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The Lies She Told
Not all bad deeds can be undone...
Brilliant and beautiful Haley Burrows has just landed her dream job at a prestigious law firm, but someone is stalking her. When she finds her tires slashed, and a menacing message scrawled across her windscreen, she quickly realizes the situation has become a deadly game for her anonymous stalker. But she can't involve the police because she's hiding a guilty secret from her past that would instantly unravel her charmed life if it ever came to light. Ensnared by the lies she has built her life on, she is left with no choice but to rely on her own wits and intuition to track down her stalker before he makes good on his threat to kill her.
But will the awful truth of her past prove her undoing?
- A riveting thriller with spine-tingling chills, twists, and turns to the very last page! -
Brilliant and beautiful Haley Burrows has just landed her dream job at a prestigious law firm, but someone is stalking her. When she finds her tires slashed, and a menacing message scrawled across her windscreen, she quickly realizes the situation has become a deadly game for her anonymous stalker. But she can't involve the police because she's hiding a guilty secret from her past that would instantly unravel her charmed life if it ever came to light. Ensnared by the lies she has built her life on, she is left with no choice but to rely on her own wits and intuition to track down her stalker before he makes good on his threat to kill her.
But will the awful truth of her past prove her undoing?
- A riveting thriller with spine-tingling chills, twists, and turns to the very last page! -
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
777 people are currently reading
874 people want to read
About the author
N.L. Hinkens
23 books346 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author N. L. Hinkens writes twisty psychological suspense thrillers with unexpected endings. She’s a travel junkie, coffee hound, and idea wrangler, in no particular order. She grew up in Ireland—land of legends and storytelling—and now resides in the US. Her work has won the Grand Prize Next Generation Indie Book Award for fiction, as well as numerous other awards. Join her VIP Reader Club for hot new releases, stellar giveaways, exclusive content, behind the scenes and more. https://normahinkens.com/
Pseudonym for author Norma Hinkens
Pseudonym for author Norma Hinkens
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 86 reviews
December 22, 2019
What?????? My mind is blown. This kept me turning page after page! I was fully prepared to give a 5 star until the last page. Why?!?!?!? I can’t be left hanging like this!!! Great thriller and quick read but that last page.... got me in my feels, and not in a good way!!!!
February 6, 2020
Absolutely thrilling!
We may never know the people who are around us, but do we truly know the people who we live with? Do you know your spouse? You may think you do, but after reading this book, you may have questions. This is an excellent example of how one mean act, as a teenager, can come back and haunt you later in life. Simply trying to fit in, with friends, turns out to change lives forever! Some thing that is so horrible, also Sparks tremendous forgiveness and understanding in one person. This is a definite suspense, thriller, must read!
We may never know the people who are around us, but do we truly know the people who we live with? Do you know your spouse? You may think you do, but after reading this book, you may have questions. This is an excellent example of how one mean act, as a teenager, can come back and haunt you later in life. Simply trying to fit in, with friends, turns out to change lives forever! Some thing that is so horrible, also Sparks tremendous forgiveness and understanding in one person. This is a definite suspense, thriller, must read!
May 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. That is, until the last sentence. Let this be a good example of how not to end an otherwise great psychological thriller. Nice little twist with husband... then a big F - YOU twist right after. Not good!
February 28, 2020
Well, I'm torn! I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down....but the ending seriously annoyed me which kind of sucks. This is my third book by this author, and I honestly liked it even more than the first two I read....which were solid 5 star books for me, and then I raced through this third book at record speed to get to the ending, which to me really wasn't an ending at all. I'm all for shock and awe, but leaving me dangling just does not make me happy, so I could only leave a 4 star review, which almost wasnt even 4 stars...I generally read a book to the end, because I want to know what happens at the end....the conclusion.... I dont want to walk away with a question that isn't answered....and since I do not see a sequel....that's how I feel...a bit peeved....hopefully the next book I read by this author actually has a final chapter that ties up the loose ends. If not it is likely to be my last book by this author.
May 23, 2020
SO. BAD
March 5, 2023
Wow! I didn’t expect the twist to the ending of this book
July 2, 2022
Haley is our main character and she just started a new life--new home, new job. But the past apparently isn't quite done with her yet. A dark secret lingers from her high school days when she was a mean girl. Part of a quad squad that terrorized the school and its less fortunate students. One in particular has been haunting her . . .
"Haley grimaced. Maybe she deserved everything bad that was happening to her. She was reaping what she’d sown."
