Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Carly Moore #5

The Lies She Told

Rate this book
The fifth book in the Wall Street Journal bestselling Carly Moore series.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 8, 2021

782 people are currently reading
596 people want to read

About the author

Denise Grover Swank

132 books5,890 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,764 (63%)
4 stars
766 (27%)
3 stars
210 (7%)
2 stars
25 (<1%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,033 reviews25.3k followers
May 11, 2022
The Lies She Told is book five in the Carly Moore series by Denise Grover Swank. Wow, just wow! Every book in this series seems to be even more intense than the one before and this one is no exception.

It’s been about seven months since Carly came to Drum, Tennessee and she has no plans to leave anytime soon. With barely any internet and no cell phones working, she feels safer there than anywhere else. And with Hank and Marco there to protect her, and her friends like Max at the bar where she works, she actually feels more loved than she ever did in her former life.

I have to give Hank and Marco their own paragraph here. Hank might have a checkered past but he loves Carly as much as any father loves his daughter even though they don’t share blood. And then there’s Marco. He loves Carly so much and will do anything possible to keep her safe, even if it’s against his principles. And Carly loves them both, Hank as the father she never had, and with Marco, she’s finally experiencing love the way it should be.

“I’d spent so long focusing on not dying that I hadn’t given much thought on the living part. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time to change that.”

There are so many twists and turns in this. Carly is working to find out information from her own past to try to bring her father down. At the same time, she is also still trying to find information that will bring down Bart who has been keeping the town under his thumb for decades. You don’t know who to trust. It seems like just about everyone has their own agenda going on. She is grieving Jerry’s death and trying to figure out what happened to him. And there are a couple of new additions in this book. A trouble maker has come back to Drum and is stirring everything up even more. And Carly makes a connection with someone from her past trying to find out information.

“The scariest monsters know how to hide in the light of day.”

This entire book kept me on the edge of my seat but also has some sweet moments between Carly and Hank and also so many sweet moments between Carly and Marco. I love them together. Marco is such a good man.

I can’t wait to start the next book, book six, Shades of Truth, to see what happens next with these characters I love so much.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Laura.
2,495 reviews83 followers
June 7, 2021
Y’all!! This book is so good. It left me with a good book hangover.
Carly Moore is a amazing main female character who is phenomenal at sleuthing. The mystery and storyline had me hooked from the beginning and it kept me intrigued throughout the book. It was so intense for me. I was on the edge of my seat while reading this book.
The fifth installment, has a little bit of everything. Romance, murder, mystery, and comedy. I laughed so hard several times while reading. I absolutely loved seeing more of Hank in this installment and I still love that old man. He’s like a big ole teddy bear. Marco melted my heart as well!!
If you love a good mystery series, be sure to add this series to the top of your TBR list. It is SO good!!

Favorite quotes:
“The scariest monsters know how to hide in the light of day.”

“You’re about to jump into a swamp. You might not like what you find beneath the surface.”

Something bad was coming our way. I could feel it. But then, when you courted evil, you shouldn’t be surprised when the devil showed up at your front door.

“Are you tired of your father controlling your life? Don’t you want to be free?”

“Loose lips sink ships.”
Profile Image for Laila Nelke.
370 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2021
Sooooo Good! I stayed up all night because I just couldn't put it down, needed to know what happens. And happened a lot! I'm having a great book hangover right now.
Lots of revelations, lots of questions answered and more questions to discover.
This fifth book has it all - mystery (not only one), murders, laughters, friendship and love all the way.
Love Marco now even more than before. Hank must be my favorite character now after Carly and Marco of course.
Well written, fast paced story with twists that won't let you go until the end. Denise Grover Swank, well done again! You got me surprised, and that's what I love about your books.
Can't wait for you all to read it and see what you think!
Profile Image for Nicki.
298 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2021
It was so good to be back in Carly's world again. I completely devoured this book. I felt like it was the perfect mix of romance and suspense. So much sweetness! It kept me on the edge of my seat with a smile on my face. Well, when I wasn't getting teary eyed anyway. I love these characters! I don't want to give any spoilers so I won't get into it. But we got a lot of answers and of course some new questions. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for #ByFelicia.
550 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2021
Amazing! This latest installment of the Carly Moore series had me on the edge of my seat the entire read. It’s full of suspense, some romance, and a touch of humor. This book has it all.

Tired of hiding, but also questioning who she can trust, the walls are caving in and time is ticking for Carly as she moves forward in her fight to take down Bart Drummond and her father. So many questions and not enough answers.

I love Carly and Marco’s relationship. He makes her laugh and forget her worries but most of all he makes her feel seen and above all loved. That right there is the epitome of the perfect book boyfriend.

