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The Better Liar
When a woman conceals her sister’s death to claim their joint inheritance, her deception exposes a web of dangerous secrets in this addictive new thriller for fans of Megan Abbott, Gillian Flynn, and Paula Hawkins.
“Like most of the dead, I want to be remembered.”
Robin Voigt is dead. If Leslie had arrived at her sister’s cramped Las Vegas apartment just hours earlier, this would have been their first reunion in a decade. In the years since Robin ran away from home as a teenager, Leslie has stayed in New Mexico, taking care of their dying father even as she began building a family of her own. But when their father passed away, Leslie received a rude awakening: She and Robin would receive the inheritance he left them together—or not at all. Now her half of the money may be beyond her grasp. And unbeknownst to anyone, even her husband, Leslie needs it desperately.
When she meets a charismatic young woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Robin—and has every reason to leave her past behind—the two make a reckless bargain: Mary will impersonate Robin for a week in exchange for Robin’s half of the cash. But neither realizes how high the stakes will become when Mary takes a dead woman’s name. Even as Mary begins to suspect Leslie is hiding something, and Leslie realizes the stranger living in her house, babysitting her newborn son, and charming her husband has secrets of her own, Robin’s wild, troubled legacy threatens to eclipse them both.
An electric, twisted portrait of sisterhood and the ties that bind, The Better Liar is a stunning debut with a heart-stopping, twist-after-twist finale that will beg the question: How far would you go to get what’s yours?
Advance praise for The Better Liar
“I thought I’d just skim a page or two before putting The Better Liar on my ‘to-read’ shelf, but I couldn’t help becoming so drawn in that I had to keep going. Tanen Jones has written a compulsively page-turning story. She cleverly drip-feeds nuggets of information, each more surprising than the last, until the final shocking revelation.”—Claire Fuller, author of Bitter Orange and Swimming Lessons
“Like most of the dead, I want to be remembered.”
Robin Voigt is dead. If Leslie had arrived at her sister’s cramped Las Vegas apartment just hours earlier, this would have been their first reunion in a decade. In the years since Robin ran away from home as a teenager, Leslie has stayed in New Mexico, taking care of their dying father even as she began building a family of her own. But when their father passed away, Leslie received a rude awakening: She and Robin would receive the inheritance he left them together—or not at all. Now her half of the money may be beyond her grasp. And unbeknownst to anyone, even her husband, Leslie needs it desperately.
When she meets a charismatic young woman who bears an uncanny resemblance to Robin—and has every reason to leave her past behind—the two make a reckless bargain: Mary will impersonate Robin for a week in exchange for Robin’s half of the cash. But neither realizes how high the stakes will become when Mary takes a dead woman’s name. Even as Mary begins to suspect Leslie is hiding something, and Leslie realizes the stranger living in her house, babysitting her newborn son, and charming her husband has secrets of her own, Robin’s wild, troubled legacy threatens to eclipse them both.
An electric, twisted portrait of sisterhood and the ties that bind, The Better Liar is a stunning debut with a heart-stopping, twist-after-twist finale that will beg the question: How far would you go to get what’s yours?
Advance praise for The Better Liar
“I thought I’d just skim a page or two before putting The Better Liar on my ‘to-read’ shelf, but I couldn’t help becoming so drawn in that I had to keep going. Tanen Jones has written a compulsively page-turning story. She cleverly drip-feeds nuggets of information, each more surprising than the last, until the final shocking revelation.”—Claire Fuller, author of Bitter Orange and Swimming Lessons
306 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2020
752 people are currently reading
33935 people want to read
About the author
Tanen Jones
1 book343 followersTanen Jones grew up in Texas and North Carolina. She has a degree in American history and spent several years editing law and criminal justice textbooks. A queer author, she writes from the perspective of women who are also queer. Her work is a modern take on the genre, exploring what makes a woman mad, bad, or dangerous to know. She now lives in New York with her partner, where she writes from her apartment window. THE BETTER LIAR is her first novel.
Tanen is not often on Goodreads, but all questions submitted via Goodreads will be considered for the FAQ page on her website. Visit to see if your question appears!
Tanen is not often on Goodreads, but all questions submitted via Goodreads will be considered for the FAQ page on her website. Visit to see if your question appears!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,476 reviews
October 16, 2021
Happy release date🎊🎉🥂
Finally this delicious thriller is out there to be devoured! 💃🏻💃🏻
Are you ready for a mind-bending, psychological, surprising new novel that full of lies, brain storming exhaustion, WTH just I read, what kind of end this themes!
Come on I slap the characters but instead of characters slapped me this time because I was way too naïve and lost my spider senses for consuming too much stress nails (They weren’t my own thankfully but paramedics who pumped my stomach had different thoughts!) Okay 4 big stars and this is one of the greatest books of upcoming year!
Three POVs of book are completely secretive, mysterious, batshit crazy women.
POVS ARE ONE SISTER-DEAD SISTER AND FAKE SISTER
One sister a.k.a. Leslie looks for Robin a.k.a dead sister for their joint inheritance because two of them should meet at the lawyer’s office to sign the papers to take their shares and upss when one of them left the world forever, this could turn into an impossible task. ( At last Leslie didn’t take her sister with her everywhere, pretending she is alive by putting glasses on her face and taking an adventure like Weekend At Bernie’s. That’s an entertaining comedy concept, but we’re dealing with really serious psychological thriller!)
As Leslie finds her sister passed away from drug overdose, she randomly meets Mary at the parking lot and asks her act like her sister in exchange half of the inheritance share. This beginning is a little questionable for me because how could you find anyone reminds of your sister in one day and even if you’re miserable and hopeless, how could you ask something to a shady stranger who became shadier as we learn more about her story? This beginning made me cut my points. But as I resume my reading and learn more about back stories, motives, character analysis so many pieces of puzzle fit with each other.
Pacing a little slow but it is still intriguing and fitted well with mysterious and foggy atmosphere the three women created with their stories and their lies. Three of them competing each other to distort the truth but finally only of one can win! (One of them is only dead, so we have two competitors!)
I didn’t expect the final. APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE! HURRAY! SCORE! So satisfying, epic and memorable ending. I was about to give five stars just because of the final parts of the book. But I still had some connecting issues with characters. I understand their struggles, problems, wrongdoings for surviving. But it didn’t mean I liked them. First time, they were the ones who slapped me by dropping the bomb in my lap.
This was highly recommendable, not entertaining mostly disturbing but very smartly written reading for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for sharing this amazing ARC COPY in exchange my honest review and Tanen Jones for creating this remarkable story.
Finally this delicious thriller is out there to be devoured! 💃🏻💃🏻
Are you ready for a mind-bending, psychological, surprising new novel that full of lies, brain storming exhaustion, WTH just I read, what kind of end this themes!
Come on I slap the characters but instead of characters slapped me this time because I was way too naïve and lost my spider senses for consuming too much stress nails (They weren’t my own thankfully but paramedics who pumped my stomach had different thoughts!) Okay 4 big stars and this is one of the greatest books of upcoming year!
Three POVs of book are completely secretive, mysterious, batshit crazy women.
