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This is How I Lied
Everyone has a secret they’ll do anything to hide…
Twenty-five years ago, the body of sixteen-year-old Eve Knox was found in the caves near her home in small-town Grotto, Iowa—discovered by her best friend, Maggie, and her sister, Nola. There were a handful of suspects, including her boyfriend, Nick, but without sufficient evidence the case ultimately went cold.
For decades Maggie was haunted by Eve’s death and that horrible night. Now a detective in Grotto, and seven months pregnant, she is thrust back into the past when a new piece of evidence surfaces and the case is reopened. As Maggie investigates and reexamines the clues, secrets about what really happened begin to emerge. But someone in town knows more than they’re letting on, and they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth buried deep.
Twenty-five years ago, the body of sixteen-year-old Eve Knox was found in the caves near her home in small-town Grotto, Iowa—discovered by her best friend, Maggie, and her sister, Nola. There were a handful of suspects, including her boyfriend, Nick, but without sufficient evidence the case ultimately went cold.
For decades Maggie was haunted by Eve’s death and that horrible night. Now a detective in Grotto, and seven months pregnant, she is thrust back into the past when a new piece of evidence surfaces and the case is reopened. As Maggie investigates and reexamines the clues, secrets about what really happened begin to emerge. But someone in town knows more than they’re letting on, and they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth buried deep.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2020
1083 people are currently reading
40534 people want to read
About the author
Heather Gudenkauf
24 books9,386 followersHeather Gudenkauf is the Edgar Award nominated, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, including The Overnight Guest and her most recent thriller Everyone is Watching. Her debut novel, The Weight of Silence, was an instant NYT bestseller and remained on the list for 22 weeks. Gudenkauf’s critically acclaimed novels have been published in over 25 countries and have sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. Her books have been featured on many Best Of roundups including lists by The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, Amazon, Apple Books, GoodReads, and more. Her eleventh novel, The Perfect Hosts will be released on November 4, 2025. Heather lives in Iowa with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,589 reviews
September 26, 2024
Ladies and gentlemen, we have another WINNER!
As soon as I saw Heather Gudenkauf’s name, I requested this book without even reading the blurb. Before She Was Found was one of my favorite underrated books last year, and I had no doubt her new book would be another surprising, twist-filled, heart-pounding thriller. And yes, I didn’t need to be clairvoyant to know I’d be treated to something fresh and mind-numbing, with impeccably crafted, complex characters. This one has already made it onto my list of top ten thrillers of the year.
The story is told through the perspectives of three narrators: Officer Maggie Kennedy O’Keefe, who is investigating a 25-year-old cold case—the brutal murder of her best friend, Eve Knox. Maggie, a pregnant police officer working on a cold case, evokes strong Marge Gunderson vibes from Fargo.
Eve Knox, the 15-year-old victim, lived with her sister, Nola, who showed sociopathic tendencies, and their hard-working, strict mother. The narrative alternates between the day of Eve’s murder and the present, allowing us to piece together her story and figure out who committed the crime. These sections are especially heartbreaking, as Eve suffers abuse from her boyfriend, Nick, and grapples with family issues, all while feeling the sting of Maggie’s cold shoulder, hinting at a dark secret between them. From beginning to end, Eve’s story keeps us guessing, throwing suspicion in multiple directions.
Nola is far more than just “weird.” With her disturbing animal dissections, hoarding, and transcripts of séances with her psychiatrist, she could easily be the twin sister of Dexter. As the story shifts between past and present, it becomes clear that Nola’s mother might have lied about her whereabouts during the murder. Nola is the most unsettling character in the book. From the start, she raises suspicion, and her unexpected actions keep us on edge.
The case is reopened when a young boy discovers a new piece of evidence: Eve’s shoe. With advancements in forensic technology, DNA testing offers hope for a breakthrough.
Maggie, now seven months pregnant, is expecting a miracle baby after years of trying with her husband, Shaun. With this long-awaited pregnancy, she’s supposed to avoid stress, but reopening the case inevitably stirs up old secrets. Her father, Henry, who led the investigation 25 years ago but never identified a suspect, now suffers from amnesia, forgetting what he’s told just minutes later. Yet Maggie suspects he’s hiding something crucial about the case—something deadly important.
Maggie herself holds secrets that could change everything, not just about the case but her own life. She’s already received death threats, and someone set fire to their barn as a warning. If she confides in her husband, it could destroy their marriage—especially after discovering that Shaun had also been friends with Eve and was one of the last people to see her alive. Why did he never mention this to his wife?
So, who killed Eve Knox? In the final third of the book, the author drops a bombshell—a shocking revelation! After that, the story escalates into a fast-paced, heart-pounding, nail-biting, high-tension finale that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Overall, the pacing, story development, and characterization are perfect. I couldn’t put it down and ended up a quarantine couch potato—but I have no regrets! This was one of my best reads of the year.
Special thanks to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN/Park Row for sharing this powerful ARC in exchange for my honest review, and a special thanks to Heather Gudenkauf for writing such a remarkable, gripping novel.
As soon as I saw Heather Gudenkauf’s name, I requested this book without even reading the blurb. Before She Was Found was one of my favorite underrated books last year, and I had no doubt her new book would be another surprising, twist-filled, heart-pounding thriller. And yes, I didn’t need to be clairvoyant to know I’d be treated to something fresh and mind-numbing, with impeccably crafted, complex characters. This one has already made it onto my list of top ten thrillers of the year.
The story is told through the perspectives of three narrators: Officer Maggie Kennedy O’Keefe, who is investigating a 25-year-old cold case—the brutal murder of her best friend, Eve Knox. Maggie, a pregnant police officer working on a cold case, evokes strong Marge Gunderson vibes from Fargo.
Eve Knox, the 15-year-old victim, lived with her sister, Nola, who showed sociopathic tendencies, and their hard-working, strict mother. The narrative alternates between the day of Eve’s murder and the present, allowing us to piece together her story and figure out who committed the crime. These sections are especially heartbreaking, as Eve suffers abuse from her boyfriend, Nick, and grapples with family issues, all while feeling the sting of Maggie’s cold shoulder, hinting at a dark secret between them. From beginning to end, Eve’s story keeps us guessing, throwing suspicion in multiple directions.
Nola is far more than just “weird.” With her disturbing animal dissections, hoarding, and transcripts of séances with her psychiatrist, she could easily be the twin sister of Dexter. As the story shifts between past and present, it becomes clear that Nola’s mother might have lied about her whereabouts during the murder. Nola is the most unsettling character in the book. From the start, she raises suspicion, and her unexpected actions keep us on edge.
The case is reopened when a young boy discovers a new piece of evidence: Eve’s shoe. With advancements in forensic technology, DNA testing offers hope for a breakthrough.
Maggie, now seven months pregnant, is expecting a miracle baby after years of trying with her husband, Shaun. With this long-awaited pregnancy, she’s supposed to avoid stress, but reopening the case inevitably stirs up old secrets. Her father, Henry, who led the investigation 25 years ago but never identified a suspect, now suffers from amnesia, forgetting what he’s told just minutes later. Yet Maggie suspects he’s hiding something crucial about the case—something deadly important.
Maggie herself holds secrets that could change everything, not just about the case but her own life. She’s already received death threats, and someone set fire to their barn as a warning. If she confides in her husband, it could destroy their marriage—especially after discovering that Shaun had also been friends with Eve and was one of the last people to see her alive. Why did he never mention this to his wife?
