isnt too gripping but after this it twists and turns amazingly.
This book is a psychological thriller that is different to most as there is quite abit of humour within it too.
I was shocked with the ending and keep thinking what might happen next after the book has ended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
July 26, 2020
Once again, we have a Kindle Unlimited book with a dearth of likable characters. The main character, Ava, at least is able to hold down a job competently, but her choice in men is abysmal. Controlling? Abusive? Call Ava! Ava's friend Jade is even worse. She can't concentrate on her work because she is constantly salivating over the hunky guy she works with - yet she thinks she is in the running for a promotion with Ava as her competition. To be fair, the author mentions that Jade takes prescription pills to calm her nerves, and as time goes on, she takes more and more of them, far more than the recommended dose.
The title The Liars is deceiving, as the lie that Ava and Jade share is of such a minor nature that there is actually no reason they needed to keep it a secret.
The only halfway decent character in the book is Josh, and even he had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. By the time the book begins, Josh has cleaned up his act and is working at the same place as Ava and Jade. He is the aforementioned hunk that Jade was crushing on.
As you can tell from this description, the characters are all cardboard cut-outs with almost no depth. The villain is obvious from the time he enters the picture, and he is the equivalent of the mustache-twirling villains of silent movies. The plot is predictable and rather ridiculous. I soon found myself skimming over almost every passage that didn't contain dialogue, and even the dialogue was trite and, frankly, embarrassingly stilted at times. And the ending - WTF?
I would give this book 1.5 stars if I could. I am feeling somewhat generous tonight, so I upped it to two stars. I seriously do not recommend this book for anyone, though. Thus the category "waste-of-time."
The title The Liars is deceiving, as the lie that Ava and Jade share is of such a minor nature that there is actually no reason they needed to keep it a secret.
The only halfway decent character in the book is Josh, and even he had a history of drug and alcohol abuse. By the time the book begins, Josh has cleaned up his act and is working at the same place as Ava and Jade. He is the aforementioned hunk that Jade was crushing on.
As you can tell from this description, the characters are all cardboard cut-outs with almost no depth. The villain is obvious from the time he enters the picture, and he is the equivalent of the mustache-twirling villains of silent movies. The plot is predictable and rather ridiculous. I soon found myself skimming over almost every passage that didn't contain dialogue, and even the dialogue was trite and, frankly, embarrassingly stilted at times. And the ending - WTF?
I would give this book 1.5 stars if I could. I am feeling somewhat generous tonight, so I upped it to two stars. I seriously do not recommend this book for anyone, though. Thus the category "waste-of-time."
March 18, 2019
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC of THE LIARS.
Rating: 5 stars
Author: Naomi Joy
Would I recommend:
Yes, for fans of the genre and those who have worked in an office.
Review:
Office politics has never been so thrilling.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Fantastic characters, an intriguing and twisty plot, a plethora of potential suspects and a rollercoaster to find out what happens in the end.
The lead protagonists, Ava and Jade, are flawed in their own ways, fighting for a promotion at the company they work for. They must toe the line of their deeply sinister boss, whilst keeping a secret they’re both terrified the other will out. I could sympathise to a degree with both of them by the end.
The writing was suspenseful and sharp and I think that’s what clinched this as a five-star read for me, though it’s not revolutionary, it’s certainly a great read if this is the genre you’re in to. Fab debut.
Rating: 5 stars
Author: Naomi Joy
Would I recommend:
Yes, for fans of the genre and those who have worked in an office.
Review:
Office politics has never been so thrilling.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Fantastic characters, an intriguing and twisty plot, a plethora of potential suspects and a rollercoaster to find out what happens in the end.
The lead protagonists, Ava and Jade, are flawed in their own ways, fighting for a promotion at the company they work for. They must toe the line of their deeply sinister boss, whilst keeping a secret they’re both terrified the other will out. I could sympathise to a degree with both of them by the end.
The writing was suspenseful and sharp and I think that’s what clinched this as a five-star read for me, though it’s not revolutionary, it’s certainly a great read if this is the genre you’re in to. Fab debut.
June 13, 2019
I am struggling to explain my reaction to this book - there was some lovely writing - and there was some dreadful writing. There were times that I was carried along by the plot, and times that the plot seemed repetitive, and even boring. There were several continuity errors - though that is probably not the right name for them in a book - such as the fabulous dress Ava wore to the ball - either she was given it, or she bought it, but clearly not both, and as it becomes a plot point, it should be right.
Mainly however I felt that it was very noticeable that the author presents women in the book as bitchy airheads at the mercy of unpredictable and intense emotions, who think that they are capable of decision making at a senior level, but actually aren't very good at it, have terrible judgement, and are easily manipulated and mislead. I found it quite unpleasant reading about so many women presented in such a similar way. The men in the book are presented in varied ways, which really emphasises that the women are presented so alike.
The treatment of mental illness is also not sympathetic, and the author seems fat phobic, presenting it that an overweight woman could never look attractive or sensual in a bikini.
I think that the author shows promise, but in addition to the above she has a taste for violence, humiliation, the macbre, and several of those things make me squirm, so, that's my explanation of why I could not finish this book.
Mainly however I felt that it was very noticeable that the author presents women in the book as bitchy airheads at the mercy of unpredictable and intense emotions, who think that they are capable of decision making at a senior level, but actually aren't very good at it, have terrible judgement, and are easily manipulated and mislead. I found it quite unpleasant reading about so many women presented in such a similar way. The men in the book are presented in varied ways, which really emphasises that the women are presented so alike.
The treatment of mental illness is also not sympathetic, and the author seems fat phobic, presenting it that an overweight woman could never look attractive or sensual in a bikini.
I think that the author shows promise, but in addition to the above she has a taste for violence, humiliation, the macbre, and several of those things make me squirm, so, that's my explanation of why I could not finish this book.
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