Unfortunate yet intriguing things start happening: hang ups over her work phone, a word scratched into her car door, a slashed tire, increasing in both threat and danger. But who is doing it all? And why? Every person she suspects would have their own motivation, but none quite fit the bill.
Once the bombshell exploded, I was up in arms. I had expected it, all of it to some extent but it didn't take away from the shock. This was a great read. Kept me totally glued.
"Haley grimaced. Maybe she deserved everything bad that was happening to her. She was reaping what she’d sown."
Unfortunate yet intriguing things start happening: hang ups over her work phone, a word scratched into her car door, a slashed tire, increasing in both threat and danger. But who is doing it all? And why? Every person she suspects would have their own motivation, but none quite fit the bill.
Once the bombshell exploded, I was up in arms. I had expected it, all of it to some extent but it didn't take away from the shock. This was a great read. Kept me totally glued.
April 5, 2020
I wish I could give 10 stars. Twists and turns I didn’t see coming at all.
February 1, 2020
The Lies She Told was interesting and held my attention but had too many areas where the main character did not follow a logical path. The ending, while attempting to surprise, was not particularly satisfying.
December 16, 2019
Haunted past
We all make stupid choices when we are young,but sometimes those choice haunt us as adults. When your past catches up with you and you find yourself doubting what is real and what isn't. You can only hope you survive.
We all make stupid choices when we are young,but sometimes those choice haunt us as adults. When your past catches up with you and you find yourself doubting what is real and what isn't. You can only hope you survive.
November 9, 2020
Awesome book and is there going to be a book two? I’m just saying, because of the ending.
October 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this thriller! The book was short, but it sure did deliver! It kind of reminded me of a Freida McFadden book. 4 ⭐️
February 8, 2022
Well, I finished this book and I have to be frank with my reviews. As I am in real life. I didn't like this story and couldn't stand the protagonist. This surprised me from a psychological thriller. Usually, those genres are always entertaining, suspenseful & captivating. Too bad this one started interesting but I got to read more into the book and turned out to be a huge letdown. Too bad because it had potential at the beginning and through the description of the plot. I admit that this is the first novel N.L. Hinkens that I've read. Her style isn't bad, but this tale & the character development of this story was sort of weak. Especially in the middle & heading to the ending of the story. Also the main character Haley made me so upset & annoyed by her naivety/stupidity. As well as the neighbor/friend she has her older brother bully and bosses her around. I don't like seeing or hearing women that weak & helpless. Since I don't see women like that at this time. Women are strong, self relying & respectful towards themselves. Oh, I just want to make this clear I not saying that Hinkens writes terribly and I wouldn't mind reading her other works. Since I don't make a huge complete judgment of a writer without reading at least 2 or 3 of their books.
As for my rating I give it two thumbs down and 1 star. Now thinking about it this is the first book that I've given such a low rating for the year. My goodness, I don't feel too sweet about but I had to be honest. If anyone is interested in reading it then go ahead. I won't stop them, but I don't they don't feel as displeased afterward. Like I was when I finished it. I was just glad to be done with it.
As for my rating I give it two thumbs down and 1 star. Now thinking about it this is the first book that I've given such a low rating for the year. My goodness, I don't feel too sweet about but I had to be honest. If anyone is interested in reading it then go ahead. I won't stop them, but I don't they don't feel as displeased afterward. Like I was when I finished it. I was just glad to be done with it.
December 26, 2019
Great book
This is one of those books that keep you guessing until the very end. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll keep this short. The narrator did something bad in high school. However your not really sure how bad until the end of the book. You’ll also be guessing who the person is until the end. My only hopes is that there will be some type of a sequel as the book ended on a cliffhanger
This is one of those books that keep you guessing until the very end. I don’t want to give too much away, so I’ll keep this short. The narrator did something bad in high school. However your not really sure how bad until the end of the book. You’ll also be guessing who the person is until the end. My only hopes is that there will be some type of a sequel as the book ended on a cliffhanger
April 29, 2020
I didn't love this book. I could tell from the very beginning that it was going to be very obvious and predictable. Yes, there were many twists and turns but each twist and turn was a very obvious one. finished it just to make sure it didn't end up surprising me but I didn't like the book. The story missed many details and left out a lot of details that would have made it more interesting.
July 5, 2022
Wow!! I fell in love with this book & I was determined to finish it in a day so I did! Everything about this book was interesting. I love how this book KEPT me guessing and I didn’t expect the ending to go how it did at all. I love how the author added the extra ending for gentle readers like myself. All in all, one of my favorite page turning thrillers.