Hank is still cranky but lovable. We even get a visit with the dynamic duo of Roberta and Gladys. Roberta is my spirit animal and I can’t wait to be as onery as her!
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,798 reviews18 followers
June 10, 2021
Oh my, I am not sure I can process all of this into words without giving away everything. Ok, I absolutely adore everything that Denise writes and this book just ups it all. It will have you on the edge of your seat and have you going wait what so many times that you will be done reading before you realize it.
Another absolutely amazing story.
Profile Image for Brandy Barber.
967 reviews23 followers
June 8, 2021
I was very excited for this book. Carly has a lot going on. Can she trust the people she has grown to love? Does she need to move on? who is the enemy? These questions went through my mind while reading this book. I will leave those for you to figure out. By the end of this story we find that there is a lot of talk in this town. How it is used is going to surprise you.

I love Carly and Marco together. They have such a cute, growing love. I love how they stick with each other and are learning to trust each other. They are trying to tell the truth always no matter what.

This story shows you a different side of a lot of people. I hope some we learn to trust later on and some I hope Carly kicks to the curb.

You are not going to be disappointed in this story. It was amazing. Lots of old drama and new will keep you guessing till the end.
Profile Image for Angela Page.
91 reviews5 followers
June 7, 2021
I absolutely love the Carly Moore series!! It just keeps getting better and better. This is the 5th book in the series. There are lots of twists and turns with a few surprises thrown in there. In this book we find out more about Hanks past. Carly finds out about Hardshaws downfall and still know her father will not stop looking for her. She gets more information from an old family friend, and finds out lots more information about her new friends. Reading this series is truly addictive. I feel like these characters are real and I run through all the emotions while reading it. All I can say is Wow, well done! I cant wait for more!! Im rooting for Carly!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kay H.
795 reviews68 followers
October 29, 2024
Look, I love a good long series as much as the next person but each of these books were just a little too similar to me, and the big bad mystery was making zero progress through many of the books. I don't think I could tell you what plot belonged with which book, and I need more definition between books. Overall, a good series to binge on Everand, but I won't be continuing on. I felt enough satisfaction by reading the spoilers for the next two books and didn't feel the need to read the books for myself. Big thanks to reviewers who mark their reviews as spoilers, and then ACTUALLY give spoilers!
Profile Image for TJ.
3,284 reviews279 followers
June 14, 2021
I absolutely adore this series, this world and pretty much anything Ms.Swank writes in it. From the original Rose Gardner series (my all-time favorite, EVAH!) to her Neely Kate series, to Carly Moore. Her characters are so heart-warming and endearing that one can’t help but love them… in spite of their faults. Carly does a few really dumb things in this installment and there are a couple of scenes that fell into cliche but nothing stops the absolute joy of indulging in the best romantic mysteries out there - and I’m not even a mystery fan most of the time!
Profile Image for Find Me Behind a Book.
450 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2021
Incredible! I am still in disbelief at what I read. This series continues to get better which each new book and I am looking forward to what is next. The first couple of chapters were a bit slow for me, but it wasn't long before things started to pick up and I couldn't put the book down. A lot of things are revealed and questions are answered. And the twists! Don't get me started on the twists, I didn't see some of them coming.
Profile Image for Angela.
325 reviews25 followers
June 8, 2021
The drama and suspense just keeps piling up... and so does the body count.

I just finished the book and my head is reeling from it! I usually take time after I read a book to process it for a bit before I review it. Not this time. My adrenaline spiked and my brain was working overtime during this installment of Carly's quest to take down the a-holes in her life. There are so many secrets that try to come to light in this book but the shadows like to cling on and they are hard to shake off. Sometimes it seems as though for every question that gets partially answered, 5 more questions or problems come up. All I've got to say is I can't wait to see what happens next. There are some burning questions that I need answers to. I'm sure they are bound to be doozies.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sheri P.
1,147 reviews24 followers
June 10, 2021
Hold onto your seat, this plot is twisty and action packed! I love the Carly Moore Series and this book did not disappoint.
A new character arrives on the scene and sets in motion a series of unpredictable events. It's hard to know who to trust, because for each truth that is revealed, more questions arise and secrets are unearthed. Denise Grover Swank is a master at realistic and insightful dialogue. The writing is superb with layered character building and steady pacing leaving readers on the edge of their seat! I can't wait to find out what happens next in Drum.
Profile Image for Shawna Wood.
714 reviews20 followers
June 10, 2021
I really enjoy this series and just love reading about Carly and how she starts to take back her life and live for what she wants. Throughout the entire series, Carly has been lost and unsure of who she is and what she really wants out of life. Being on the run and stumbling into a small town full of secrets and deaths has helped Carly find out who she and what she is made of. Plus it makes for a very run read

I loved how in this book Carly planted her flagged and decided she wasn't going to run and hide anymore. She has found her place and she stopped living in fear. She made the decision to meet head-on with her problems and I can't wait to see how this will play out over the next few books.