So, who killed Eve Knox? In the final third of the book, the author drops a bombshell—a shocking revelation! After that, the story escalates into a fast-paced, heart-pounding, nail-biting, high-tension finale that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Overall, the pacing, story development, and characterization are perfect. I couldn’t put it down and ended up a quarantine couch potato—but I have no regrets! This was one of my best reads of the year.
Special thanks to NetGalley and HARLEQUIN/Park Row for sharing this powerful ARC in exchange for my honest review, and a special thanks to Heather Gudenkauf for writing such a remarkable, gripping novel.
June 29, 2021
2*disappointing*stars
Yet another mystery book where author tries to make her characters interesting and secretive and fails to do it.
Why I picked up this book?
There was a comment on this book :- based in a small town where secrets are still alive( and you know how much i like books set in small town)
Why I disliked this book?
• Poor character development :- now this is the thing I disliked the most about this book. All the characters are horribly portrayed .
✔Maggie ,the haunted cop I literally just don't care what she thinks or do in the entire story, the actions she performed at the end will make you wanna kill her.
✔Eve,the tragic victim the only sensible character in the book though
✔Nola,the psychopath let's take a moment to appreciate how author miserably failed to portray her character...she is too much psychopath like due diligence had been made to make her interesting!!
•Obvious turn of events :- any red herring curveballs thrown at readers were far too obvious
• repetitive :- some facts and info provided to readers were useless and repetitive.
• Unsatisfying ending :- personally I wanted more !
The end seem incomplete to me!
TRIGGER WARNING
Why I gave it 2 stars?
• Setting in small town where past is still alive.
• Scenic description(the way author described the town ..omg you will instantly fall in love with it, the town itself holds the power to draw you towards the story.
It was a page turner, because you want to know the truth, no matter how obvious is this
Yet another mystery book where author tries to make her characters interesting and secretive and fails to do it.
Why I picked up this book?
There was a comment on this book :- based in a small town where secrets are still alive( and you know how much i like books set in small town)
Why I disliked this book?
• Poor character development :- now this is the thing I disliked the most about this book. All the characters are horribly portrayed .
✔Maggie ,the haunted cop I literally just don't care what she thinks or do in the entire story, the actions she performed at the end will make you wanna kill her.
✔Eve,the tragic victim the only sensible character in the book though
✔Nola,the psychopath let's take a moment to appreciate how author miserably failed to portray her character...she is too much psychopath like due diligence had been made to make her interesting!!
•Obvious turn of events :- any red herring curveballs thrown at readers were far too obvious
• repetitive :- some facts and info provided to readers were useless and repetitive.
• Unsatisfying ending :- personally I wanted more !
The end seem incomplete to me!
TRIGGER WARNING
Why I gave it 2 stars?
• Setting in small town where past is still alive.
• Scenic description(the way author described the town ..omg you will instantly fall in love with it, the town itself holds the power to draw you towards the story.
It was a page turner, because you want to know the truth, no matter how obvious is this
December 22, 2024
**3.5-stars rounded up**
This is how I lied, and this is my truth.
Grab your popcorn and settle in, because This is How I Lied is a wild and sometimes cringey ride!
In 1995, 15-year old, Eve Knox was viciously murdered.
When she didn't arrive home that fateful night, her Mom panicked. It was so unlike Eve to be late, therefore, fairly quickly a search began.
Her best friend, Maggie, teamed up with Eve's little sister, Nola, and they ultimately ended up finding Eve's body, discarded in a local cave.
Neither girl will ever forget those horrific events.
Twenty-five years later, Maggie, has followed in her Father's footsteps and is now a detective in her the same town.
Around eight-months pregnant, she is currently working desk duty, when new evidence is found related to Eve's case.
The boot Eve was wearing on the night of her death has been discovered.
The hope is that with new advancements in forensic science, they will be able to extract some DNA that could finally lead to her killer.
The sudden resurgence of interest in the case begins to take its toll on Maggie. She becomes obsessed with it, all over again, and starts doing some digging of her own.
Maggie's Dad was actually the investigator in charge of the case all those years ago. Now, he struggles with dementia and she's wondering if there may have been issues even then.
The secrets that come to light in this story, it's a lot. Secrets involving multiple characters.
I had some serious jaw drop moments while reading this.
This is How I Lied is a quick, compelling read.
If you are looking for something to get your mind off real life for a while, look no further. This is it!
I will be honest, there were definitely some elements in this that made me uncomfortable.
Specifically, Nola, Eve's sister, is a very disturbing character. There are some aspects of her personality that at times, made me want to close this book and never pick it back up again. But I needed to know the truth!
There were also times when I was uncomfortable with Maggie's pregnancy and the risks she was taking caused some anxiety for me.
As the story unfolds, however, it becomes clear as to why she feels so compelled.
This is a wild story. It is dynamic and engaging. Oh, the secrets of a small town.
You just never know what is going to be exposed!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Park Row Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
It was a wicked fun read!
This is how I lied, and this is my truth.
Grab your popcorn and settle in, because This is How I Lied is a wild and sometimes cringey ride!
In 1995, 15-year old, Eve Knox was viciously murdered.
When she didn't arrive home that fateful night, her Mom panicked. It was so unlike Eve to be late, therefore, fairly quickly a search began.
Her best friend, Maggie, teamed up with Eve's little sister, Nola, and they ultimately ended up finding Eve's body, discarded in a local cave.
Neither girl will ever forget those horrific events.
Twenty-five years later, Maggie, has followed in her Father's footsteps and is now a detective in her the same town.
Around eight-months pregnant, she is currently working desk duty, when new evidence is found related to Eve's case.
The boot Eve was wearing on the night of her death has been discovered.
The hope is that with new advancements in forensic science, they will be able to extract some DNA that could finally lead to her killer.
The sudden resurgence of interest in the case begins to take its toll on Maggie. She becomes obsessed with it, all over again, and starts doing some digging of her own.
Maggie's Dad was actually the investigator in charge of the case all those years ago. Now, he struggles with dementia and she's wondering if there may have been issues even then.
The secrets that come to light in this story, it's a lot. Secrets involving multiple characters.
I had some serious jaw drop moments while reading this.
This is How I Lied is a quick, compelling read.
If you are looking for something to get your mind off real life for a while, look no further. This is it!
I will be honest, there were definitely some elements in this that made me uncomfortable.
Specifically, Nola, Eve's sister, is a very disturbing character. There are some aspects of her personality that at times, made me want to close this book and never pick it back up again. But I needed to know the truth!
There were also times when I was uncomfortable with Maggie's pregnancy and the risks she was taking caused some anxiety for me.
As the story unfolds, however, it becomes clear as to why she feels so compelled.
This is a wild story. It is dynamic and engaging. Oh, the secrets of a small town.
You just never know what is going to be exposed!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Park Row Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
It was a wicked fun read!
June 15, 2020
Heather Gudenkauf joined us in The Behind the Pages group for Spoiler-free Q & A to talk about her books and her writing process
To see what Heather has to say you can find the Q & A here to ask Heather a question or leave her a comment
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
My review
This Is How I Lied has a little something different here with the creep level to the story and Heather Gudenkauf had me a little worried as she created a sense of dread for me like I haven’t felt before while reading. I enjoyed that feeling of not knowing what to expect with that sense of dread. I put my trust in her and was rewarded with a chilling, dark and twisty entertaining read.