POVS ARE ONE SISTER-DEAD SISTER AND FAKE SISTER
One sister a.k.a. Leslie looks for Robin a.k.a dead sister for their joint inheritance because two of them should meet at the lawyer’s office to sign the papers to take their shares and upss when one of them left the world forever, this could turn into an impossible task. ( At last Leslie didn’t take her sister with her everywhere, pretending she is alive by putting glasses on her face and taking an adventure like Weekend At Bernie’s. That’s an entertaining comedy concept, but we’re dealing with really serious psychological thriller!)
As Leslie finds her sister passed away from drug overdose, she randomly meets Mary at the parking lot and asks her act like her sister in exchange half of the inheritance share. This beginning is a little questionable for me because how could you find anyone reminds of your sister in one day and even if you’re miserable and hopeless, how could you ask something to a shady stranger who became shadier as we learn more about her story? This beginning made me cut my points. But as I resume my reading and learn more about back stories, motives, character analysis so many pieces of puzzle fit with each other.
Pacing a little slow but it is still intriguing and fitted well with mysterious and foggy atmosphere the three women created with their stories and their lies. Three of them competing each other to distort the truth but finally only of one can win! (One of them is only dead, so we have two competitors!)
I didn’t expect the final. APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE! HURRAY! SCORE! So satisfying, epic and memorable ending. I was about to give five stars just because of the final parts of the book. But I still had some connecting issues with characters. I understand their struggles, problems, wrongdoings for surviving. But it didn’t mean I liked them. First time, they were the ones who slapped me by dropping the bomb in my lap.
This was highly recommendable, not entertaining mostly disturbing but very smartly written reading for me.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for sharing this amazing ARC COPY in exchange my honest review and Tanen Jones for creating this remarkable story.
November 28, 2019
I loved this book! Wow! All the stars for this fantastic debut. This book puts the W in WTF!!! I mean this is one twisted domestic thriller. Honestly one of my favorite books I have read this year.
Your sister Robin has been missing for 10 years. She ran away from home when she was 16 and is now living in Las Vegas. Leslie is the "good sister"- staying with her ailing father until he passes away. Catering to his every need as your sister Robin is in sin city doing god knows what. You also find the time to care for your family. Then your father springs it to you on his deathbed that his money will be split between you and Robin. The kicker is Robin has to come back home to claim the money or neither of you can claim your half.
No problem, Leslie packs her bags, heads to Vegas. She finally locates Robin, but Robin is dead. While staring down at Robin's dead body rotting away in a rental home in Las Vegas- Leslie decides to walk away. She leaves her sister to rot in Las Vegas with her identity basically being a Jane Doe as she was not going by her true name after she left home. Then she finds someone to pretend they are her sister to claim the money....now that is some sisterly love right there!
Wow...I am going to leave that right there. You could have gotten that from the book blurb and I don't want to spoil anything. This one is best to go in blind because hang on to your hats people...this book was one I couldn't put down. I loved this dark, twisted thriller right from the start. I mean, think how disturbing it is that someone could leave their sister in another state and not report them dead. Left her there to rot...alone...It only gets more twisted from there!
Thank you so much to Random House Publising/Ballantine for this fantastic ARC.
Your sister Robin has been missing for 10 years. She ran away from home when she was 16 and is now living in Las Vegas. Leslie is the "good sister"- staying with her ailing father until he passes away. Catering to his every need as your sister Robin is in sin city doing god knows what. You also find the time to care for your family. Then your father springs it to you on his deathbed that his money will be split between you and Robin. The kicker is Robin has to come back home to claim the money or neither of you can claim your half.
No problem, Leslie packs her bags, heads to Vegas. She finally locates Robin, but Robin is dead. While staring down at Robin's dead body rotting away in a rental home in Las Vegas- Leslie decides to walk away. She leaves her sister to rot in Las Vegas with her identity basically being a Jane Doe as she was not going by her true name after she left home. Then she finds someone to pretend they are her sister to claim the money....now that is some sisterly love right there!
Wow...I am going to leave that right there. You could have gotten that from the book blurb and I don't want to spoil anything. This one is best to go in blind because hang on to your hats people...this book was one I couldn't put down. I loved this dark, twisted thriller right from the start. I mean, think how disturbing it is that someone could leave their sister in another state and not report them dead. Left her there to rot...alone...It only gets more twisted from there!
Thank you so much to Random House Publising/Ballantine for this fantastic ARC.
December 30, 2019
Icy Cold Game of Cat and Mouse
One desperate woman lures another into impersonating her dead sister in order to receive her inheritance.
Leslie takes a trip to Vegas to bring her sister home to Alburquerque. Sadly, she discovers her sister, Robin, is dead. When she bumps into a woman named Mary who bears an uncanny resemblance to Robin, she coaxes her into coming to Alburqueue to impersonate Robin. With the promise of collecting Robin’s half of the inheritance, Mary decides to come along for the ride. But Leslie is keeping a big secret. And Mary is keeping in an even bigger one. One will discover what the other has been hiding, leading to a shocking revelation.
Narrated by Leslie, Robin, and Mary, this was a bit of an uneven ride for me. I had a hard time caring about Leslie’s character--her voice was flat and I didn’t really care much about her. There was a reason for this (I think), but it didn’t work for me. Robin is in the background and has an interesting story. Then there is Mary, and her voice is intriguing. Her character saved this book for me.
This is an easy read, but I was bored for about the first 60%. I kept reading because I was curious about the characters' hidden agendas and was looking forward to the reveal
The plot is ruled by twists. They do serve a purpose, although the believability scale is low. I figured out very early on one of the main twists, but that didn’t bother me. However, nothing much happens for some time. Reflections on childhood, family introductions, sitting around smoking and more reflecting takes up a good portion of the plot. It felt like filler in an attempt to drag out the big reveal. The second big twist irked me--
I had fun with Mary's character and enjoyed the cat and mouse game between Leslie and Mary. However, their game fell short for me.
Many of my GR friends have loved this book, so please ignore my review and read this book!
One desperate woman lures another into impersonating her dead sister in order to receive her inheritance.
Leslie takes a trip to Vegas to bring her sister home to Alburquerque. Sadly, she discovers her sister, Robin, is dead. When she bumps into a woman named Mary who bears an uncanny resemblance to Robin, she coaxes her into coming to Alburqueue to impersonate Robin. With the promise of collecting Robin’s half of the inheritance, Mary decides to come along for the ride. But Leslie is keeping a big secret. And Mary is keeping in an even bigger one. One will discover what the other has been hiding, leading to a shocking revelation.
Narrated by Leslie, Robin, and Mary, this was a bit of an uneven ride for me. I had a hard time caring about Leslie’s character--her voice was flat and I didn’t really care much about her. There was a reason for this (I think), but it didn’t work for me. Robin is in the background and has an interesting story. Then there is Mary, and her voice is intriguing. Her character saved this book for me.