February 17, 2022
Immature writing style made it very difficult to get through. The narrator constantly repeating herself to clarify situations.
July 1, 2024
It was a quick read, read it in a day, it has a good twist, but the ending wasn’t worth the reading.
December 1, 2020
I went on a reading spree with this author over the weekend after reading The Cabin Below and batted about 50% in the like/don't like categories across the 4 I've read so far. I'm currently reading the 5th book.
Summary:
Hilary has a secret from her past that still haunts her. She thinks she is being stalked by someone who knows about it and suspects everyone as incidents happen more and more.
Pros:
This is a fast read and moves along right from the start.
No major issues with format or style; nothing distracting at least
Cons:
So, 3 stars was somewhat generous given the frustrating nature of the story; 2.5 would've been more accurate, but I really reserve 1 and 2 stars for the worst books. This wasn't a 'worst', just a 'could have been so much better.'
Summary:
Hilary has a secret from her past that still haunts her. She thinks she is being stalked by someone who knows about it and suspects everyone as incidents happen more and more.
Pros:
This is a fast read and moves along right from the start.
No major issues with format or style; nothing distracting at least
Cons:
So, 3 stars was somewhat generous given the frustrating nature of the story; 2.5 would've been more accurate, but I really reserve 1 and 2 stars for the worst books. This wasn't a 'worst', just a 'could have been so much better.'
January 3, 2020
Fast Read
Haley’s story is one many women young & old can identify with. The Queen Bee of the the “Mean Girls” club in high school led to devastating consequences long after Haley & her friends antics led to a young girls suicide. Since then Haley has tried to make amends in anyway possible except owning up to the part she & her friends played in the devastating suicide of a 15-year-old girl years ago. It doesn’t matter that Haley has turned her life around because someone knows what she did and wants her to pay.
The novel was east to read, despite a few British/Irishisms that you wouldn’t normally read in a book set in the US. I found it interesting even if it was a bit formulaic - I figured out the “bad guy” early on & instead of making the book dull it actually made it better. The reader is aware who is tormenting a Haley how far will they take the charade?
This author definitely deserves another read.
Haley’s story is one many women young & old can identify with. The Queen Bee of the the “Mean Girls” club in high school led to devastating consequences long after Haley & her friends antics led to a young girls suicide. Since then Haley has tried to make amends in anyway possible except owning up to the part she & her friends played in the devastating suicide of a 15-year-old girl years ago. It doesn’t matter that Haley has turned her life around because someone knows what she did and wants her to pay.
The novel was east to read, despite a few British/Irishisms that you wouldn’t normally read in a book set in the US. I found it interesting even if it was a bit formulaic - I figured out the “bad guy” early on & instead of making the book dull it actually made it better. The reader is aware who is tormenting a Haley how far will they take the charade?
This author definitely deserves another read.
November 23, 2024
Haley was hoping for a fresh start when she started working at her new job. She didn’t expect to be reminded of what she did. Then the phone hang-ups and the feelings of being watched begin to settle in. It soon becomes clear as day that someone was harassing her. Even after marrying a nice guy, the lurking feeling and strange events never stopped. Paranoia and worry consume her, and she even started wondering if this had anything to do with that terrible prank she pulled in high school, which resulted in a student’s suicide. Did someone know Haley’s secret? I absolutely suspected the new husband and the lousy dog-kicker.
“That was the problem with lies. Once you told them, they never really died.”
Who told? The mystery of the stalker was certainly alluring and made you think. Who was it?
It gets better towards the end when the truth is revealed. Of course, it was a vendetta. Keeps you reading all the way! A terrific read!
“That was the problem with lies. Once you told them, they never really died.”
Who told? The mystery of the stalker was certainly alluring and made you think. Who was it?
It gets better towards the end when the truth is revealed. Of course, it was a vendetta. Keeps you reading all the way! A terrific read!
February 26, 2020
This genre of book recycles plots, (main character has a secret in their past, now in the present they are getting threatening, mysterious notes etc is specially common) I get that. So the author needs to bring something new or clever to the table to elevate it and make is stand out from the zillion other psychological thrillers out there. Unfortunately for me, this one didn't do that. So much of the story was repetitive, you could literally skip through most of it. When her secret is revealed, the rest becomes pretty predictable even though there were some attempts at red herrings. The 'double surprise" at the end did not surprise...it was, again, pretty predictable.