The last 30% was an adrenaline rush and I couldn't flip pages fast enough. I was really worried a character I loved was going to bit the dust and thankfully that didn't happen. I loved how Hank played a big part in this book and I think we really got to see the true Hank, which I'm totally here for. I can't wait for everything to come out and for the takedown of the evil fathers to happen!

*******Author Provided a Review Copy*******
Profile Image for Tina .
316 reviews3 followers
June 9, 2021
Denise Grover Swank is a master at writing mysteries and The Lies She Told is proof positive. Carly Moore was running for her life when she landed in Drum, Tennessee but she still isn't safe. There's a lot of secrets, crime and treachery in Drum and Carly is knee-deep in the middle of it. She doesn't know who she can trust and who is out to get her, but she does know on thing for certain, she is in grave danger.

This is a nail biting, rush to read story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and glued to every word. If you are in the mood for a fabulous romantic mystery, I highly recommend The Lies She Told!
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,397 reviews24 followers
March 25, 2022
Went straight to book 6. The storyline is really coming along and I’m so curious how it’s going to play out.
Profile Image for Heather.
86 reviews6 followers
June 8, 2021
Okay. That’s it. I’m officially in love with Marco Roland. This guy is my favorite of all the men Denise Grover Swank has ever written. He is sexy but kind, strong but sensitive. In sum, he is the perfect man. Okay, back to the book. This was a whirlwind of a story, and there was never a dull moment. No lag time here, folks. Although Hardshaw is no more, that doesn’t necessarily mean Carly isn’t in danger. And I’m a bit concerned about all the new people Carly has let in on her secret. I’m afraid it is going to come back to haunt her in the near future. I’m happy to see Hank have a little resolution, but there are still so many balls up in the air. I’m ready to see Bart get his due, as well as Carly’s father. I know there are only two books left in this series (which makes me incredibly sad), and I can’t wait to see how everything gets wrapped up.
Profile Image for Patricia Black.
74 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2021
The latest installment of the Carly Moore series is just as good as the rest of them! I just don't know how DGS does it. This book takes place just a week after Carly's friend Jerry was killed. While working one night she's approached by a woman she doesn't know and who wants to cause trouble. But this woman leaves her with more questions than answers. In her search to figure out how much truth this woman is telling her she comes across a whole myriad of other problems and some answers (including some related to her past.)

I feel like the growth that Carly has gone through is really shown in this book. While she's still the bada** that we've come to love, we also get to see her vulnerable side in this book. There are quite a few moments where she really starts to doubt the things she's doing/has done and who can't relate to that? This book has a little bit of everything that we've come to love about DGS - romance, suspense, comedy, and mystery. The love between Carly and Hank makes me smile. :)

The Lies She Told is a definite page turner and keeps you wanting moore (get it?). While I don't feel like this book has a big OMG moment, it has lots of little omg moments and is the perfect book to continue the mystery of the series. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store! There are only 2 more books to the Carly Moore series and if you aren't caught up yet you're going to want to be.
Profile Image for Kelly Mccurdy.
899 reviews38 followers
June 9, 2021
There is one thing I can count on from Denise, the reading of a great book! She not only delivers on this boom, but she leaves you needing more! We are back in Drum, TN and watching Carly grow into her own person. She is getting stronger, braver, and she’s finally giving in to what she wants.

I love how Denise writes. Everyone of her books shows the character grow and become their own person. She leaves you with enough information so you are left needing more! I can’t wait until the next book!!
Profile Image for Sandie Bell.
301 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2024
I thought I wanted to desert Carly, but I'm totally hooked. So, reading on with #6 next.
Profile Image for Angela.
2,510 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2021
What in the world is going on? First Hank just about broke my heart. Then xxxx did that! And then Carly found out more about her past. I swear there’s no one to trust in Drum.
Profile Image for Sandra Lancaster.
335 reviews
October 26, 2022
WOW!! This book is a nail biter that keeps you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put it down. There is so much happening, I didn’t know who or what to believe. There are so many twists and turns, which is one of the things Denise does well. While the current mystery is tied up, there are still many others in play. I have many theories regarding the overall Bart Drummond storyline, but knowing Denise it will be something I hadn’t even thought of.