This is an easy read, but I was bored for about the first 60%. I kept reading because I was curious about the characters' hidden agendas and was looking forward to the reveal
The plot is ruled by twists. They do serve a purpose, although the believability scale is low. I figured out very early on one of the main twists, but that didn’t bother me. However, nothing much happens for some time. Reflections on childhood, family introductions, sitting around smoking and more reflecting takes up a good portion of the plot. It felt like filler in an attempt to drag out the big reveal. The second big twist irked me--
I had fun with Mary's character and enjoyed the cat and mouse game between Leslie and Mary. However, their game fell short for me.
Many of my GR friends have loved this book, so please ignore my review and read this book!
September 23, 2019
NO SPOILERS
This is a great book to go in blind!!!!
Names change like a revolving cake walk!!!
...Leslie meets Mary in ...
Vegas.
...Leslie brings Mary home to Albuquerque.
...Mary becomes Robin (Leslie’s pretend sister whom she hadn’t seen in 10 years until finding her dead from overdose)...
...Mary who is pretending she is Robin, ( still pretending to be Leslie’s sister)... meets Billy and tells him her name is Alice.
Alice’s name might change again...
Names that ‘aren’t revolving are:
...Leslie is Leslie Floreses
...Dave is Dave Floreses
...Elie is Elie Floreses (Leslie and Dave’s baby)
...Nancy is Nancy ( community friend and police officer)
...Elaine is Elaine ( a single mother with two kids)
...Billy is Billy ( a guy in the night)
...Sam is Sam...Paul is Paul.. (ex-boyfriends of sorts)
Confused yet? GREAT!!!!
The reader gets the treat of unraveling this enigma!
This story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Questions - questions - and more questions run through the readers mind!!!!
This jigsaw puzzle debut novel pushes the edges..... with clever crafting.
Tanen Jones has an almost uncanny ability to get into the heads of the characters...and the heads of her readers. Tanen knows what we’re thinking - and trying to figure out.
Our talented debut author is many steps ahead of us.
Definitely not a predictable ending!!!
This psychological page turning thriller...
becomes a deeper-in-depth look at serious issues worthy of discussions ‘after’ the ending.
This is truly one of those books where the focus of your thinking has shifted 180° by the end.
Awesome read!!!
Thank You Ballantine Books, Netgalley, and Tanen Jones. (I’m a new fan and can’t wait for your next book!!)
This is a great book to go in blind!!!!
Names change like a revolving cake walk!!!
...Leslie meets Mary in ...
Vegas.
...Leslie brings Mary home to Albuquerque.
...Mary becomes Robin (Leslie’s pretend sister whom she hadn’t seen in 10 years until finding her dead from overdose)...
...Mary who is pretending she is Robin, ( still pretending to be Leslie’s sister)... meets Billy and tells him her name is Alice.
Alice’s name might change again...
Names that ‘aren’t revolving are:
...Leslie is Leslie Floreses
...Dave is Dave Floreses
...Elie is Elie Floreses (Leslie and Dave’s baby)
...Nancy is Nancy ( community friend and police officer)
...Elaine is Elaine ( a single mother with two kids)
...Billy is Billy ( a guy in the night)
...Sam is Sam...Paul is Paul.. (ex-boyfriends of sorts)
Confused yet? GREAT!!!!
The reader gets the treat of unraveling this enigma!
This story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Questions - questions - and more questions run through the readers mind!!!!
This jigsaw puzzle debut novel pushes the edges..... with clever crafting.
Tanen Jones has an almost uncanny ability to get into the heads of the characters...and the heads of her readers. Tanen knows what we’re thinking - and trying to figure out.
Our talented debut author is many steps ahead of us.
Definitely not a predictable ending!!!
This psychological page turning thriller...
becomes a deeper-in-depth look at serious issues worthy of discussions ‘after’ the ending.
This is truly one of those books where the focus of your thinking has shifted 180° by the end.
Awesome read!!!
Thank You Ballantine Books, Netgalley, and Tanen Jones. (I’m a new fan and can’t wait for your next book!!)
December 1, 2019
3.5 STARS
Two sisters entangled in a web of lies and hidden agendas...
The debut of an author that I will surely keep an eye on!
An intriguing premise about estranged sisters, Leslie and Robin. Their father has recently died and Leslie can't collect on the estate until she tracks down sister Robin.
The first half of the book had me on the edge as Leslie hit road blocks, curves and full blown speed bumps as she searched Las Vegas to find Robin. What happened was just, wow...
The next half was close to being "too twisty" for me (how is that possible?). One narrative didn't really work for me, but overall this was a great psychological thriller with a stand out twist that got me!
Thanks to NG/ Pub for my review copy
OUT January 14, 2020
December 5, 2019
Alive sister - Leslie. Dead sister - Robin. Fake sister - Mary.
They all have a voice in this story. What I loved most about this book is the feeling of unease that exudes from the pages especially as there isn't really much happening at all BUT you just know that something explosive is going to happen. One or more of these ladies is unreliable. One or more of these ladies is lying. It all becomes such a tangled web and to watch it unravel was very satisfying.
Kudo's to the author for writing a husband that was kind and supportive. I just adored him so much. The banter between him and Leslie was adorable and authentic and it reminded me a bit of me and my husband.
The final conclusion and twist did require some suspension of disbelief for me but I happily did it because the ride getting there was compelling as all get out. I'm keeping my eye on you Tanen Jones! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
They all have a voice in this story. What I loved most about this book is the feeling of unease that exudes from the pages especially as there isn't really much happening at all BUT you just know that something explosive is going to happen. One or more of these ladies is unreliable. One or more of these ladies is lying. It all becomes such a tangled web and to watch it unravel was very satisfying.
Kudo's to the author for writing a husband that was kind and supportive. I just adored him so much. The banter between him and Leslie was adorable and authentic and it reminded me a bit of me and my husband.
The final conclusion and twist did require some suspension of disbelief for me but I happily did it because the ride getting there was compelling as all get out. I'm keeping my eye on you Tanen Jones! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing me a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2020
3.5*
Leslie needs to find her sister Robin ASAP! Her father has died, leaving a very specific codicil to his will. The only way his money will be released is if both daughters are present in the lawyers’ office.
And if Robin can't be there? Then what? What if she needs to find someone fast to fill her sister’s shoes...just for a few days.
Introducing Mary. She’s more than eager to help out and play the role of the long lost sister. But can Leslie trust her? After all, there is a lot of money on the line.
Loved the first half, but about midway it took a very bizarre turn and my interest in Leslie’s plight for the money fizzled.
I toggled back and forth between the written and audio versions. The narrators were amazing, so if this book is on your radar I highly recommend the 🎧 version.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine.
Leslie needs to find her sister Robin ASAP! Her father has died, leaving a very specific codicil to his will. The only way his money will be released is if both daughters are present in the lawyers’ office.
And if Robin can't be there? Then what? What if she needs to find someone fast to fill her sister’s shoes...just for a few days.
Introducing Mary. She’s more than eager to help out and play the role of the long lost sister. But can Leslie trust her? After all, there is a lot of money on the line.
Loved the first half, but about midway it took a very bizarre turn and my interest in Leslie’s plight for the money fizzled.