For me, this one was all about Nola. She is one odd, dark character with an interesting creepy side to her. She has an exciting, mysterious side to her that created some great tension and suspense to the story that had me turning those pages as fast as I could. She brought something a little different to the story and she was a character we wanted to talk about.
The crime here centers around the murder of Eve, Nola’s sister and her best friend, Maggie. Well, things didn’t really add up the way I would have liked them to, I loved the dynamics between Nola and Maggie. Maggie also brings something a little different here with the tension in the story with her pregnancy and I feared the danger she might be in. I enjoyed how things came together with Nola and Maggie and thought it all wrapped well. I recommend it!
I received a copy from the publisher for a blog tour on NetGalley
To see what Heather has to say you can find the Q & A here to ask Heather a question or leave her a comment
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
My review
This Is How I Lied has a little something different here with the creep level to the story and Heather Gudenkauf had me a little worried as she created a sense of dread for me like I haven’t felt before while reading. I enjoyed that feeling of not knowing what to expect with that sense of dread. I put my trust in her and was rewarded with a chilling, dark and twisty entertaining read.
For me, this one was all about Nola. She is one odd, dark character with an interesting creepy side to her. She has an exciting, mysterious side to her that created some great tension and suspense to the story that had me turning those pages as fast as I could. She brought something a little different to the story and she was a character we wanted to talk about.
The crime here centers around the murder of Eve, Nola’s sister and her best friend, Maggie. Well, things didn’t really add up the way I would have liked them to, I loved the dynamics between Nola and Maggie. Maggie also brings something a little different here with the tension in the story with her pregnancy and I feared the danger she might be in. I enjoyed how things came together with Nola and Maggie and thought it all wrapped well. I recommend it!
I received a copy from the publisher for a blog tour on NetGalley
June 27, 2020
Meh...💁🏻♀️
At seven months pregnant, Maggie knows she can’t continue her role as an active police detective. She’s been assigned desk duty digging into a cold-case from over twenty years ago. The murder of her friend Eve, to be precise! In fact, Maggie was the one that found Eve’s body all those years ago.
Is Maggie capable of maintaining her objectivity? Or is she way too close to this crime to help bring it to a close.
I’ve enjoyed Heather Gundenkauf’s books in the past, but this one failed to grip me. I went along for the ride but never felt vested in the story-line or characters.
Lots of mixed reviews for this book, so fingers crossed you will love it when you dive in!
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin-Park Row for an ARC to read and review
At seven months pregnant, Maggie knows she can’t continue her role as an active police detective. She’s been assigned desk duty digging into a cold-case from over twenty years ago. The murder of her friend Eve, to be precise! In fact, Maggie was the one that found Eve’s body all those years ago.
Is Maggie capable of maintaining her objectivity? Or is she way too close to this crime to help bring it to a close.
I’ve enjoyed Heather Gundenkauf’s books in the past, but this one failed to grip me. I went along for the ride but never felt vested in the story-line or characters.
Lots of mixed reviews for this book, so fingers crossed you will love it when you dive in!
A buddy read with Susanne
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin-Park Row for an ARC to read and review
September 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this one a lot! Entertaining and enraging, even had me a bit emotional at the end. Solid thriller!
May 28, 2020
Starts with a bang but sadly fizzles out.
At around 60% a reveal is made that pissed me off because at this point everything we've been told is basically a lie. There was absolutely no foreshadowing of this. It was simply a case of "Oh, I forgot I did that." How is a reader suppose to believe this?
Maggie the pregnant police detective cries and vomits a lot which grew very tiresome. Nola, the sister of Eve that was murdered, is one of the most bizarre characters I've read about in a while and not in a good way.
I've been struggling to find my reading mojo lately so it's probably me and not this book. Most of my Goodreads friends loved this one. 2.5 stars!
At around 60% a reveal is made that pissed me off because at this point everything we've been told is basically a lie. There was absolutely no foreshadowing of this. It was simply a case of "Oh, I forgot I did that." How is a reader suppose to believe this?
Maggie the pregnant police detective cries and vomits a lot which grew very tiresome. Nola, the sister of Eve that was murdered, is one of the most bizarre characters I've read about in a while and not in a good way.
I've been struggling to find my reading mojo lately so it's probably me and not this book. Most of my Goodreads friends loved this one. 2.5 stars!
June 11, 2020
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Heather Gudenkauf's new thriller, This Is How I Lied , is not to be confused with Riley Sager's The Last Time I Lied or any other thriller with the word "lied" in it.
If you’re looking for a slightly creepy thriller with some great twists, one that will have you flipping pages as you race toward the ending, stop. You’ve found it right here.
Twenty-five years ago, Maggie’s best friend Eve was murdered. Maggie and Eve’s troubled younger sister Nola found Eve’s body. There were a few suspects, including Nola herself, but the police were never able to close the case. Maggie’s father, who was the town police chief at the time, worked tirelessly to try and solve the murder, but failed. Maggie can't help but wonder if the stress of this case led to her father's dementia.
New evidence has been found at the scene of Eve’s murder, and the new police chief wants to retest all of the old evidence using new technology. Maggie, now a detective in her hometown, takes the case despite being seven months pregnant. (You betcha, I thought of Frances McDormand in Fargo , too.) She’s desperate to figure out what happened, and she hopes she won’t find her father missed something crucial.
But there are a lot of people with secrets related to Eve, both obvious ones and some who surprise Maggie. And there’s at least one person who wants Maggie to come to the conclusion they believe—and they’ll stop at nothing to make sure that happens.
This book hooked me from start to finish. As usual when I read thrillers I suspect everyone, and there were some people I hoped weren’t guilty. Heather Gudenkauf threw in lots of twists and they kept my heart racing.
One character is pretty creepy and has a bit of a penchant for not-quite animal torture. It's gross, but you can skim. (I did.)
I’ve always been curious about Gudenkauf’s books but never read one before, but if they’re all like this? Count me in.
I was fortunate to be part of the blog tour for this book. Thanks to Park Row Books and NetGalley for making an advance copy of the book available in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Heather Gudenkauf's new thriller, This Is How I Lied , is not to be confused with Riley Sager's The Last Time I Lied or any other thriller with the word "lied" in it.
If you’re looking for a slightly creepy thriller with some great twists, one that will have you flipping pages as you race toward the ending, stop. You’ve found it right here.
Twenty-five years ago, Maggie’s best friend Eve was murdered. Maggie and Eve’s troubled younger sister Nola found Eve’s body. There were a few suspects, including Nola herself, but the police were never able to close the case. Maggie’s father, who was the town police chief at the time, worked tirelessly to try and solve the murder, but failed. Maggie can't help but wonder if the stress of this case led to her father's dementia.
New evidence has been found at the scene of Eve’s murder, and the new police chief wants to retest all of the old evidence using new technology. Maggie, now a detective in her hometown, takes the case despite being seven months pregnant. (You betcha, I thought of Frances McDormand in Fargo , too.) She’s desperate to figure out what happened, and she hopes she won’t find her father missed something crucial.
But there are a lot of people with secrets related to Eve, both obvious ones and some who surprise Maggie. And there’s at least one person who wants Maggie to come to the conclusion they believe—and they’ll stop at nothing to make sure that happens.