Carly has to face some tough things from her past, while also figuring out who she can trust. I love the growth of her and Marco’s relationship. And I love we get to see a different side to Hank in this book.

It’s a fantastic addition to the series. I will be waiting for the next book, as I need to know what is going to happen. Don’t miss this book or this series. Go one click it now!!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ReBecca.
815 reviews11 followers
February 8, 2023
Leave it to Denise to take me on an emotional roller coaster as I adventure through the Carly Moore series! The Lies She Told was absolutely AMAZING!!! Coming off the low of Buried in Secrets, I was worried about how the rest of the series would play out, but never underestimate Denise! She has once again turned things around for me and left me wanting and NEEDING to know what is going to happen next!!

Denise had me on the edge of my seat throughout all of the Lies She Told! It was full of suspense and I was continuously wanting to know what was going to happen next. I also enjoyed getting a more in-depth backstory around Carly's past, as well as Hank's past. It was great to learn more about them and it really shows how much they have evolved as individuals. It's also nice to see Carly and Marco's relationship continue to bloom and evolve. They are perfect for each other and I love that Marco is helping her to trust again. I also love seeing the relationships Carly has made, since being in Drum, continue to grow. My second favorite relationship of Carly's is her relationship with Hank. Hank is the father figure that Carly should have had and I'm glad that he is in her life. And of course, I can't forget my absolute favorites, Roberta and Gladys, you can't help but love them!

I am still worried about how Denise is going to wrap up the series. With only two books left, I'm not sure if Carly will be able to take down both Bart Drummond and her father without it being rushed and the end being sloppy. I'm also concerned that she may accomplish bringing down one of them and then the series ends with a cliffhanger.

Once again, I can't say enough amazing things about Denise and her writing. Her writing is captivating and her character development is always spot-on. Denise makes it extremely easy to get lost in the world of her characters and feel like you are right there with them throughout their journey.

As I always say, if you are looking for the perfect chick-lit that has mystery, crime, love, friendship, heartbreak, and SOOO MUCH MORE, then the Carly Moore series is the perfect fit for you. Carly is such a likable character that you can't help but cheer for her and her success. I for one am excited to see what will happen next!

And of course, I can't end my review without giving a shout-out to the Rose Gardner / Neely Kate series! Whether you are a fan of Carly's series or you are looking for a great series to pick up, you can not go wrong with the Rose Gardner / Neely Kate series!

****

Carly is still grieving the death of her friend Jerry. It's only been a week since his death and Carly is nowhere closer to finding out who killed him. In her gut, she feels that Bart was behind it but she can't find proof against him. So when a mysterious woman shows up at the tavern and starts to stir up trouble, Carly knows that no good will come of this. When she learns the woman's identity and what secrets she may possess, Carly questions if she can truly trust her or this information.

To add to the mix, Carly has just learned that the authorities, with the help of Rose and the gang, have taken down part of her father's crime group. While she knows that her father hasn't been neutralized, she realizes that she may need to stop hiding if she wants to take him down once and for all. With the help of Marco, she begins to reach out to those from her past for answers.
Profile Image for Cora.
337 reviews6 followers
June 9, 2021
I felt like I was on the edge of my seat for the whole book. I know that is normally how any book by this author is, but man it just felt super tense for the whole book. For some reason I had it in my head that is was going to be the last book in the series, but woohoo we have two more still to come. Carly is still living in Drum and working at the tavern. Oh and still hiding out from her evil father, trying to figure who is really on her side and is exploring her new relationship with Marco.
I couldn’t put the book down once I started because I had to know what happened. While we do get some answers, the build up for the next two books is epic. Thanks for another story that sucked me in and left my kids eating a frozen pizza while I read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amanda.
308 reviews5 followers
June 10, 2021
What a ride! Carly’s 5th book did not disappoint. I loved getting back into Carly’s world and catching up. Denise always just does such a wonderful job of creating suspense and more questions, while giving us answers to others. We got to get back with all the usuals, including Marco *swoon*, Max, Hank, Ruth, Lula, Bingham, and Wyatt. Plus some new characters to wonder about too! Who can Carly truly trust? Well, it’s getting a little harder to figure that out and that leads to quite the rollercoaster in this one. Lots of twists, drama, romance, and mystery! Can’t wait for the next one!
1 review
Read
December 14, 2021
Great

Still one of my favourite authors, can hardly wait for the next book to come out, then I never want to read it too fast so it can last longer!
Profile Image for BrandyD.
659 reviews84 followers
July 14, 2022
This was great! I am on pins and needles waiting for the final book this fall!

Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.