I toggled back and forth between the written and audio versions. The narrators were amazing, so if this book is on your radar I highly recommend the 🎧 version.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine.
February 6, 2020
.... and the Oscar goes to ....... Mary, for her winning performance, skilful chameleon like adoption of personas at the drop of a hat, her methods of acquiring and using information to her advantage, her resourcefulness, her survival, her mirror faced beauty, her intelligence and disingenuousness. You snooze, you lose Leslie, you caught a tiger by the tail. So, what’s that all about? Leslie’s sister Robin ran away from home twelve years ago. In order to secure an inheritance from their father both girls need to present themselves to a law firm so Robin needs to be found. Leslie tracks her down in Las Vegas but it’s too late as Robin is dead. By chance, Leslie meets Mary, a waitress, who bears a resemblance to Robin and a deal is struck - Mary will impersonate Robin. What follows is twist upon twist, secrets piling in top of lies, fear, shocks and traps in a gripping and intriguing thriller. The story is told in alternate storylines from Leslie, Mary and Robin and this flows extremely well.
This is a really enjoyable read which keeps you guessing and the intrigue throughout. Though I did work out one of the twists that in no way spoils the unfolding drama. Though not necessarily all likeable, the characters are are well crafted. Leslie is disconnected at times, she lies but you realise that both sisters have been riddled with secrets that are burdensome. Mary is more likeable but she devious. There is a lot of tension, fear, surprises and plenty of things that you don’t see coming. Revelation builds on top of revelation: about Leslie, about Dave who is Leslie’s husband, about Robin and Mary and you are just recovering from one when the next one blindsides you! The dynamic between Leslie and Dave, Leslie and Mary is fascinating and some of it creates a really brooding atmosphere which I especially like. The end is excellent and certainly not what I expected!
Overall, a very impressive debut novel, cleverly written so you keep being surprised, it’s tense, intense, twisty and dark.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage Publishing for the ARC.
This is a really enjoyable read which keeps you guessing and the intrigue throughout. Though I did work out one of the twists that in no way spoils the unfolding drama. Though not necessarily all likeable, the characters are are well crafted. Leslie is disconnected at times, she lies but you realise that both sisters have been riddled with secrets that are burdensome. Mary is more likeable but she devious. There is a lot of tension, fear, surprises and plenty of things that you don’t see coming. Revelation builds on top of revelation: about Leslie, about Dave who is Leslie’s husband, about Robin and Mary and you are just recovering from one when the next one blindsides you! The dynamic between Leslie and Dave, Leslie and Mary is fascinating and some of it creates a really brooding atmosphere which I especially like. The end is excellent and certainly not what I expected!
Overall, a very impressive debut novel, cleverly written so you keep being surprised, it’s tense, intense, twisty and dark.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage Publishing for the ARC.
January 18, 2020
Thank you, Random House/Ballantine Books for the gifted copy.
If you don’t mind suspending disbelief a little at times, step right up to my new favorite thriller! Twist after twist, after oh-my-gosh twist!
Leslie’s runaway sister, Robin, is unexpectedly dead. Their father has also recently passed away, and there’s an inheritance- but for both of them, not just one. So what does Leslie do? She conceals her sister’s death.
Compulsively readable, I lost sleep thanks to this book. I loved the author’s breadcrumb technique. I followed and analyzed every one. The Better Liar wowed me with shock and surprise!
Many of my reviews can also be found on instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
If you don’t mind suspending disbelief a little at times, step right up to my new favorite thriller! Twist after twist, after oh-my-gosh twist!
Leslie’s runaway sister, Robin, is unexpectedly dead. Their father has also recently passed away, and there’s an inheritance- but for both of them, not just one. So what does Leslie do? She conceals her sister’s death.
Compulsively readable, I lost sleep thanks to this book. I loved the author’s breadcrumb technique. I followed and analyzed every one. The Better Liar wowed me with shock and surprise!
Many of my reviews can also be found on instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
February 11, 2020
3 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lots of great reviews for this one, but unfortunately, this one was kinda dull. I enjoyed the first half and then it went downhill.
I’ve been pretty open about the fact that I can’t do slow burn thrillers. I like fast paced with some jaw drops. This book had neither for me.
The story is told from 3 POV’s: Leslie, Mary and Robin. Leslie and Robin are sisters. Their father dies and leaves them a chunk of cash. In order to claim it, they both must be present. Unfortunately for Leslie, Robin has died. She meets Mary - who can definitely pass as Robin in order to claim this money. This book could have been so much better. The plot had so much potential, but it just fell flat.
As I said, some people loved it. If you like slow burns with mostly unlikeable characters, give it a whirl!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books and Tanen Jones for my advanced copy to read and review.
Lots of great reviews for this one, but unfortunately, this one was kinda dull. I enjoyed the first half and then it went downhill.
I’ve been pretty open about the fact that I can’t do slow burn thrillers. I like fast paced with some jaw drops. This book had neither for me.
The story is told from 3 POV’s: Leslie, Mary and Robin. Leslie and Robin are sisters. Their father dies and leaves them a chunk of cash. In order to claim it, they both must be present. Unfortunately for Leslie, Robin has died. She meets Mary - who can definitely pass as Robin in order to claim this money. This book could have been so much better. The plot had so much potential, but it just fell flat.
As I said, some people loved it. If you like slow burns with mostly unlikeable characters, give it a whirl!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books and Tanen Jones for my advanced copy to read and review.
February 20, 2020
This story requires a ton of suspension of disbelief. Luckily for me, I spend my entire life discounting reality so it was a perfect fit.
Despite the improbability of this story, Tanen's writing and it's remarkably novel plot make for an unputdownable read.
The ending goes off the rails a bit and could have benefited from a tighter outline.
With a story that is overwrought with liars, who is the better liar?
I'll take Donald Trump for $800, Alex.
** I recieved a ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. **
Despite the improbability of this story, Tanen's writing and it's remarkably novel plot make for an unputdownable read.
The ending goes off the rails a bit and could have benefited from a tighter outline.
With a story that is overwrought with liars, who is the better liar?
I'll take Donald Trump for $800, Alex.
** I recieved a ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. **
January 31, 2020
Makin' deals with the devil.
But is it the devil of your own making?
Leslie arrives in Las Vegas on a mission. She's looking for her long lost sister, Robin, who exited their home town of Albuquerque ten years ago. No buh bye note, no quick hit-or-miss phone calls, not even a post-it note on the mirror.
After that much time, Leslie had no interest in knowing Robin's whereabouts. Good riddance, Sistuh. But the stakes have been ratcheted up as of late since their father died. There's $100,000 in the will to be split equally between the two sisters stipulated by their late father. No sisters together....no cash. Cash is a heavy motivator.
What Leslie finds in Robin's apartment is shocking. Her sister lays dead on a torn mattress shriveled by excessive drugs and lack of food. In a split second, Leslie runs out and doesn't look back. She finds that anyone can be bought in Vegas for the right price. That's where Mary enters our story. She's the spitting image of Robin. And with a deal with the devil, Leslie offers to split the inheritance with Mary if she returns to Albuquerque and fools the lawyer handling the will. But these two have deep pockets filled with secrets of their own.