This book hooked me from start to finish. As usual when I read thrillers I suspect everyone, and there were some people I hoped weren’t guilty. Heather Gudenkauf threw in lots of twists and they kept my heart racing.
One character is pretty creepy and has a bit of a penchant for not-quite animal torture. It's gross, but you can skim. (I did.)
I’ve always been curious about Gudenkauf’s books but never read one before, but if they’re all like this? Count me in.
I was fortunate to be part of the blog tour for this book. Thanks to Park Row Books and NetGalley for making an advance copy of the book available in exchange for an unbiased review!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
May 14, 2020
Gripping, absorbing, and an irresistible page turner!
THIS IS HOW I LIED by HEATHER GUDENKAUF is a cleverly layered, compelling, dark, and suspenseful psychological thriller that meanders and holds you tight in its grasp without you even realizing it. This definitely sets the tone for an immersive and unputdownable read.
What I absolutely love about HEATHER GUDENKAUF’S storytelling is that she hooks you in almost immediately and then the story makes its way under your skin as the story progresses. I find this so intriguing and keeps the suspense high for me. Then when you hit the ending it is so unexpected that it leaves you feeling exhilarated in the end.
There is a character in this book that is so creepy and disturbing but definitely ups the creep factor to the atmospheric effects of the storyline. Love the small town vibe going on too!
Thank you so much to Edelweiss, Heather Gudenkauf, and Park Row books for the opportunity to read an eARC of this fabulous book. There is a reason why I love this author so much….she keeps knocking out fabulous psychological thrillers that have a natural ability to get right under your skin, that's why! Read this book!!
THIS IS HOW I LIED by HEATHER GUDENKAUF is a cleverly layered, compelling, dark, and suspenseful psychological thriller that meanders and holds you tight in its grasp without you even realizing it. This definitely sets the tone for an immersive and unputdownable read.
What I absolutely love about HEATHER GUDENKAUF’S storytelling is that she hooks you in almost immediately and then the story makes its way under your skin as the story progresses. I find this so intriguing and keeps the suspense high for me. Then when you hit the ending it is so unexpected that it leaves you feeling exhilarated in the end.
There is a character in this book that is so creepy and disturbing but definitely ups the creep factor to the atmospheric effects of the storyline. Love the small town vibe going on too!
Thank you so much to Edelweiss, Heather Gudenkauf, and Park Row books for the opportunity to read an eARC of this fabulous book. There is a reason why I love this author so much….she keeps knocking out fabulous psychological thrillers that have a natural ability to get right under your skin, that's why! Read this book!!
May 17, 2020
Gripping and disturbing. Heather Gudenkauf has crafted an addictive, dark and twisted who done it. 25 years ago Maggie’s best friend Eve was murdered. The case was never solved, but now there is a new lead and Maggie Who is now a police officer is on the case. Re-opening this cold case stirs up many secrets and old feelings,, not everyone is happy about it. A tense Mystery with plenty of suspects and secrets. So who killed Eve all those years ago? Was it the boyfriend? The sister? The creepy guy from the library? The older man? Or was it Maggie herself?
Told from three different perspectives and two different timelines we really are privy to the entire story. We get the present day perspective from Maggie and Eve’s sister Nola. We also get Eve’ss perspective leading up to the murder. Brittany Presley narrated the audiobook and did a spectacular job with all these character’s voices. Nola was one of the most creepy and unstable characters I have read in quite some time and the narration made her even more disturbing. Miss Presley masterfully gave this creepy character the perfect flat inflection to her voice. She also gave Maggie the perfect likable relatable voice. I really liked Maggie and felt bad for her waddling around eight months pregnant trying to solve this cold crime that had such a deep personal connection. There was a lot going on in the story including some triggers such as animal cruelty and abuse. I think it was handled well and it wasn’t gratuitous, but if those are triggers for you I do want you to know ahead of time. A very well told who done it with a very satisfying and tense ending.
This book in emojis 🚨 🥾 🩸 🧬 🍏 🌲
*** Big thank you to Harlequin for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Told from three different perspectives and two different timelines we really are privy to the entire story. We get the present day perspective from Maggie and Eve’s sister Nola. We also get Eve’ss perspective leading up to the murder. Brittany Presley narrated the audiobook and did a spectacular job with all these character’s voices. Nola was one of the most creepy and unstable characters I have read in quite some time and the narration made her even more disturbing. Miss Presley masterfully gave this creepy character the perfect flat inflection to her voice. She also gave Maggie the perfect likable relatable voice. I really liked Maggie and felt bad for her waddling around eight months pregnant trying to solve this cold crime that had such a deep personal connection. There was a lot going on in the story including some triggers such as animal cruelty and abuse. I think it was handled well and it wasn’t gratuitous, but if those are triggers for you I do want you to know ahead of time. A very well told who done it with a very satisfying and tense ending.
This book in emojis 🚨 🥾 🩸 🧬 🍏 🌲
*** Big thank you to Harlequin for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
May 6, 2020
3.25 stars!
A mystery book about a 25 year old unsolved murder. New evidence has been discovered that leads to reopening the case. The current lead detective on the case was actually the one who originally found the body and was the victims best friend. Will she be able to be objective? She begins by pulling all the case files and evidence previously collected. The case will make her reevaluate several people in her small town, as well as herself.
This was a slower, but constant paced book. The story telling was done well. However it failed to grip me with suspense. The twists felt anticlimactic as a result, as well as the ending. I think there are more higher ratings for this than my own. I may have too high expectations. However, I think it's fair to be somewhat disappointed when a book is describe as suspenseful but that isn't delivered.
*Thank you to HarperCollins via Edelweiss+ for the digital review copy.
A mystery book about a 25 year old unsolved murder. New evidence has been discovered that leads to reopening the case. The current lead detective on the case was actually the one who originally found the body and was the victims best friend. Will she be able to be objective? She begins by pulling all the case files and evidence previously collected. The case will make her reevaluate several people in her small town, as well as herself.
This was a slower, but constant paced book. The story telling was done well. However it failed to grip me with suspense. The twists felt anticlimactic as a result, as well as the ending. I think there are more higher ratings for this than my own. I may have too high expectations. However, I think it's fair to be somewhat disappointed when a book is describe as suspenseful but that isn't delivered.
*Thank you to HarperCollins via Edelweiss+ for the digital review copy.
April 9, 2020
Total page-turner! Quite possibly Heather's best book yet (though I love them all). Layered and smart, with truly nuanced characters and an unexpected ending. Must read!
May 12, 2020
Happy Publication Day to This Is How I Lied!
3 stars. An unsolved murder in a small town.
Maggie is seven months pregnant and easing off her heavy workload as one of the two detectives in her small town. She reluctantly takes on desk duty and is assigned the cold case of a local young girls’ murder that devastated the town over twenty years ago. This case is close to Maggie as the victim, Eve, was her fifteen year old best friend and neighbour. Digging into the past brings up old memories while new clues surface.
This was entertaining and fast paced, each chapter leaving a little cliff hanger of curiosity. The characters and mystery were interesting and unique. I loved the small town atmosphere.
Even though this was a quick and action filled journey, I never felt fully invested or engaged. There were several questionable plot points and too much drama for my liking. Though there was an air of suspense created in the prologue, it didn’t carry forward or pull me deep into the story. I enjoyed this for being an entertaining, quick, surface level story that was an easy read during quarantine.