December 3, 2022
It wasn't what I was expecting. It was an interesting book and for the most part held my interest. The pacing was fast and moves right along from the beginning. However, I didn't really feel the suspense. It was essentially the same tone throughout the book. There was no increasing of tension or anything. The main character suspects everyone so there isn't even a real twist or shocking reveal. I mean, I somehow managed to figure out the "bad guy" from the get go and in books I am never right about these things. And, sadly the ending was not particularly satisfying.
I really needed something more. More tension, more character building, more backstory. While it was a quick read, I can't say it was an exciting read.
I really needed something more. More tension, more character building, more backstory. While it was a quick read, I can't say it was an exciting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2020
WOW! The Lies She Told A Psychological Suspense Thriller, my fourth amazing read from author N.L. Hinkens, my second in a row today. After reading/listening to The Other Woman, I followed with this book. I enjoyed the outstanding Hitchcockian suspense story-line with its intricately woven twists and turns. Norma (N.L.) Hinkens is on my radar of great authors! I was given an Audible copy of this book back in April and am just now getting around to voluntarily reading & reviewing it. Narrator Brittany Goodwin's wonderful narration adds to the book's enjoyment. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
January 24, 2022
I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Haley is being stalked, and she’s pretty sure it has to do with something she and her friends did in high school. She’s scared and determined to find out who the stalker is. Unfortunately, I had it figured out from the beginning, and I was a little disappointed in the ending.
The narrator is pretty good. She doesn’t have a voice for each person, but she changes it when men are talking, which is helpful. Her timing and pacing are good.
The Lies She Told is a suspenseful thriller that you’ll enjoy if you don’t mind predictable.
Haley is being stalked, and she’s pretty sure it has to do with something she and her friends did in high school. She’s scared and determined to find out who the stalker is. Unfortunately, I had it figured out from the beginning, and I was a little disappointed in the ending.
The narrator is pretty good. She doesn’t have a voice for each person, but she changes it when men are talking, which is helpful. Her timing and pacing are good.
The Lies She Told is a suspenseful thriller that you’ll enjoy if you don’t mind predictable.
July 10, 2020
LOVE this author!!!!
I have enjoyed two or three books by this author so far. N.L. Bunkers always tells an engaging story! There is plenty of suspense, and even if one guesses the villain accurately before the end, there remains, certainly in this book, enough interest and uncertainty to keep you reading. Hinkens is one of few authors I can comfortably enjoy without fear of excessive foul language and explicit scenes. I am grateful to the author for that rarest of gifts in this genre, and happy to become a new fan!
I have enjoyed two or three books by this author so far. N.L. Bunkers always tells an engaging story! There is plenty of suspense, and even if one guesses the villain accurately before the end, there remains, certainly in this book, enough interest and uncertainty to keep you reading. Hinkens is one of few authors I can comfortably enjoy without fear of excessive foul language and explicit scenes. I am grateful to the author for that rarest of gifts in this genre, and happy to become a new fan!
March 3, 2022
Norma Hinkens is rapidly becoming one of my favorite psychological thriller authors. The Lies She Told is one of those stories that has you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who the “bad guy” is, and once you think you have them identified, you are suddenly presented with clues that lead you in other directions. In this book's case, just when you think you have it all figured out and the story is resolved in your mind – a new twist leaves you reeling. Brittany Goodwin’s narration takes this excellent story to another level.
April 15, 2022
The Lies She Told was an enjoyable psychological suspense that kept my interest throughout. Haley, who was part of a mean girl clique in high school finds that her past might be coming back to haunt her. Someone is stalking her and small crimes against her seem to escalating. Hailey has not been completely honest about her past with anyone including her new husband. Should she bring in law enforcement and reveal her secrets or rely on her own smarts and find way out? A fun ride as always with this author. I definitely recommend this book!
August 12, 2025
a really good read
I am a very avid reader! N.L I loved this book, but not chapter 31. How in the world could Haley have trusted Dillon, aka Jake after he hated her treasured dog and lied to her and actually showed her he didn’t love her at all in many ways. Thank you for writing the 32nd chapter that hopefully will take away for me chapter 31. I would like to know if any of the rest of the series have endings like this. Haley’s biggest mistake in life was not trusting her instincts when she was right. She didn’t believe in herself. The boys were both killers!
I am a very avid reader! N.L I loved this book, but not chapter 31. How in the world could Haley have trusted Dillon, aka Jake after he hated her treasured dog and lied to her and actually showed her he didn’t love her at all in many ways. Thank you for writing the 32nd chapter that hopefully will take away for me chapter 31. I would like to know if any of the rest of the series have endings like this. Haley’s biggest mistake in life was not trusting her instincts when she was right. She didn’t believe in herself. The boys were both killers!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 86 reviews