I'll be honest with you. There was not one character that I liked or felt invested in in The Better Liar. It's a 3.5 for me kicked up to 4 stars because of the ending. There's a lot of dead air between the pages in which the author fills with mundane activities. You feel the quirkiness towards the end, but without that crazy ending this would have been a real ho hum read. It lacked the electricity of slight glimpses into unstable minds throughout. Don't just save the goodies until the end, Kiddies. Looking forward to see what Tanen Jones comes up with next.
But is it the devil of your own making?
Leslie arrives in Las Vegas on a mission. She's looking for her long lost sister, Robin, who exited their home town of Albuquerque ten years ago. No buh bye note, no quick hit-or-miss phone calls, not even a post-it note on the mirror.
After that much time, Leslie had no interest in knowing Robin's whereabouts. Good riddance, Sistuh. But the stakes have been ratcheted up as of late since their father died. There's $100,000 in the will to be split equally between the two sisters stipulated by their late father. No sisters together....no cash. Cash is a heavy motivator.
What Leslie finds in Robin's apartment is shocking. Her sister lays dead on a torn mattress shriveled by excessive drugs and lack of food. In a split second, Leslie runs out and doesn't look back. She finds that anyone can be bought in Vegas for the right price. That's where Mary enters our story. She's the spitting image of Robin. And with a deal with the devil, Leslie offers to split the inheritance with Mary if she returns to Albuquerque and fools the lawyer handling the will. But these two have deep pockets filled with secrets of their own.
I'll be honest with you. There was not one character that I liked or felt invested in in The Better Liar. It's a 3.5 for me kicked up to 4 stars because of the ending. There's a lot of dead air between the pages in which the author fills with mundane activities. You feel the quirkiness towards the end, but without that crazy ending this would have been a real ho hum read. It lacked the electricity of slight glimpses into unstable minds throughout. Don't just save the goodies until the end, Kiddies. Looking forward to see what Tanen Jones comes up with next.
December 17, 2019
The Better Liar was a book that I went into with high expectations after hearing so many great things about it. For that reason it was bumped up my to be read list and I am really glad that I did. This book was clever, twisty and addictive. Definitely a “ just one more chapter “ book. I really wanted to see how it was all going to play out and the ending was brilliant. This book will be big in 2020.
Leslie and Robin are sisters, who have not seen or spoken to each other for more than 10 years. But their father has just passed away and his will states that both girls must meet with the lawyer in order to get their inheritance. Leslie manages to track Robin down in Vegas but when she gets there her sister is dead. She meets Mary, a struggling actress and the pair drown their sorrows together. It is then that Mary is offered the role of a lifetime with a payout that will change her life.. the part of Robin. Can the girls pull this off? They are so different and the lies start to be unearthed. The twists that this book takes are fantastic and had me wanting more.
Thanks to Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and.Netgalley for y advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Leslie and Robin are sisters, who have not seen or spoken to each other for more than 10 years. But their father has just passed away and his will states that both girls must meet with the lawyer in order to get their inheritance. Leslie manages to track Robin down in Vegas but when she gets there her sister is dead. She meets Mary, a struggling actress and the pair drown their sorrows together. It is then that Mary is offered the role of a lifetime with a payout that will change her life.. the part of Robin. Can the girls pull this off? They are so different and the lies start to be unearthed. The twists that this book takes are fantastic and had me wanting more.
Thanks to Random House UK, Vintage Publishing and.Netgalley for y advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
February 21, 2020
“The Better Liar” is a nightmare version of dysfunctional sisters. Leslie and Robin Voigt were raised by their aloof mother and detached father. Their mother would often “go away” on trips for weeks, sometimes leaving them in the care of another aloof woman, their grandmother. Is it any wonder these girls would end up having a bizarre relationship?
The story is character driven, with the ghost of Robin starting with a strange prologue, telling the reader that she wants to be remembered, as most ghosts do.
Leslie, her older sister takes it from there. She is in search of Robin. Their father just died of thyroid cancer, and after taking care of him for years, he requests that Leslie find her sister Robin for the inheritance. Robin ran away at the age of sixteen, only to be heard from when she needed money. A known drug user and liar, Robin is flighty and selfish.
Sadly, Leslie finds Robin dead from a heroin overdose in Las Vegas. Leslie is unmoored from shock. While trying to process that her sister is dead, she meets this offbeat woman, Mary, in a parking lot. After more peculiar situations, Lesley hatches a plan that this Mary will pose as Robin to get the money. No one has seen Robin in years and Mary bears a resemblance to Robin.
The story is creepy in reading each character’s chapters. As the title implies, the stories are strange, and it seems there could be lying going on. But what are lies and what is reality? Although Robin is a ghost, we get her backstory as a child. Mary is definitely playing some sort of game. Leslie is lying about her history and her reasons for making Mary appear as Robin.
Most suspense stories have a piece of unrealistic fiction going on, and this one has its share. But I don’t mind, as I think it adds to the suspense. There are unexpected plot twists. It’s been called a “noir” story, which I agree. It’s dark and creepy and was worth my time reading. It’s a page-turner that can be consumed in a day or two.
The story is character driven, with the ghost of Robin starting with a strange prologue, telling the reader that she wants to be remembered, as most ghosts do.
Leslie, her older sister takes it from there. She is in search of Robin. Their father just died of thyroid cancer, and after taking care of him for years, he requests that Leslie find her sister Robin for the inheritance. Robin ran away at the age of sixteen, only to be heard from when she needed money. A known drug user and liar, Robin is flighty and selfish.
Sadly, Leslie finds Robin dead from a heroin overdose in Las Vegas. Leslie is unmoored from shock. While trying to process that her sister is dead, she meets this offbeat woman, Mary, in a parking lot. After more peculiar situations, Lesley hatches a plan that this Mary will pose as Robin to get the money. No one has seen Robin in years and Mary bears a resemblance to Robin.
The story is creepy in reading each character’s chapters. As the title implies, the stories are strange, and it seems there could be lying going on. But what are lies and what is reality? Although Robin is a ghost, we get her backstory as a child. Mary is definitely playing some sort of game. Leslie is lying about her history and her reasons for making Mary appear as Robin.
Most suspense stories have a piece of unrealistic fiction going on, and this one has its share. But I don’t mind, as I think it adds to the suspense. There are unexpected plot twists. It’s been called a “noir” story, which I agree. It’s dark and creepy and was worth my time reading. It’s a page-turner that can be consumed in a day or two.
December 31, 2019
WOW this book has literally kept me up all night, I couldn’t put it down!! What a rollercoaster of a ride I have been on. Deep breathe!! How can I give this great book the justice it deserves without giving anything away!!! Here goes,
Leslie needs her sister Robin, so that she can claim their joint inheritance, she hasn’t seen her sister for years. She discovers Robin sadly is dead from a drugs overdose. Along the way she meets Mary who is hiding from an ex and convinces her to pretend to be her sister in exchange for half of the inheritance. They both need to sign the paperwork together.
The story is told from Robin’s and Leslie’s point of view and goes back to their childhood.