This will be a page-turner for many! For me, it lacked the suspenseful intensity I was hoping for. Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy!
3 stars. An unsolved murder in a small town.
Maggie is seven months pregnant and easing off her heavy workload as one of the two detectives in her small town. She reluctantly takes on desk duty and is assigned the cold case of a local young girls’ murder that devastated the town over twenty years ago. This case is close to Maggie as the victim, Eve, was her fifteen year old best friend and neighbour. Digging into the past brings up old memories while new clues surface.
This was entertaining and fast paced, each chapter leaving a little cliff hanger of curiosity. The characters and mystery were interesting and unique. I loved the small town atmosphere.
Even though this was a quick and action filled journey, I never felt fully invested or engaged. There were several questionable plot points and too much drama for my liking. Though there was an air of suspense created in the prologue, it didn’t carry forward or pull me deep into the story. I enjoyed this for being an entertaining, quick, surface level story that was an easy read during quarantine.
This will be a page-turner for many! For me, it lacked the suspenseful intensity I was hoping for. Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy!
May 18, 2020
Psychological thrillers and I still seem not to mesh. I seem to pokev, what i think are, major holes in the plot. Picky, picky I know and others may not feel the same. Still, could one person have so many happening in one day? Seriously! The suspense level was okay, the characters were okay. Nola though, a definite bad seed, she was entirely creepy. I enjoyed seeing what she would do next. Her character definitely added to the storyline.
I like this author generally, so will probably read her next. I have liked more, others that she previously wrote. So good, not more, but if you liked to get creeped out definitely read just to become aquatinted with Nola.
ARC from Edelweiss.
I like this author generally, so will probably read her next. I have liked more, others that she previously wrote. So good, not more, but if you liked to get creeped out definitely read just to become aquatinted with Nola.
ARC from Edelweiss.
December 7, 2020
“This is How I Lied” is a murder mystery with multiple creepy suspects. In fact, almost all the characters in this story are not only suspicious, but a bit eerie.
The story takes place in Iowa, which isn’t a state that I would expect such disturbing characters. But it’s always those small towns…. At any rate, a girl dies under suspicious situations and her murder is never solved. Twenty-five years later, her boot is found. She died in a cave, and her boot was found in an isolated crevice.
The victim’s best friend is now a policewoman. The policewoman is assigned the cold case since she is going off active duty due to her pregnancy. Her father was the police chief at the time of the murder, and he remains upset about not solving the case. The victim has a very odd sister who definitely has some sort of psychological disorder. The victim’s boyfriend was abusive. The neighbor is a man who enjoys young girls in a suspicious way.
Through the story, the reader learns of cover-ups, mis-directions, and even more unsavory characters. I very much enjoyed the read as a consuming who-done-it story. I need to check into her other novels.
The story takes place in Iowa, which isn’t a state that I would expect such disturbing characters. But it’s always those small towns…. At any rate, a girl dies under suspicious situations and her murder is never solved. Twenty-five years later, her boot is found. She died in a cave, and her boot was found in an isolated crevice.
The victim’s best friend is now a policewoman. The policewoman is assigned the cold case since she is going off active duty due to her pregnancy. Her father was the police chief at the time of the murder, and he remains upset about not solving the case. The victim has a very odd sister who definitely has some sort of psychological disorder. The victim’s boyfriend was abusive. The neighbor is a man who enjoys young girls in a suspicious way.
Through the story, the reader learns of cover-ups, mis-directions, and even more unsavory characters. I very much enjoyed the read as a consuming who-done-it story. I need to check into her other novels.
June 14, 2020
2.5 Stars
Shudder!
When Maggie was a teenager her best friend Eve was murdered.
Twenty-five years later, a new piece of evidence is found. Maggie is now a Detective in the small town of Grotto, Iowa and she is assigned to the cold case.
Every potential suspect is analyzed with fresh eyes: Could it have been Eve’s boyfriend, the Town Creeper, Her Sister?
Two years younger than her sister Eve, Nola has always been the town pariah. Now a Veterinarian, people still shun her. Of course, Nola’s vile habits might have something to do with it. Gag!
Admittedly, I found Nola’s character to be wholly unlikable and was grossed out beyond words. I therefore found myself skimming her chapters. Sorry Nola!
On the whole, this mystery suspense is simply lacking. I wanted for more and had high hopes considering that I have read and liked every Heather Gudenkauf novel to date and felt that this one just did not hold a candle to her prior novels.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin - Park Row and Heather Gudenkauf for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 6.12.20.
Shudder!
When Maggie was a teenager her best friend Eve was murdered.
Twenty-five years later, a new piece of evidence is found. Maggie is now a Detective in the small town of Grotto, Iowa and she is assigned to the cold case.
Every potential suspect is analyzed with fresh eyes: Could it have been Eve’s boyfriend, the Town Creeper, Her Sister?
Two years younger than her sister Eve, Nola has always been the town pariah. Now a Veterinarian, people still shun her. Of course, Nola’s vile habits might have something to do with it. Gag!
Admittedly, I found Nola’s character to be wholly unlikable and was grossed out beyond words. I therefore found myself skimming her chapters. Sorry Nola!
On the whole, this mystery suspense is simply lacking. I wanted for more and had high hopes considering that I have read and liked every Heather Gudenkauf novel to date and felt that this one just did not hold a candle to her prior novels.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin - Park Row and Heather Gudenkauf for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 6.12.20.
May 15, 2020
Eve Knox was only sixteen when she died in the caves by her house. She was murdered, her body found by her best friend Maggie and Eve's younger sister, Nola. While there were some suspects--her boyfriend, Nick; the local town drifter--no one was ever arrested and the case, led by Maggie's police chief father, went cold. Now Maggie herself is a detective in her hometown of Grotto, Iowa. She becomes lead on Eve's case when it is reopened after new evidence emerges. Immediately Maggie is transported back to her childhood and her friendship with Eve. But as Maggie digs deeper into the case, she realizes there were a lot of secrets buried with Eve, many of which no one in Grotto want discovered. Maybe not even Maggie herself.
"Over the years, I lost my mom, my innocence and my best friend. This street has been a graveyard to me."
This book was one of those delicious surprises that turns out to be so much better than you expect. I've never read a book by Heather Gudenkauf before, but I certainly will be reading more of her books now! I read this as I was sent a Netgalley widget, and I'm so glad! This is such a dark and twisty tale, and I loved how it kept me guessing the entire time, always wondering and doubting myself about what exactly happened to Eve.
Gudenkauf tells her tale from multiple perspectives and time periods, but unlike so many thrillers these days, she does so deftly. It's heartbreaking to hear from the Eve of twenty-five years ago, knowing her fate, yet fascinating, as she slowly dispenses details and clues about what has happened to her. Eve's younger sister is the "town crazy," a veterinarian with a penchant for extreme creepiness. We also have Maggie's even-keeled husband, Shaun, who runs their orchard (and did I mention Maggie is way pregnant?), her father, the ex-chief, who is suffering from dementia, and her brother, who has been forced to care for him. And lets not forget Eve's ex-boyfriend, Nick, who now runs a store in town.