This is such a whirlwind of a book, there are more twists and turns than a rollercoaster ride and just when you think you know what’s going on there is another twist!!!
This totally surprised me especially the ending. I feel like I’ve been in the tumble drier on a fast spin and haven’t got my sea legs back!!
A must read book that I haven’t been able to stop talking about. This is definitely an author to look out for.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Leslie needs her sister Robin, so that she can claim their joint inheritance, she hasn’t seen her sister for years. She discovers Robin sadly is dead from a drugs overdose. Along the way she meets Mary who is hiding from an ex and convinces her to pretend to be her sister in exchange for half of the inheritance. They both need to sign the paperwork together.
The story is told from Robin’s and Leslie’s point of view and goes back to their childhood.
This is such a whirlwind of a book, there are more twists and turns than a rollercoaster ride and just when you think you know what’s going on there is another twist!!!
This totally surprised me especially the ending. I feel like I’ve been in the tumble drier on a fast spin and haven’t got my sea legs back!!
A must read book that I haven’t been able to stop talking about. This is definitely an author to look out for.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
January 15, 2020
The Better Liar is about a woman, Leslie, who inherits a large sum of money from her father. In order to collect her half of the insurance, she must appear before the lawyer with her sister Robin. It takes Leslie three months to track Robin down, and by the time she arrives at her sisters apartment, her sister has OD’d and died. On her way back to Albuquerque, Leslie chances across a woman (Mary) who looks a lot like her sister, and hatches a plan to collect her inheritance anyway, using Mary as a double.
We read this story from three points of view, Leslie, Mary, and Robin’s ghost. All three women are liars. The reader is never sure at any given moment which of them to trust. The lies here aren’t necessarily outrageous, jaw-dropping lies. Calling them lies might even be a stretch- some of them are more like secrets or half truths. While they never made me stop to question what the heck was going on, the whole novel manages to be suspenseful. A lot of it was because I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, for the big reveal.
When we finally get to that point, it was a pretty awesome moment. Some readers may guess it, but I sure didn’t. This is a low-key sort of suspense. I was never bored and I read the book in just three sittings, always compelled to keep turning the pages, but I think it was more about the characters than the plot, which is not usually what I expect in a suspense novel. At its heart- this is a novel about both sisterhood and motherhood, and I think Jones did well with portayals of both.
The writing and structure were wonderful. The chapters were quick and the overall length was just what it needed to be. I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I think there is a lot of suspension of disbelief needed for the plot to work. I can’t say why that’s needed without spoiling a lot of important plot points, so I’ll just leave it at that. I can see it being a sticking point for some readers.
Anyway- I really enjoyed this debut effort by Tanen Jones and I’ll look forward to more of her work in the future. Thank you to the publisher who sent an ARC in exchange for review.
We read this story from three points of view, Leslie, Mary, and Robin’s ghost. All three women are liars. The reader is never sure at any given moment which of them to trust. The lies here aren’t necessarily outrageous, jaw-dropping lies. Calling them lies might even be a stretch- some of them are more like secrets or half truths. While they never made me stop to question what the heck was going on, the whole novel manages to be suspenseful. A lot of it was because I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, for the big reveal.
When we finally get to that point, it was a pretty awesome moment. Some readers may guess it, but I sure didn’t. This is a low-key sort of suspense. I was never bored and I read the book in just three sittings, always compelled to keep turning the pages, but I think it was more about the characters than the plot, which is not usually what I expect in a suspense novel. At its heart- this is a novel about both sisterhood and motherhood, and I think Jones did well with portayals of both.
The writing and structure were wonderful. The chapters were quick and the overall length was just what it needed to be. I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I think there is a lot of suspension of disbelief needed for the plot to work. I can’t say why that’s needed without spoiling a lot of important plot points, so I’ll just leave it at that. I can see it being a sticking point for some readers.
Anyway- I really enjoyed this debut effort by Tanen Jones and I’ll look forward to more of her work in the future. Thank you to the publisher who sent an ARC in exchange for review.
November 25, 2019
I found myself thinking about this book a lot over the weekend, so I just bumped my rating up to 5 stars. This one sticks with you!
If you like:
-Unreliable characters
-Clever, unpredictable story lines
-Twisty, psychological suspense
Then this debut by Tanen Jones is a must read!
Enjoyed every delicious, dark and well written page! Looking forward to what this author will come up with next.
ARC provided by NetGalley
If you like:
-Unreliable characters
-Clever, unpredictable story lines
-Twisty, psychological suspense
Then this debut by Tanen Jones is a must read!
Enjoyed every delicious, dark and well written page! Looking forward to what this author will come up with next.
ARC provided by NetGalley
October 30, 2019
Just when I thought psychological and domestic thrillers were dead, Tanen Jones emerges to take back the throne of one of my favorite genres. I legitimately could not put this book down, and I was sneaking in reading sessions around work and skipping out on post-work errands to get in more chapters.
The Better Liar
has Robyn Harding and Ruth Ware vibes, so if you enjoy reading novels by those two authors, you'll devour this debut. I loved the characters, I loved the mystery, and I loved how Jones kept me on my toes. I thought I was going to figure it out, but I was pleasantly surprised that the author caught me off guard.
I'm still in shock that this novel is an actual debut. Like for real, the writing is spectacular! Not only is this novel entertaining, but it's FAST. Buckle up and enjoy—you'll devour it just like I did. Read the synopsis, but try not to think too much about it, because this book is best to go in unknowingly. I did, and this book knocked me off my feet! One of the easiest five stars that I've given this year. 2020 will be a massive year for Tanen Jones, and I can't wait to see what the future holds in store for her.
I'm still in shock that this novel is an actual debut. Like for real, the writing is spectacular! Not only is this novel entertaining, but it's FAST. Buckle up and enjoy—you'll devour it just like I did. Read the synopsis, but try not to think too much about it, because this book is best to go in unknowingly. I did, and this book knocked me off my feet! One of the easiest five stars that I've given this year. 2020 will be a massive year for Tanen Jones, and I can't wait to see what the future holds in store for her.
January 21, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
For a long time while reading The Better Liar by Tanen Jones I wasn't sure what to think. Once I hit the last few chapters though I was all in and they raised me to a solid 4-star rating.
Reading The Better Liar was like peeling an onion, the more you read the more layers that are pulled away until everything is revealed. It was predictable in some ways for me, and not in others but overall it's a slow burn that ends with quite the reveal. The last few chapters really got me and there is definitely a strong message at the end of this book.
I really liked the author's note at the end and apparently I have some things in common with Jones and her feelings on pregnancy and motherhood. The Better Liar is a great debut that hits on mental illness and I'm looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
Song/s the book brought to mind: Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi
Final Thought: I didn't particularly care for any of the characters, although I did end up feeling bad for Leslie. I really enjoyed the multiple viewpoints and the cat and mouse game, while not always believable, was interesting and I was really wondering where it would end. Not a whole lot happens until the end but as long as you are ok with that and prepared for it I would definitely pick up The Better Liar and give it a try.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For a long time while reading The Better Liar by Tanen Jones I wasn't sure what to think. Once I hit the last few chapters though I was all in and they raised me to a solid 4-star rating.