The small-town dynamics are perfect here. Eve's murder is the biggest thing to happen to this town. Everyone knows everyone else, and they think they all know each other's secrets. But, goodness, the secrets and lies buried deep in this small town are just beginning as Maggie starts investigating Eve's death again. The story unfolds perfectly--new pieces coming at you in just the right amount, constantly changing the perspective and allowing suspects to switch around in your mind. Half the thrillers I read, I feel like I have the "whodunnit" figured out from the beginning, but I was never sure here, always frantically reading, always wondering, and being pulled deeply into Eve and Maggie's lives.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I loved the surprise of it--finding a book I didn't expect to be so good--and I loved being drawn into such a taunt well-written thriller. 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Harlequin/Park Row and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. It is available as of 5/12/2020.
You can support indie bookstores and buy a copy of this book here.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
"Over the years, I lost my mom, my innocence and my best friend. This street has been a graveyard to me."
This book was one of those delicious surprises that turns out to be so much better than you expect. I've never read a book by Heather Gudenkauf before, but I certainly will be reading more of her books now! I read this as I was sent a Netgalley widget, and I'm so glad! This is such a dark and twisty tale, and I loved how it kept me guessing the entire time, always wondering and doubting myself about what exactly happened to Eve.
Gudenkauf tells her tale from multiple perspectives and time periods, but unlike so many thrillers these days, she does so deftly. It's heartbreaking to hear from the Eve of twenty-five years ago, knowing her fate, yet fascinating, as she slowly dispenses details and clues about what has happened to her. Eve's younger sister is the "town crazy," a veterinarian with a penchant for extreme creepiness. We also have Maggie's even-keeled husband, Shaun, who runs their orchard (and did I mention Maggie is way pregnant?), her father, the ex-chief, who is suffering from dementia, and her brother, who has been forced to care for him. And lets not forget Eve's ex-boyfriend, Nick, who now runs a store in town.
The small-town dynamics are perfect here. Eve's murder is the biggest thing to happen to this town. Everyone knows everyone else, and they think they all know each other's secrets. But, goodness, the secrets and lies buried deep in this small town are just beginning as Maggie starts investigating Eve's death again. The story unfolds perfectly--new pieces coming at you in just the right amount, constantly changing the perspective and allowing suspects to switch around in your mind. Half the thrillers I read, I feel like I have the "whodunnit" figured out from the beginning, but I was never sure here, always frantically reading, always wondering, and being pulled deeply into Eve and Maggie's lives.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I loved the surprise of it--finding a book I didn't expect to be so good--and I loved being drawn into such a taunt well-written thriller. 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Harlequin/Park Row and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. It is available as of 5/12/2020.
You can support indie bookstores and buy a copy of this book here.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
April 11, 2023
Secrets can be deadly!
Whenever I read a Heather Gudenkauf book, I want to kick myself for not reading more of them. I really enjoy her writing and find myself drawn into her books every single time. In This Is How I Lied, Maggie is a pregnant police detective who finds herself investigating her best friend, Eve's cold case murder after new evidence has been found.
As Maggie investigates the twenty-five-year-old murder of her best friend, she finds herself connecting with those in both she and Eve's past, as she is determined to catch a killer. One of the people that she questions is Eve's sister, Nola who was instantly unsettling and creepy. She is odd and has an even stranger hobby which further added to the unsettling and creepy vibe of this book.
Secrets are the name of the game and quite a few people in this book have them. Gudenkauf kept me on my toes, turning the pages and doing my own detective work. There are quite a few twists and turns in this book which keep the pace steady, and my interest piqued.
Another solid book by Gudenkauf! I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
Dark, tense, well written and hard to put down!
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Whenever I read a Heather Gudenkauf book, I want to kick myself for not reading more of them. I really enjoy her writing and find myself drawn into her books every single time. In This Is How I Lied, Maggie is a pregnant police detective who finds herself investigating her best friend, Eve's cold case murder after new evidence has been found.
As Maggie investigates the twenty-five-year-old murder of her best friend, she finds herself connecting with those in both she and Eve's past, as she is determined to catch a killer. One of the people that she questions is Eve's sister, Nola who was instantly unsettling and creepy. She is odd and has an even stranger hobby which further added to the unsettling and creepy vibe of this book.
Secrets are the name of the game and quite a few people in this book have them. Gudenkauf kept me on my toes, turning the pages and doing my own detective work. There are quite a few twists and turns in this book which keep the pace steady, and my interest piqued.
Another solid book by Gudenkauf! I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
Dark, tense, well written and hard to put down!
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 8, 2020
When Heather Gudenkauf wrote this book, she couldn’t have envisioned the pandemic we’d be dealing with. So, it was mildly disconcerting to have a book taking place in June, 2020 with no mention of Covid-19.
Told in a nonlinear fashion, we hear from Maggie O’Keefe, a detective in a small Iowa town tasked with re-investigating the 25 year old cold case of Eve Knox, her best friend in high school. We also hear from Eve prior to her death, and Eve’s sister in the present day. Maggie also happens to be pregnant and dealing with a father suffering from Alzheimer’s, so she’s got her hands full.
This is one of those stories with a plethora of possible murder suspects. Was it the abusive boyfriend, the predator father of her babysitting charges or her psycho younger sister? Not to mention a stranger passing through, the weird neighbor or the town’s homeless guy.
I’ve enjoyed Gudenkauf’s other books. She’s known for well drawn characters and a solid plotline. But this book has a plot twist that fell totally flat for me. So flat, I debated returning the book. But I decided to keep with it, just to see how Gudenkauf would pull off the ending. Bad decision, as the ending was also entirely predictable.
Brittany Presley was a decent narrator, but nothing special.
Told in a nonlinear fashion, we hear from Maggie O’Keefe, a detective in a small Iowa town tasked with re-investigating the 25 year old cold case of Eve Knox, her best friend in high school. We also hear from Eve prior to her death, and Eve’s sister in the present day. Maggie also happens to be pregnant and dealing with a father suffering from Alzheimer’s, so she’s got her hands full.
This is one of those stories with a plethora of possible murder suspects. Was it the abusive boyfriend, the predator father of her babysitting charges or her psycho younger sister? Not to mention a stranger passing through, the weird neighbor or the town’s homeless guy.
I’ve enjoyed Gudenkauf’s other books. She’s known for well drawn characters and a solid plotline. But this book has a plot twist that fell totally flat for me. So flat, I debated returning the book. But I decided to keep with it, just to see how Gudenkauf would pull off the ending. Bad decision, as the ending was also entirely predictable.
Brittany Presley was a decent narrator, but nothing special.
May 12, 2020
Well... we ALL know that I'm a huge fan of Heather Gudenkauf. I always know that Gudenkauf will deliver an impeccable heart throbbing thriller with complex characters.
And..... let me tell you once again her mastermind has not let me down. Gudenkauf sets an addicting and masterful web of suspense that you won't want to put down. I love the alternating viewpoints in this one and Gudenkauf sets her readers up nicely for a ride that will keep you turning those pages!!
Ohhhh Heather you certainly delivered one of my favorite characters on a platter with our girl Nola.... she's dark, creepy, disturbing, and mysterious with a hint of dsyfunctionality in my characters that I just love.
So, who killed Eve Knox? Jump on this train and grab yourself a copy of this book. I promise you won't be disappointed. And of course... let me just leave a cherry on top of this cake. Gudenkauf leaves a bomb in your lap that you don't see coming towards the latter half of the book.... and it's take off speed till the end.
5 stars!
Huge thank you to Park Row for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pub day: 5/12/20
Published to GR/IG: 5/12/20
And..... let me tell you once again her mastermind has not let me down. Gudenkauf sets an addicting and masterful web of suspense that you won't want to put down. I love the alternating viewpoints in this one and Gudenkauf sets her readers up nicely for a ride that will keep you turning those pages!!
Ohhhh Heather you certainly delivered one of my favorite characters on a platter with our girl Nola.... she's dark, creepy, disturbing, and mysterious with a hint of dsyfunctionality in my characters that I just love.
So, who killed Eve Knox? Jump on this train and grab yourself a copy of this book. I promise you won't be disappointed. And of course... let me just leave a cherry on top of this cake. Gudenkauf leaves a bomb in your lap that you don't see coming towards the latter half of the book.... and it's take off speed till the end.
5 stars!
Huge thank you to Park Row for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pub day: 5/12/20
Published to GR/IG: 5/12/20
May 7, 2020
Amazing characters and story!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow! That is exactly what I said so many time throughout this power packed book. The author crammed so many awesome pieces into this book, it simply grabs you and you are just compelled to keep reading.
The character development is awesome. It is not often we get a female creepy character. Nola is weird and odd, and just gives you the creeps overall. The level of detail throughout is superior and Gudenkauf is stellar at bringing the goods that leaves you wondering what is coming on the next turn of the page.
With unsettling descriptions and a plot that builds the suspense throughout the story, she weaves us through the garden path right to the edge of the cliff. The “who done it” is uncertain right to the end and then Gudenkauf wraps it up smoothly in a nice little bow – sort of!
For a first time reader like me, she grabbed me with her style of writing. I loved the plot twists and the suspense, but I enjoyed the creep factor even more. She keeps you off balance throughout! So worth the read!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/this-is-how-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow! That is exactly what I said so many time throughout this power packed book. The author crammed so many awesome pieces into this book, it simply grabs you and you are just compelled to keep reading.
The character development is awesome. It is not often we get a female creepy character. Nola is weird and odd, and just gives you the creeps overall. The level of detail throughout is superior and Gudenkauf is stellar at bringing the goods that leaves you wondering what is coming on the next turn of the page.
With unsettling descriptions and a plot that builds the suspense throughout the story, she weaves us through the garden path right to the edge of the cliff. The “who done it” is uncertain right to the end and then Gudenkauf wraps it up smoothly in a nice little bow – sort of!
For a first time reader like me, she grabbed me with her style of writing. I loved the plot twists and the suspense, but I enjoyed the creep factor even more. She keeps you off balance throughout! So worth the read!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/this-is-how-...
May 4, 2020
Heather Gudenkauf kicks her signature suspense up a notch with This is How I Lied, a gripping, whirlwind of a read. Expectant mother Maggie, still haunted by the murder of her childhood best friend, dives into the cold case only to uncover shocking secrets. Dark and creepy, with plenty of questionable characters to keep you on your toes, this is the perfect summer page-turner.
June 6, 2020
A dark thriller with complex characters...Heather G is a fab storyteller and hasn’t disappointed me yet!
Maggie is an adult now, and a detective with the Grotto PD, but she’s still haunted by the unsolved murder of her BFF twenty-five years ago. She’ll never forget the night her and Eve’s sister—Nola—found the body and now Maggie has a chance to close the investigation.
A new clue has surfaced and since Maggie is seven-month’s pregnant, she’s prepared for desk duty, digging into the cold case.
The complicated relationship between Eve and Nola was one of the factors that kept me reading. The book slowed down a bit after the initial WOWSER, but Nola was such a deeply disturbed and twisted character, she kept me reading. I had to find out how she was connected to her sister’s murder.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Park Row and Heather Gudenkauf for this digital ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: May 12th 2020 by Park Row
Pages: 332
Recommend: Yes
@hgudenkauf @parkrowbooks @weiss_squad
#ThisIsHowILied #Edelweiss #Thriller #NewThriller #SummerRead #BigTwist
My reviews can also be found:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/takemeaway21
BN.com, BookBub, Pinterest
Find out more about the author:
https://linktr.ee/HeatherGudenkauf
Maggie is an adult now, and a detective with the Grotto PD, but she’s still haunted by the unsolved murder of her BFF twenty-five years ago. She’ll never forget the night her and Eve’s sister—Nola—found the body and now Maggie has a chance to close the investigation.
A new clue has surfaced and since Maggie is seven-month’s pregnant, she’s prepared for desk duty, digging into the cold case.
The complicated relationship between Eve and Nola was one of the factors that kept me reading. The book slowed down a bit after the initial WOWSER, but Nola was such a deeply disturbed and twisted character, she kept me reading. I had to find out how she was connected to her sister’s murder.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Park Row and Heather Gudenkauf for this digital ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s
Published: May 12th 2020 by Park Row
Pages: 332
Recommend: Yes
@hgudenkauf @parkrowbooks @weiss_squad
#ThisIsHowILied #Edelweiss #Thriller #NewThriller #SummerRead #BigTwist
My reviews can also be found:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/takemeaway21
BN.com, BookBub, Pinterest
Find out more about the author:
https://linktr.ee/HeatherGudenkauf
May 31, 2020
(3.5) Good book, great writing.. I just didn’t connect with any of the characters. (Even characters I don’t like can be compelling.. But not in this 1.) Still a page turner though!
July 21, 2020
3 cold case stars
The main character is Maggie, now a police detective in her hometown. Her father was the chief of police, so she’s got policing in her blood. Maggie’s childhood best friend Eve was tragically killed 25 years ago, and Maggie was the one to find the body. New evidence has just been found in the unsolved case and pregnant Maggie has been put on the case. This seemed a bit too close for me, sort of like a doctor should not treat a family member.
There are some other interesting supporting characters here – Nola – Eve’s sister and the town oddball. Nola is a veterinarian and has a history of violence. She’s always believed that Eve was killed by her boyfriend and she’s pushing Maggie to dig in that direction. Nola was a creepy character!
The town definitely has some secrets and the caves near the town make a chilling setting and maybe another crime scene? Maggie is definitely stirring up old secrets in this case.
There were some good late twists in this one and it is certainly worth a read. I have to say that I am a fan of this author, I haven’t read all of her books – 9 listed in Goodreads – but I quickly requested this new one from my local library. I wish that I had loved this one. It was OK, but not great for me. There are some other reviewers who loved this one.
The main character is Maggie, now a police detective in her hometown. Her father was the chief of police, so she’s got policing in her blood. Maggie’s childhood best friend Eve was tragically killed 25 years ago, and Maggie was the one to find the body. New evidence has just been found in the unsolved case and pregnant Maggie has been put on the case. This seemed a bit too close for me, sort of like a doctor should not treat a family member.
There are some other interesting supporting characters here – Nola – Eve’s sister and the town oddball. Nola is a veterinarian and has a history of violence. She’s always believed that Eve was killed by her boyfriend and she’s pushing Maggie to dig in that direction. Nola was a creepy character!
The town definitely has some secrets and the caves near the town make a chilling setting and maybe another crime scene? Maggie is definitely stirring up old secrets in this case.
There were some good late twists in this one and it is certainly worth a read. I have to say that I am a fan of this author, I haven’t read all of her books – 9 listed in Goodreads – but I quickly requested this new one from my local library. I wish that I had loved this one. It was OK, but not great for me. There are some other reviewers who loved this one.