Reading The Better Liar was like peeling an onion, the more you read the more layers that are pulled away until everything is revealed. It was predictable in some ways for me, and not in others but overall it's a slow burn that ends with quite the reveal. The last few chapters really got me and there is definitely a strong message at the end of this book.
I really liked the author's note at the end and apparently I have some things in common with Jones and her feelings on pregnancy and motherhood. The Better Liar is a great debut that hits on mental illness and I'm looking forward to seeing what she writes next.
Song/s the book brought to mind: Someone You Loved by Lewis Capaldi
Final Thought: I didn't particularly care for any of the characters, although I did end up feeling bad for Leslie. I really enjoyed the multiple viewpoints and the cat and mouse game, while not always believable, was interesting and I was really wondering where it would end. Not a whole lot happens until the end but as long as you are ok with that and prepared for it I would definitely pick up The Better Liar and give it a try.
Thank you to NetGalley for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
January 9, 2020
The Better Liar surprised me with its unpredictable plot and layered characters. Based on the synopsis, which I read before requesting this book from the publisher, I expected a psychological mystery read but I got a lot more than that. The author digs deep into family relationship issues and explores the subject of postpartum depression. What sounds like another psychological thriller book, turns out to be a thought-provoking story with a less than perfect main characters. This was a fast-paced, well written, and full of secrets read with a surprising ending. Overall a great debut novel.
Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine Book and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine Book and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 4, 2020
ATTENTION DOMESTIC DRAMA FANS - THIS ONE IS FOR YOU
Now, this book is ALL about LIES and DECEPTION! Leslie’s father passed away and in order to get her inheritance, she needs to find her estranged sister...the problem is said sister is dead. ☠️ But Leslie NEEDS the money. She happens to make a new friend who resembles Robyn and the con starts to take shape. But will they pull it off?!
YERP. The plot is good! 😏 Like really good! And for the most part, I was TOTALLY into the book.
If I had to break it down, I’d say pages 1-45 and 200-320 are the juiciest! Not to say that those 155 pages in between are bad, they are just more of a soul-searching/emotional journey/reconciling feelings subplot than anything else. Which I understand is a big part of domestic thrillers (but like ... break it up a bit 🤷🏻♀️ just saying).
Also, if you plan on reading this, you NEED to be okay with unlikeable characters because, at one point, this WHOLE cast falls into that category (you don’t believe me - ask around - it’s the truth)! I’m a big fan of the tension that unlikeable characters create; it keeps me engaged and honestly, reminds me of the bachelor when all the girls cause drama. Which I live for! 🙌🏽 But if you stretch that tension for too long, it loses its sting (which kinda happened 😩).
So overall, I’d give this nugget a 3.5 ⭐️ rating. If the “feelings” bite was dealt with more refinement, I would have enjoyed this better. But that’s just my opinion 😬DON’T KILL THE MESSENGER!
Now, this book is ALL about LIES and DECEPTION! Leslie’s father passed away and in order to get her inheritance, she needs to find her estranged sister...the problem is said sister is dead. ☠️ But Leslie NEEDS the money. She happens to make a new friend who resembles Robyn and the con starts to take shape. But will they pull it off?!
YERP. The plot is good! 😏 Like really good! And for the most part, I was TOTALLY into the book.
If I had to break it down, I’d say pages 1-45 and 200-320 are the juiciest! Not to say that those 155 pages in between are bad, they are just more of a soul-searching/emotional journey/reconciling feelings subplot than anything else. Which I understand is a big part of domestic thrillers (but like ... break it up a bit 🤷🏻♀️ just saying).
Also, if you plan on reading this, you NEED to be okay with unlikeable characters because, at one point, this WHOLE cast falls into that category (you don’t believe me - ask around - it’s the truth)! I’m a big fan of the tension that unlikeable characters create; it keeps me engaged and honestly, reminds me of the bachelor when all the girls cause drama. Which I live for! 🙌🏽 But if you stretch that tension for too long, it loses its sting (which kinda happened 😩).
So overall, I’d give this nugget a 3.5 ⭐️ rating. If the “feelings” bite was dealt with more refinement, I would have enjoyed this better. But that’s just my opinion 😬DON’T KILL THE MESSENGER!
January 16, 2020
This was a great read... All the way up until the very end. I did not expect this type of ending and left me reeling feeling like I I was misled. This book kind of reminded me of one of Peter Swanson's twisted works or another dark Thriller with an unreliable cast, and I fully expected an amazing twist at the end but did not get one. Or at least the type of one I thought I would get. Everything else aside this is a story about family, two sisters to be specific, and depression..that is as much as I will give away without spoiling anything. I feel like with a better ending this could have been a full five stars and rock my world, but instead I finished this thinking 'well above average, but not great.... There's definite potential with this writer though!' I can't wait to see what more and more people think of this!!
November 19, 2019
Guess I’m showing up with another unpopular opinion. I was intrigued by the premise, but this book just didn’t deliver for me. The pacing was off, especially for a psychological thriller, and it doesn’t help when you don’t care for either one of the two main leads. Most of the twists didn’t feel too twisty to begin with, and the one that did felt so ludicrous that no one would’ve seen it coming anyway, because no sane person would think it.
The ending was so frustratingly stupid that I felt angry after reading it. No rewarding conclusion, no great payoff for your time. Just nonsense; a serious issue wrapped up in a cheap grab for shock value. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one was because the author has some skill with words.
I received an ARC from Vine in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The ending was so frustratingly stupid that I felt angry after reading it. No rewarding conclusion, no great payoff for your time. Just nonsense; a serious issue wrapped up in a cheap grab for shock value. The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one was because the author has some skill with words.
I received an ARC from Vine in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2020
3 Stars. I liked the beginning and the end, but I got restless in the middle.
This tale is two ladies using and manipulating each other for their own personal schemes. Each lady has lots of secrets. These ladies make a deal to scheme and use each other for their own profit.
The author holds those big secrets until nearly the end of the novel. When the secrets were revealed, I felt let down and did not buy it.
The ending was twisty and surprising, but it did not end the way I would have liked. I was left feeling that both leading ladies were truly horrible and despicable. I think I am one of those readers who finds it necessary to like one of the leading characters, so my personal preferences effected my enjoyment.
This tale is two ladies using and manipulating each other for their own personal schemes. Each lady has lots of secrets. These ladies make a deal to scheme and use each other for their own profit.
The author holds those big secrets until nearly the end of the novel. When the secrets were revealed, I felt let down and did not buy it.
The ending was twisty and surprising, but it did not end the way I would have liked. I was left feeling that both leading ladies were truly horrible and despicable. I think I am one of those readers who finds it necessary to like one of the leading characters, so my personal preferences effected my enjoyment.
April 27, 2020
Wow, what a great debut novel. I started it yesterday morning and finished it last night. I literally couldn't put it down.