May 20, 2020
I hate everyone in this book
April 24, 2020
This is one of those books that I loved, loved, loved - until the ending. I don't even know why, but it just left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. Still though, it is a big step up from Gudenkauf's previous book, Before She Was Found, which was just average for me.
The book begins with the sixteen year old, Eve Knox, being killed in a cave. You know that she knows her killer, and that is about it. Fast forward twenty-five years and Eve's best friend, Maggie (who coincidentally discovered Eve's body, along with Eve's sister, Nola), is now a police detective and has been assigned to re-open Eve's case, based on some new evidence recently discovered. For decades Maggie has been haunted by Eve’s death, as has her father, who was the police chief at the time. There were a handful of suspects at the time, including Eve's boyfriend, Nick, but without evidence, the case ultimately went cold. As Maggie investigates and re-examines the clues, secrets begin to emerge, and lo and behold, everyone in this small town (including Maggie), has something to hide.
This book had a lot of great elements - super fast-moving plot with lots of suspects. I loved the small town atmosphere and the intriguing characters. I didn't particularly love Maggie's character, but compared to the other female characters (Nola and Nola's mother), Maggie was a peach. I give Gudenkauf props though in the red herring department, as there are many, and they are cleverly done. I was completely off-track in the "whodunnit," but therein lies the problem as well. I don't want to give anything away, but it just didn't make sense to me. Perhaps that is what Gudenkauf was going for, but for me it wasn't a "oh wow!" moment, it was a "really?? Meh."
In the end though, it was still close to a 5-star read, and it is one that I highly recommend getting your hands on as soon as you can! 4 thank-goodness-for-DNA-or-I-would-still-be-confused-about-who-killed-Eve stars!
The book begins with the sixteen year old, Eve Knox, being killed in a cave. You know that she knows her killer, and that is about it. Fast forward twenty-five years and Eve's best friend, Maggie (who coincidentally discovered Eve's body, along with Eve's sister, Nola), is now a police detective and has been assigned to re-open Eve's case, based on some new evidence recently discovered. For decades Maggie has been haunted by Eve’s death, as has her father, who was the police chief at the time. There were a handful of suspects at the time, including Eve's boyfriend, Nick, but without evidence, the case ultimately went cold. As Maggie investigates and re-examines the clues, secrets begin to emerge, and lo and behold, everyone in this small town (including Maggie), has something to hide.
This book had a lot of great elements - super fast-moving plot with lots of suspects. I loved the small town atmosphere and the intriguing characters. I didn't particularly love Maggie's character, but compared to the other female characters (Nola and Nola's mother), Maggie was a peach. I give Gudenkauf props though in the red herring department, as there are many, and they are cleverly done. I was completely off-track in the "whodunnit," but therein lies the problem as well. I don't want to give anything away, but it just didn't make sense to me. Perhaps that is what Gudenkauf was going for, but for me it wasn't a "oh wow!" moment, it was a "really?? Meh."
In the end though, it was still close to a 5-star read, and it is one that I highly recommend getting your hands on as soon as you can! 4 thank-goodness-for-DNA-or-I-would-still-be-confused-about-who-killed-Eve stars!
May 20, 2020
Five bright stars for This is How I Lied. Heather Gudenkauf’s novel is more than good enough, it is brilliant. I had to hold on to my seat for this one, it was quite a ride! You have likable characters until they are not. You have reliable characters until they are not. You have alternating/opposing POVs, murder, cover-ups, creepy behavior, manipulation, two young girls abused in different ways by their romantic interests. What more could you ask for? The identity of the murderer? To satisfy an itch, half-way through the book you will even learn the identity of the murderer in an unexpected twist. But can this be true? And will Detective Maggie Kennedy O’Keefe lend her hand to falsifying evidence? Things get twistier, murkier, and more insidious from this point on.
The book opens with a murder and then skips forward twenty-five years to fill in the details. High School BF’s, Maggie Kennedy and Eve Knox, had a falling out over each friend’s abusive relationship with their respective romantic interests – the first by an older sexual predator pedophile and the other by a violent teen schoolmate. Eve disappeared. While the whole town helped in the search, her sister Nola and BF Maggie found Eve’s brutally murdered body in a cave near her home. Maggie’s father was chief of police at the time and worked on the case even after it was cold, he is now retired and suffers from advanced senility. Maggie, now a police officer in the same town and station, is seven months pregnant and overdue for some desk duty when she is reassigned to the case after a new piece of evidence is found by a young boy playing around at the scene of the crime. Crime lab facilities are far more advanced today and the evidence is being reorganized to be sent back to the lab in the hopes of making new discoveries that will finally solve the mystery.
The renewed investigation opens old wounds and suspicions, posing scary dangerous threats to Maggie and her family. Quite a few people were closely involved with Eve, in one way or another, on the last day of her life including her boyfriend Nick, wacko sister Nola, Maggie, Maggie’s husband Shaun, and Cam the resident pedophile. This is a well-written solid thriller that moves at a quick pace, rich in suspense and intrigue. Nola and Maggie learn that some lies will haunt you and fester, until you come clean and set yourself free….
The book opens with a murder and then skips forward twenty-five years to fill in the details. High School BF’s, Maggie Kennedy and Eve Knox, had a falling out over each friend’s abusive relationship with their respective romantic interests – the first by an older sexual predator pedophile and the other by a violent teen schoolmate. Eve disappeared. While the whole town helped in the search, her sister Nola and BF Maggie found Eve’s brutally murdered body in a cave near her home. Maggie’s father was chief of police at the time and worked on the case even after it was cold, he is now retired and suffers from advanced senility. Maggie, now a police officer in the same town and station, is seven months pregnant and overdue for some desk duty when she is reassigned to the case after a new piece of evidence is found by a young boy playing around at the scene of the crime. Crime lab facilities are far more advanced today and the evidence is being reorganized to be sent back to the lab in the hopes of making new discoveries that will finally solve the mystery.
The renewed investigation opens old wounds and suspicions, posing scary dangerous threats to Maggie and her family. Quite a few people were closely involved with Eve, in one way or another, on the last day of her life including her boyfriend Nick, wacko sister Nola, Maggie, Maggie’s husband Shaun, and Cam the resident pedophile. This is a well-written solid thriller that moves at a quick pace, rich in suspense and intrigue. Nola and Maggie learn that some lies will haunt you and fester, until you come clean and set yourself free….
September 16, 2024
Layered. Compelling. Suspenseful.
A mystery about a 25 year old unsolved murder, that finds new evidence to lead to reopening the case. The lead detective actually originally found the body and was the victim’s best friend.
Hmmmm.
Will she be able to be objective?
Is there more to this story?
What are the lies that the title of this book alludes to that we as readers need to consider?
A dark, twisty who done it.
A mystery about a 25 year old unsolved murder, that finds new evidence to lead to reopening the case. The lead detective actually originally found the body and was the victim’s best friend.
Hmmmm.
Will she be able to be objective?
Is there more to this story?
What are the lies that the title of this book alludes to that we as readers need to consider?
A dark, twisty who done it.
June 7, 2020
I never saw it coming. I was wrong then right wrong then right the wrong again. I love it when I am wrong. This is a must read. I am loving Gudenkauf's suspenseful thrillers. I can't wait for more from her.
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