Because of the title we already know that we will be dealing with unreliable narrators, so no surprises there, but I was surprised by how intrigued I was by Leslie and Mary. Mary especially, I was continually trying to figure out what made her tick. I'm normally quite quick with guessing what the ending will be in most mysteries, but did not see this one coming at all. I loved the author's afterword and her explanation of why she wrote this novel.
If you have a few hours on your hands, and want to be entertained and shocked I highly recommend The Better Liar. I can't wait to see what Tanen Jones writes next.
The Story: Leslie Voigt Flores must reunite with her estranged sister, Robin, to claim a joint inheritance from their father. However, when she arrives at Robin’s Las Vegas apartment, she finds that she is dead. Desperate to get her hands on the money fast, Leslie hires Mary — a woman she meets that same day — and who looks eerily like her sister — to return home with her to New Mexico and pretend to be Robin in exchange for her half of the money..
It doesn’t take long, however, for both women to realize that the other has secrets. A lot of them.
Because of the title we already know that we will be dealing with unreliable narrators, so no surprises there, but I was surprised by how intrigued I was by Leslie and Mary. Mary especially, I was continually trying to figure out what made her tick. I'm normally quite quick with guessing what the ending will be in most mysteries, but did not see this one coming at all. I loved the author's afterword and her explanation of why she wrote this novel.
If you have a few hours on your hands, and want to be entertained and shocked I highly recommend The Better Liar. I can't wait to see what Tanen Jones writes next.
The Story: Leslie Voigt Flores must reunite with her estranged sister, Robin, to claim a joint inheritance from their father. However, when she arrives at Robin’s Las Vegas apartment, she finds that she is dead. Desperate to get her hands on the money fast, Leslie hires Mary — a woman she meets that same day — and who looks eerily like her sister — to return home with her to New Mexico and pretend to be Robin in exchange for her half of the money..
It doesn’t take long, however, for both women to realize that the other has secrets. A lot of them.
January 15, 2020
Leslie’s sister Robin left home more than ten years ago and has been nothing but a nuisance from afar since. When Leslie’s ailing father finally passed, a condition of receiving his inheritance is bringing the sisters back together. But when Leslie tracks down Robin in Las Vegas and finds her a mere few hours too late (heroin OD), what can she do to ensure she still receives her piece of the pie? Panicked and stressed, Leslie flees her dead sisters apartment to collect her thoughts. That’s where she meets Mary - an extroverted, stunning, aspiring actress who with a little coaching a new hair color could maybe pass for the Robin that disappeared a decade ago. Can the women pull off the stunt? What other secrets are they hiding and what are their real motivations?
This is one to go into as blind as possible! Stop reading!!!
The breadcrumbs were there and whether I chose to ignore them so I could be ignorantly blissed or they totally fooled me, I’m content either way! Thoroughly enjoyed this one - the writing style, character development, narration, and build up. It was over the top but in all the best ways.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
This is one to go into as blind as possible! Stop reading!!!
The breadcrumbs were there and whether I chose to ignore them so I could be ignorantly blissed or they totally fooled me, I’m content either way! Thoroughly enjoyed this one - the writing style, character development, narration, and build up. It was over the top but in all the best ways.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2019
2.5
So much meh for this one, it had me hooked until the last half and then it went off the rails. Blah
So much meh for this one, it had me hooked until the last half and then it went off the rails. Blah
January 15, 2020
There’s nothing worse than a boring thriller. Luckily, Tanen Jones’ The Better Liar isn’t one of those books. There’s something about the two main characters, Leslie and Mary, that hold your attention with a vice grip. I couldn’t read anything else until I finished this one.
Apart from the literal first and last chapter, not much actually ‘happens’, per say. Leslie finds her sister dead, befriends a local woman in Las Vegas and they both go back to her hometown in New Mexico. But from the first interaction you can tell something just feels “off”. There’s so much that’s just desperately waiting to be revealed. I love stories where everyone might be lying and you can’t take anything at face value. In this way, I agree with the comparisons to Gillian Flynn, Megan Abbott and Paula Hawkins; these women could easily be some of their characters.
There’s plenty of twists, with a ‘big one’ near the end. The ending even gives you a final thrust of the knife, so to speak. I was totally engrossed with this book and loved speculating about the tilted lives of the people who inhabited it. I’m definitely going to be looking for more from Ms. Jones going forward.
Also—anyone who’s interested should check out the Author’s Note at the end. It helped put a lot into perspective and really mirrored some of my own feelings and fears. But it could technically be considered a spoiler, so save it for after you’ve finished!
*Thanks to Random House - Ballantine & Netgalley for an advance copy!
Apart from the literal first and last chapter, not much actually ‘happens’, per say. Leslie finds her sister dead, befriends a local woman in Las Vegas and they both go back to her hometown in New Mexico. But from the first interaction you can tell something just feels “off”. There’s so much that’s just desperately waiting to be revealed. I love stories where everyone might be lying and you can’t take anything at face value. In this way, I agree with the comparisons to Gillian Flynn, Megan Abbott and Paula Hawkins; these women could easily be some of their characters.
There’s plenty of twists, with a ‘big one’ near the end. The ending even gives you a final thrust of the knife, so to speak. I was totally engrossed with this book and loved speculating about the tilted lives of the people who inhabited it. I’m definitely going to be looking for more from Ms. Jones going forward.
Also—anyone who’s interested should check out the Author’s Note at the end. It helped put a lot into perspective and really mirrored some of my own feelings and fears. But it could technically be considered a spoiler, so save it for after you’ve finished!
*Thanks to Random House - Ballantine & Netgalley for an advance copy!
February 9, 2020
3.5 stars rounded down to 3
Leslie Flores father had passed away. He left some money in his will for Lselie and her sister, Robin. But there's a stipulation in the will that the girls make their claim together. Leslie has not seen Robin for around ten years. Robin lives in Las Vegas so Leslie travels there to find her. But Ro in has also died. So when Leslie sees a waitress who bares a remarkable resemblance to Robin, Leslie comes up with a plan. She persuades the waitress to go to New Mexico with her so that they can claim the inheritance together.
The story is told by Leslie, Robin and Mary's perspectives. None of the main characters were very likeable. The story covers issues that occur in family relationships and postpartum depression. Theres not a lot happens in the story until the end. I did like the twist at the end. The pace is evenly set.
Leslie Flores father had passed away. He left some money in his will for Lselie and her sister, Robin. But there's a stipulation in the will that the girls make their claim together. Leslie has not seen Robin for around ten years. Robin lives in Las Vegas so Leslie travels there to find her. But Ro in has also died. So when Leslie sees a waitress who bares a remarkable resemblance to Robin, Leslie comes up with a plan. She persuades the waitress to go to New Mexico with her so that they can claim the inheritance together.
The story is told by Leslie, Robin and Mary's perspectives. None of the main characters were very likeable. The story covers issues that occur in family relationships and postpartum depression. Theres not a lot happens in the story until the end. I did like the twist at the end. The pace is evenly set.
July 4, 2020
This is not a thriller, it’s a family drama about two sisters who never heard of counseling. One of them deserves jail time. I skimmed to the end of book. The “twist” was highly unlikely. The Author’s Note is an illustration of how a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I probably won’t try this author again. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
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